On Course with Cutting-edge Technology
The
Specialist for Industrial Knives and Machine
Elements Expands Globally – With a Strong Head
in Remscheid/Germany.
The business section of the RGA (newspaper Remscheider General Anzeiger) reports on IKS Klingelnberg
Actually, the figures already speak for themselves: “In 1993 we began with 120 employees”, says Thomas Meyer, managing director of IKS Klingelnberg GmbH. After separation of the mechanical engineering unit (Klingelnberg GmbH in Hückeswagen) from the industrial knives unit, the new site of IKS Klingelnberg GmbH in the industrial park in Bergisch Born was established.
Due to acquisitions and branch offices all over the world, a group of almost 1,100 full-time employees has been created meanwhile – at seven sites in Europe as well as further production sites and sales offices in Asia and America.
The company specializes in machine knives and machine elements for the paper, wood, metal, plastic material, rubber processing and recycling industry.
But behind these extraordinary figures, which are also reflected in the bank rating, there are extraordinary approaches in the corporate culture: “In 2005, we jointly revised our entire strategy“, reports Thomas Meyer.
Investment of Millions in the Remscheid Site
In this respect, “jointly” means “including
all employees”. “We took a look at all aspects:
Which market drivers are there? Why doesn’t the
paper consumption decline despite the Internet?
What do we want to achieve in the next years?”
Throughout one and a half years, a precise
forecast and numerous goals to be achieved until
2020 supported by detailed action plans have
been prepared.
“A new process has been initiated thereby. Every
year, investments of two times the amount of our
depreciations are made. 7.5 up to 9 million EUR
per year are spent on new machines and equipment.”
“In 2007 and 2008, our investments have been
focused on Remscheid“, says Meyer. A logistics
hall of 3,300 m² was completed at the end of
2007 and the machinery was renewed. “At the
moment, 135 employees work in Remscheid; about
150 employees are scheduled for the future.
At the end of May, the new headquarters of IKS
Klingelnberg will present their new face to the
public on the occasion of a big event with
members of the company from all over the world.
At IKS Klingelnberg, the aspect of community
even includes payment: “We have merit pay, as we
also have to realize profits jointly“, explains
Thomas Meyer.
“Contrary to the trend, we have always
focused on good training and also employed older
people.”
Thomas Meyer, managing director
In addition to twelve monthly salaries for a 40-hour week, a profit-related annual bonus is paid. With a certain pride Meyer points out that this payment was higher than the Christmas and vacation bonus according to the collective agreement: up to 1.75 times the salary. “Furthermore, we have always focused on good training and also employed older employees contrary to the trend.”
4th April, 2008
IKS Klingelnberg GmbH - Industriegebiet Bergisch Born - In der Fleute 18 - 42897 Remscheid - GERMANY
Phone: +49 (0) 2191 969-0 - Fax: +49 (0) 2191 969-111 - info@interknife.com
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