New-Development US-Business / Greenfield Operation for former Rütgers Automotive AG

Area of Responsibility (Budget / personal):

• Customer, Development, Quality
• Process Design, Ramp-Up, Production Quality
• Scope staff 20 / plant staff 200
• 1 Mio. EUR
• All US and Mexican customers

Tasks:

• Start-up of Rütgers Automotive INC. North Carolina In North Carolina
• Production plant / company structure / personal
• Supplier management / local sourcing
• Customer management and New Business management
• Introduction of new Products in US and Mexican markets
• Greenfield Operations

Tasks:

• Individual contribution and engagement
• Leading and training of white and blue collar
• Establishing Customer contact and networking
• Technical solutions of processes and products
• Integration of Rütgers Automotive structures

Success Story:

• Plant Setup and Ramp up within budget
• First production runs in schedule with SOP
• Contracts with VW-Mexico “New Beetle”, BMW Spartanburg and FORD Ohio
• Successful and sustainable introduction and of US-Teams
• 2nd largest offshore operation of the Sika Automotive AG

Specific Challenges:

• New market in USA and Mexico
• No company expertise in legal- und customer requirements
• Difficult communication with headquarter
• Fluctuation of US-personal
• Intercultural differences to Europe
• Technical challenges due to missing raw material and machinery