Problem Solver and Form Giver
Interview with Thomas Schumacher and Thomas Simon, Managing Directors of the Berthold Kunrath Group
Toolmaking is an important pillar of German industry and is considered the backbone of various key technologies; a prime example is the automotive industry. It is primarily small and medium-sized enterprises that shape the sector; often family-run, regionally connected, and with a high degree of specialization. The Berthold Kunrath Group from Theley is a prime example of this.
European Business: Mr. Simon and Mr. Schumacher, you share the management of the 90-employee strong Berthold Kunrath Group with Ms. Christel Kunrath-Schumacher, who is also the managing director of Berthold Kunrath GmbH. What are the roots of this group structure?
Thomas Simon: Berthold Kunrath founded the company in the early 1970s in the basement of his single-family home, where he began doing initial work on a lathe. As demand quickly increased, he invested in a new production and administration building in 1982, where since then transfer, composite, and manual insertion tools with a maximum total length of four meters are manufactured. In 2001, the decision was made to establish a second pillar with BK Stamping and Forming Technology. Since then, it has been possible to manufacture and test the produced tools on mechanical and hydraulic presses.
The idea has always been not only to build tools but to use them to produce parts as well. Most toolmakers focus on manufacturing the tools but unlike us, they cannot run them in. Our tools are ready for production upon delivery; an important unique selling point. This means that, in part, the tools do not go directly to the customers but are shipped all over the world.
Wirtschaftsforum: Who are the recipients of the tools?
Thomas Schumacher: We focus on customers in Germany, particularly from the automotive sector and its suppliers; making up 77% of our main clientele. The remaining 23% are spread across various markets, including e-mobility, the motorcycle industry, and the interior industry for vehicle construction. A typical product is a degassing pipe for electric vehicles.
Wirtschaftsforum: We are in the midst of an economic crisis. What strengths is the company focusing on during this phase?
Thomas Simon: We have earned a reputation among our customers as a problem solver. That means we are not sought after for simple tool concepts, but rather for when it comes to highly complex tools.
The necessary knowledge and experience distinguish us from the competition. Nonetheless, we too feel the impact of the economic crisis. As a medium-sized enterprise, we have heavily invested in the exhaust system sector in recent years; this means we must achieve the transformation to new business and product fields. A prerequisite for this is, for example, a new sales strategy. Our teams in development and design must quickly adapt to new requirements and acquire specific knowledge.
We have been able to realize some transformation products; although we had to pay a high price in learning, this path was the only option. We had to reinvent ourselves, and for this, we invested in new simulation software for springback applications, digital measuring technology, laser technology, and state-of-the-art CNC milling machines. At the same time, we plan to enter new business areas with the defense industry and e-mobility. In the e-mobility sector, we have already built the first tools and will be delivering the first parts this year.
Wirtschaftsforum: It seems that digitalization plays a significant role in the company?
Thomas Simon: Yes. We work with various digital tools such as a digital measuring arm for 3D measurements, have implemented a fully automatic camera surveillance for detecting defective embossed lettering, the entire engineering department works digitally, and in logistics, we are connected to our customers via EDI.
Wirtschaftsforum: What values does Berthold Kunrath stand for and what do you wish for the future?
Thomas Schumacher: We want satisfied customers with whom we can work on a trustworthy basis in the long term. Equally important is respectful and appreciative treatment of our employees. They participate in the success through a bonus system, have the opportunity to pursue targeted further education and to contribute their ideas, so that both they and the company can develop further. As far as the future is concerned, as a medium-sized company, we hope for economic conditions that ensure international competitiveness. This includes competitive energy costs and corporate taxes that are at the European average level. It would also be desirable to have no government intervention in collective bargaining autonomy, as well as a policy openness to technology.