A leading global system supplier for stirring and mixing technology had to produce and deliver a 100 percent increase in incoming orders in four months. The technical managing director had given up. Only by fulfilling all orders within the order period was it possible to maintain customer satisfaction and close the financial year with positive earnings before taxes (EBT). Quote from the Managing Director: "We were completely overwhelmed by this sudden influx of orders. We quickly realized that we urgently needed help - after all, we had to produce 100 percent more at the push of a button. We wouldn't have been able to do this on our own." The company therefore hired the interim manager.
Capacity, production and material planning optimized within a very short time
The interim manager was at the company within 48 hours, as there was no time for major changes. An initial check revealed that the work and material flow were not synchronized. Capacity, production and material planning needed to be optimized. The interim manager relied on micro management and management by walking around with daily production inspections. On this basis, he developed detailed production planning for two weeks in advance. He also drew up a capacity plan for all orders. By hiring 15 welders and fitters on a temporary basis, he was able to proactively prevent a shortage of skilled workers.
Flexible, coordinated working leads to a motivating change in mood
In the next step, the interim manager revised the core business processes and introduced an efficient troubleshooting system that enabled flexible, coordinated working. Communication at the interfaces was also reorganized and intensified.
The managing director described the resulting mood: "A very unique dynamic emerged. After the initial shock, everyone was changed and eager to get down to business. Nobody complained about the extra work in all those weeks. The interim manager found the right balance between tight, organized leadership and empathy. He respected every employee - and they respected him."
Successful doubling of production - positive EBT realized
The measures and changes did not miss their target. All systems and mechanical seals were delivered on time at the end of the financial year. EBT was 7-digit positive and the material usage rate was reduced by 6 percent. The error rate was reduced.
