The Detmold-based Weidmuller Group has been recognized by RWTH Aachen University as a Successful Practice Company for its global production management. Key factors behind the award included the high level of internal networking between the family-owned company’s worldwide plants and its sustainable production processes.
Based on the results of a benchmarking study, the technical university Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH Aachen for short) honored a total of five companies that demonstrate particular efficiency and sustainability in their global production management. Of the roughly 3,000 companies considered by the university, 59 qualified for the study. The companies were rated in the categories “Continuous Strategic Planning,” “Resilient Network Structures,” “Sustainable Production in Networks,” “Global Process Standards” and “People and Culture.” The award was presented by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günther Schuh, who holds the Chair of Production Engineering at RWTH Aachen University.
“In order to implement our global production management, we are pursuing a clear plan based on open dialog and transparency. Communication of our strategy is a key step for us towards achieving our goals," explains Dr Sebastian Durst, Chief Operations Officer at Weidmuller. “Internal networks represent a special building block. Each of our plants worldwide follows a specific roadmap for the further development of its competences and capacities. This includes a lively transfer of knowledge, with best practices from one location actively shared with others. This allows us to make improvements faster, strengthening our sense of solidarity at the same time.”
Weidmuller’s sustainable production was also a decisive factor for the award. The family-owned company reuses 100% of its punching waste and recycles its plastic waste. Weidmuller already uses up to 20% regranulate to manufacture its products.