Environmental Influences Under Scrutiny
Interview with Sascha Riek, Managing Director of TELUS Test Laboratory for Environmental Simulation GmbH
Today, the automotive supplier industry faces numerous challenges, including rising costs and a changing market environment. TELUS GmbH is responding to these challenges with a clear focus on diversification and innovation. The company has successfully evolved from its origins in the defense industry to the automotive sector and beyond. With a wide range of testing and measurement services and the development of its own products, TELUS strategically positions itself for the future.
The roots of the company go back to the year 1998, when it was founded by a management buy-out from the defense company MBB DASA, initiated by the father of today's managing director. "My father started back then with just four employees," Sascha Riek recalls. "Today we have grown to 18." The initial focus on testing for the defense industry was quickly expanded towards the automotive industry, which proved to be a smart move. "We have acquired more and more customers from the automotive sector and have grown through this channel," he explains.
Strong Growth
The company has undergone impressive growth in recent years, with a fivefold increase in turnover in certain phases. "We have expanded our premises from initially one hall to now three halls and two administrative buildings," says Sascha Riek. The company has not only expanded spatially but has also established financial independence, which is of great advantage in today's economic situation.
Services Close to the Market
TELUS offers a wide range of testing and measurement services, primarily focusing on the automotive industry. "About two-thirds of our orders come from this sector," explains Sascha Riek. The services range from vibration tests to temperature tests, which are essential for quality assurance of prototypes and production products. In addition to the automotive industry, TELUS also serves other sectors such as aerospace, medical technology, and rail technology. "We have consciously diversified into different areas to not be solely dependent on the automotive industry," says Sascha Riek. "With the variety of our test rigs and facilities, we can offer all major climatic and mechanical tests from a single source."
Development of Own Products
A key focus in TELUS's future strategy is the development and marketing of its own products. The basis for TELUS's own product range is its in-house testing technology. "We have already begun to expand our product range and develop new sensors," explains Sascha Riek. An example is a newly developed, especially compact accelerometer that sets a new standard in the industry with an edge length of just 6 mm. "The smaller the component, the more precise we can measure without distorting the results through additional weight," says the managing director. The response to these products has been consistently positive, especially after presenting at the Testing Expo in Stuttgart. "We plan to further expand this area in the coming years," confirms Sascha Riek. The managing director sees diversifying the product range as an important opportunity to reduce dependence on the automotive industry and to tap into new markets.
A Challenging Time
The current economic situation is challenging for many companies, and TELUS is no exception. "We have seen a decline in orders in recent months, which forces us to adapt our strategies," admits Sascha Riek. The company has already taken steps to reduce its dependency on the automotive industry and to explore new markets. "We plan to be more present at trade fairs in the coming years to attract new customers and market our products," adds Sascha Riek. The managing director emphasizes that the focus on quality and innovation is crucial even in difficult times. "We try to continuously improve our services and products and to adapt them to the latest requirements," he says.
The Framework Conditions Must Be Improved
Considering the challenges the industry is facing, Riek makes a clear appeal to policymakers. "We urgently need measures that relieve the industry and reduce energy costs," he demands. In particular, the high energy taxes are a significant burden for many companies. "It is crucial that policymakers find straightforward solutions to secure the competitiveness of the domestic industry," explains Sascha Riek. He emphasizes that small and medium enterprises rely on fair framework conditions to be able to compete in an increasingly globalized market. "We must ensure that we do not fall behind countries that offer significantly cheaper energy prices. This could lead to companies relocating or not investing here at all in the long run," warns Sascha Riek. With this clear message, it is evident that TELUS is not only interested in a successful future for the company but also in shaping a stable economic environment for all companies in Germany.