Green Thought, Smartly Done
Interview with Dr. Gerhard Aust, CEO and CSO of PRETTL Electronics GmbH
PRETTL Electronics GmbH, headquartered in Radeberg, has been synonymous with complex electronic manufacturing in demanding niche markets such as medical technology, aviation, power electronics, or agricultural technology for 25 years. In an interview with Wirtschaftsforum, CEO Dr. Gerhard Aust discussed strategic foresight, technological excellence, and creativity that has even brought plants into production.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Dr. Aust, PRETTL Electronics is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. What milestones have particularly shaped its development?
Dr. Gerhard Aust: We are part of the PRETTL Group, which has existed for 70 years and is now run by the third generation of the family. PRETTL Electronics in Radeberg was founded in 2000 through the acquisition of a Bosch site. In recent years, we have been particularly preoccupied by the coronavirus pandemic, where we served as a critical infrastructure supplier of electronics for ventilators, the chip crisis, and the phase of component allocation.
Wirtschaftsforum: How is the company positioned today?
Dr. Gerhard Aust: Our main and technology location is Radeberg. It is supplemented by a small-series site in Lübeck and another site in Hungary. We employ just under 500 employees and achieve an annual turnover of between 120 and 130 million EUR.
Wirtschaftsforum: What markets do you operate in?
Dr. Gerhard Aust: Our focus is not on the mass market automotive sector, but on niches with high requirements, a typical high-mix-low-volume business: medical technology, industrial applications, aviation, and explosion protection. Here we score with comprehensive certifications - such as ISO 13485 for medical technology, EN 9100 for aviation, or Atex for explosion protection. We focus on customers based in the DACH region. Many of our products are distributed globally through their international networks.
Wirtschaftsforum: Can you give examples of products?
Dr. Gerhard Aust: In medical technology, we manufacture modules for ventilation devices, anesthesia machines, or eye measurement systems. For trucks, we supply electronics for digital mirror replacement systems, which not only reduce air resistance but also improve visibility and thus reduce CO2 emissions.
Wirtschaftsforum: What do you see as the key success factors for PRETTL Electronics?
Dr. Gerhard Aust: It is primarily our specialization in complex projects, combined with technological breadth and high certification depth. Additionally, the 'Made in Germany' theme is becoming more important again due to geopolitical developments, especially for infrastructure-critical areas. I am also committed to this through involvement in the Association of the Electrical and Digital Industries ZVEI, to strengthen the entire electronics ecosystem in Germany and Europe.
Wirtschaftsforum: The shortage of skilled workers is an issue across the industry. How do you deal with it?
Dr. Gerhard Aust: We train our own staff, offer various apprenticeships, collaborate with professional academies, and integrate working students and interns early. Simultaneously, we deploy assistance systems in manufacturing to relieve employees and ensure quality.
Wirtschaftsforum: Often, corporate culture also plays a role in employee recruitment. How would you describe it?
Dr. Gerhard Aust: We have flat hierarchies, short decision-making processes, and focus on the development of our own employees. For our customers, it is important to find pragmatic solutions and to look for ways that make sense for both sides – technically and economically.
Wirtschaftsforum: What importance do digitalization and sustainability have in your company?
Dr. Gerhard Aust: Both are important. We continuously invest in automation, digitalization, and our sustainability program 'Go Zero'. In addition to classic projects, we also develop our own solutions like currently a 'green wall' with plants for air humidification in production. This improves air quality and ESD conditions, saves costs, and demonstrates our pragmatic approach.
Wirtschaftsforum: And where do you see PRETTL Electronics in five years?
Dr. Gerhard Aust: We aim to solidify our position among the top 10 EMS providers in the DACH region, further sharpen our industry focus as a provider for demanding niche markets, and continue to produce in Germany – supplemented by cost-efficient locations abroad.
Wirtschaftsforum: Finally, a question: What personally drives you?
Dr. Gerhard Aust: My fascination with electronics has been with me since my studies. I am thrilled when I can show customers our production. Additionally, as an EMS provider, we are always close to innovations. This makes my profession exciting and meaningful.