Brose-An Example Of German Excellence
When it comes to well-known German companies the name Brose is high on the list. German companies are renowned for delivering high quality. Brose has been a very welcome visitor to our shores and it´s a joy to see it prosper.
Recently the Director Of Coordination Plants, André Holzhausen a key player in the Brose team, answered some establishment questions. A leading German Manager Magazine survey, which listed the fastest growing companies in Germany and Europe showed Brose came in 14th place and was in first place among the automotive companies. What exactly is your business? “Brose is a partner of the international automotive industry, supplying products for more than 40 vehicle brands and leading seat producers. Some 8,600 employees working at almost 40 locations in 19 countries worldwide are engaged in developing and producing mechatronic components and systems for automobile doors and seats." Currently, every fourth vehicle produced worldwide is equipped with a Brose product. As a result of the company's business expansion, two new production sites are currently being set up in Europe and Asia. Why Göteborg? “Brose was awarded with a contract by Volvo Cars Torslanda for supplying door systems just-in-sequence."What's unique regarding your business?
“With innovative capability, leading edge manufacturing technology and logistics, above all, with its strategic investments and stable ownership structure, Brose seeks to have a long-term partnership with the automakers.
Furthermore, Brose is one of the fastest growing automotive suppliers.
The company´s growth is based on extending its position as an innovation and quality leader in doors and seats through appropriate investments and advance input. Every ninth employee at Brose is engaged in the development of new products or production processes. Brose invests a total of 6% of its turnover in research and development. By increasing capacities in the areas of electronics development and production as well as in closure systems, the company is today positioning itself as the only supplier with comprehensive development and production expertise regarding mechanical, electrical and electronic components in the vehicle door and seat."
What organizations helped you here and with what?
“Business Region Göteborg and our local existing sales and engineering office helped us to find the right location and to get settled in the Göteborg region."
Is there much of a culture shock for staff you might have moved from your home country?
“No, Brose is a global player and the world is our home. Our employees are used to working in foreign countries."
Differences or similarities between Sweden and your country?
“There are more similarities than differences. The work ethic is very similar in both countries.
On the other side, the unions and the collective agreement have a different meaning in Germany."
Göteborg has a good history of trade with your country, is it still felt today?
“Yes, just think of companies like IKEA. For many Swedish companies Germany is their biggest market. On the other hand, Germany has the highest export rate of all countries worldwide and is depending on its exports. There's a long good history of trade between both countries."
What is your goal?
“To be successful and make a profit and thus secure the jobs in Sweden and Germany."
What will be the basis of your success?
“Our main focus is to reduce the personnel costs and to satisfy our customers."
Any tips for other companies relocating here?
“Talk to Business Region Göteborg and other foreign companies in an early project phase-Especially when you do not have experiences in doing business in Sweden."
How is your company adjusting?
“ Very well, as we only placed two Expatriates in the Göteborg plant. The Swedish mentality is very similar to our own. We didn't have problems finding good qualified employees. Also our expatriates already made Sweden their second home. Within only few months Brose has become a good corporate citizen in Göteborg."
Recent Developments?
“We started hiring our first employees. Today our headcount is already 23 employees in the plant and almost 30 employees in the customer team. More than 20 new jobs will be added next year."
Final comments?
“We built a very good relationship with our partners from the Business Region Göteborg. And Sweden, particularly Göteborg, is a good place for investors. If we had to pick out a location again in Sweden, we would locate again in Göteborg. And we also recommend partner companies, who are interested to invest in Sweden, to have a closer look at the Göteborg region."
