Cost optimization in the furniture industry: C+P Möbelsysteme GmbH & Co. KG
C + P Möbelsysteme is one of the market-leading furniture manufacturers in Europe. Through continuous innovation, constant investment and market-driven products, C + P stands for quality and competence. Founded in 1925, the company employs 700 people at three locations in Germany and Poland.
Optimization measures, among others:
- Price improvements in all important product groups of C + P
- Optimization and standardization of payment terms
- Qualifying employees and ensuring the sustainability of the savings achieved
Interview with Uwe Hainbach, Managing Director of C + P Möbelsysteme GmbH & Co. KG.
Were you skeptical or rather open-minded at the start of the project?
Uwe Hainbach: I was curious at the start of the project. On the one hand, I was interested in where we stood with our purchasing. And on the other hand, I was interested in the know-how that would be imparted. Particularly through the training of employees.
What were the biggest challenges at the start of the project?
Uwe Hainbach: Firstly, we had to convince our employees of the project, which we quickly succeeded in doing. The employees quickly realized that they were not being screened, but rather individually supported and relieved. The other major challenge was to create a clear data basis. It is important to note that we develop many customer-specific special solutions. For example, it is not uncommon for us to only order one-off quantities of a product.
To what extent has the optimization project affected your security of supply and the quality of your products?
Uwe Hainbach: There were no adverse effects.
To what extent does the optimization have a lasting effect on your day-to-day business?
Uwe Hainbach: The sustainability lies, for example, in the fact that our purchasers were included in the negotiations. For example, they were trained in argumentation chains for the procurement of purchased parts that are not always the focus of the purchasing department. This still helps them in their day-to-day business today. Our employees have also gained negotiating confidence in such procurement tasks.
How would you describe the way the Kloepfel project team works?
Uwe Hainbach: Partnership-based, very systematic, determined/results-oriented and transparent. I would like to expand on the last point. Thanks to the transparent weekly reporting and open communication, every step of the Kloepfel team was comprehensible to us; ultimately we had full control.
Joint project successes are also always dependent on people. We say that we are temporary colleagues in the projects. How did you feel?
Uwe Hainbach: The team was very pleasant on a personal level and integrated into the company as partners. They quickly developed a sense of what was feasible in negotiations and savings and where the limits were.
Some suppliers first had to get used to seeing new Kloepfel faces at the negotiating table alongside the familiar contacts from your company. How did you experience these situations and what were the reactions of the suppliers?
Uwe Hainbach: The suppliers were not put off and took the optimization project in their stride.
What is your conclusion after the end of the project?
Uwe Hainbach: Our entire procurement was professionally combed through, and significant savings were achieved across the board. I can recommend Kloepfel Consulting at any time.
Thank you very much for the interview!
