‘I want us to grasp the idea that we need to pull the big lever.’
What was your route to the CEO position at the MEIKO Group?
I got here via various positions within the company, via design, development, planning and CTO, and finally my current role. My first contact with MEIKO was via my dad in the early 90s. He was head of MEIKO's Dresden subsidiary. I then studied mechanical engineering and I did my first work placement with MEIKO in Offenburg, going on to write my dissertation with the company, too. Then I had the opportunity to start working as a mechanical engineer in MEIKO's design department. A few years later and alongside my work at MEIKO, I completed a doctorate in Thermodynamics in Technology and the Energy Economy at Dresden University of Technology. My focus was on the energy consumption of our large machines but, more broadly, I think these subjects have become even more exciting today, in the light of modern challenges.
We are experts
What is your MEIKO story at the point of the company's 95th anniversary? ‘How did you do it?’
Well I speak from an engineer's perspective – I would say our technical prowess has been vital. We develop products and we fight for our ideas in a bid to offer our customers the best possible solutions – full of clever ideas, approaches and insights. We have experts in all areas of the company and that is the only way we can fulfil our calling as a solution provider. We couldn't do any of it without the incredible employees in every part of the company.
What do you think is the lifeblood of MEIKO?
MEIKO has always been a constant – from 1927 to today. Once upon a time, making the world a cleaner place was a vision. Today, we view it as a promise. We also have a wonderful, values-driven culture: we treat people with respect and we take responsibility, whether our interactions are inside or outside the company. I also think it is highly significant that life requires change. And we are a part of that change. We are agile and we always like to be a step ahead!
We like to be ahead!
Which MEIKO innovations have impressed you the most over the past 95 years?
I am impressed by the fact that we have never lost our way – throughout our company history and now, we are on our own path. Of course, everything changes but we try to actively shape that change and stay true to ourselves. Right now, we are driven by issues of sustainability and we actually have been for a long time, even though there has only been broad public interest quite recently.
Back in 1972, during the oil crisis, we developed a way to recover exhaust heat from our dishwashing machines. For us, the oil crisis was an accelerator in our progress. In 1978, we started using the energy from the machine exhaust to heat the wash tank and rinse water. The launch of the CSS-Top on our multi-tank dishwashing machines reduced water consumption by up to 80% which, in turn, saved on chemicals as well. That was a leap forward. Then we launched the M-iQ, once again saving huge quantities of water, electricity and, naturally, CO2. There is a long way to go, of course. But we are striding down that path of ours, making consistent progress.
Where do you see the greatest potential among all of the concepts connected to sustainability?
Many people will remember their lessons on levers from school, where you can put in less force to achieve the same result if the lever is long enough. It's kind of similar to the whole concept of ‘working smarter not harder.’ That's what we need here – the right lever! We believe that our role in achieving sustainability is not a token gesture here and there. We want to offer our customers the best, most sustainable solutions available. And this fits neatly with the overall direction of travel. Putting energy-saving, resource-efficient machines on the market is a huge positive. It is especially positive when they replace less energy efficient machines, either due to age or because the technology is not up to scratch. We also have to remember that the resource consumption required to manufacture a machine like this is far lower than the resources consumed by an inefficient machine over its lifespan of perhaps several decades. We have found the right lever to bring major change.
What technology excites you?
Our M-iQ generation of machines is a great success story. It was first introduced in 2009 and the resource efficiency is still astounding today. The savings of the for customers, for example, can amount to up to EUR 100,000 per year! The M-iClean H hood type dishwashing machine is also very cleverly designed – especially the automatic hood system. At the design stage, we decided to make the automatic hood system a core component rather than treating it as an added extra, which would then need a whole new framework. This ergonomic and efficient dishwashing machine has enchanted more than just existing customers! Going back again, another system comes to mind: our patented flip, clear and sort system for fully automatic machines. But I could go on like this all day and I probably shouldn't.
Is there any kind of overarching trend within the industry?
Well there are always a lot of trends. But the ones which will really influence us are these overarching ones: sustainability and connectivity. And these trends do have some challenges, so we are there to help our customers get to grips with those.
Changing your perspective is a worthwhile endeavour
What advice would you give to MEIKO or to yourself?
There are two or more sides to everything. So I think it is a worthwhile endeavour to keep changing your perspective. Seeing a bigger picture automatically leads to better decision making – whether we are talking about strategic decisions about the company's future security or simply being fair-handed and long-sighted in decisions.
‘When 99% of people doubt your idea, you're either gravely wrong or about to make history.’
(Scott Belsky, founder of Behance.)
A provocative statement from Silicone Valley there. What do you think?
It's a clever statement. Dogged determination is important in working towards your goals, though it is obviously more pleasant if 99% of people agree with you!
What do you wish MEIKO for its birthday?
A fireworks display of ideas and innovations, happy and motivated employees, and a sparkling solution for our customers in the present and future.