We have often heard that internationalization places new demands on the market. But what does that actually mean in detail for a medium-sized family business from Baden-Württemberg, for example? The answer: It has to act. Bernd Kußmaul GmbH can boast another milestone in its success story.
Around 60 employees from Weinstadt and the surrounding area ensure that lovers of something special all over the world get their wishes fulfilled. Since it was founded in 1996, structures have grown, people are coordinated and know how things work. The customers, in turn, are at home all over the world. For example, Singer in California, McLaren in England and Bugatti in France. Their requirements have changed significantly, particularly in recent years. Data security and automated processes are now at the forefront of the business relationship.
A future-oriented company
Sometimes only a paper folder in the desk in Weinstadt had the answer that was needed in negotiations. This led to dissatisfaction on both sides. “We knew we had to break new ground and were ready for the change. We wanted to go digital,” says Nikolaus Vaas. He is leading the project and has looked around the market. “What are the market leaders doing and how do they proceed? But much more important is the question: What suits KUSSMAUL?” That was two years ago and the beginning of a mammoth task.
Digitalization doesn’t just mean transferring things from paper to the digital world. It’s about transferring company-specific processes into management systems. This may sound complicated, but it does it efficiently. This is the only way employees can make quicker decisions on site at the customer or manufacturing partner.
“Sometimes it crunches, of course! “Especially when introducing new processes within a company, things don’t always go as smoothly as you would like,” reflects Nikolaus Vaas. “But what matters here is how the team deals with the challenge. We wouldn’t be KUSSMAUL if we didn’t face it.”
Sustainable after just two years
At the same time, another investment can be booked. The entire IT network has been raised to a new security level. Keyword cyber security. Here we not only meet the required standards: data and reliability are fundamental to future viability. The challenges of digitally networking business processes with business partners are no longer “Bohemian villages” – we are ready and able to do so. “These are topics that we can offer customers. If you can’t provide this service, you might still get the order for a prototype, but series production will go to someone else,” says Nikolaus Vaas.
Customers and manufacturing partners alike value the investment in transparency. The positive feedback spurs the entire KUSSMAUL team on to take on further challenges.
We’ll stay tuned! And 100% made in Weinstadt.
