LIGHT METAL CASTING DIVISION FOCUSES ON INNOVATION

New product development process is worked out

How do we develop new products today? How can we improve the product creation process (PCP) to secure that cutting edge in the future? These are the kind of questions our colleagues of the light metal casting division asked themselves as part of the “Fit for the future” project.

With the help of interviews and analyses, the current process was at first carefully examined and important optimisation potential was identified. From September 2016 onwards, an inter-divisional team of around 15 employees worked intensively on this topic. In numerous workshops, the existing PCP was reviewed and significantly improved. The new process now ensures that the product development process is goal-oriented and that it involves all departments.

Managers and employees took the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new PCP and submit their suggestions for improvement in a so called “open space session” on February 7th. Since mid-March, the employees can now also view the optimised PCP on the intranet. “PCP ambassadors” are currently up and about presenting the process in the departments. „We would like to thank all employees for their commitment and are very pleased to be able to develop even better products a lot faster in the future.“ stated Udo von Reinersdorff on behalf of the company management.

Author: Andreas Rothermel