Wolfram Hackbarth

Supply chain problems? This phrase is likely to remind many people of the coronavirus pandemic. Back then, it was primarily disrupted transport routes and production losses in the Far East that caused problems for German car manufacturers in particular. This time, it is the volatile situation in the supply industry. enomyc author Wolfram W. Hackbarth explains why their sandwich position is so dangerous for large suppliers and how manufacturers and large suppliers can take advantage of the wave of consolidation.

German car manufacturers built a good four million cars last year. More than twice as many, namely almost ten million vehicles, rolled off the production line at foreign locations. Against the backdrop of high energy and personnel costs, but also due to increasing competitive pressure in the industry, plant and engineering relocations will continue to be an important strategic option in the future. The success of these measures stands and falls with professional planning and implementation - especially when external service providers and consultants are involved. enomyc author Wolfram Hackbarth explains what is important here.

Hydrogen is considered one of the key energy carriers in the effort to transform industry and transportation sectors to be climate-neutral. According to the German government's National Hydrogen Strategy, ten gigawatts of electrolysis capacity are expected to be built in Germany alone by 2030. This would meet one-third to one-half of the domestic demand and require an almost unprecedented scaling of current capacities. While many view this plan as completely unrealistic, enomyc author Wolfram Hackbarth sees opportunities. The industrial production of the stacks required for this is highly complex, but thanks to digitalization and Industry 4.0, it can still be economically viable—even in high-wage countries.

There is currently hardly a statement from company representatives that does not contain a complaint about the lack of skilled workers and managers. While politicians are endeavouring to make Germany more attractive to qualified people from all over the world, the consequences of the shortage are becoming increasingly noticeable. For experts and business representatives, it has long been one of the biggest obstacles to growth in our country. “Lamenting doesn’t help, we have to take matters into our own hands”, is the credo of enomyc author Wolfram W. Hackbarth. No sooner said than done. He has developed a training programme for his SME customers that prepares career changers for their tasks as specialists and managers in a short space of time.

The energy crisis, skyrocketing raw material prices, disrupted supply chains and a chronic shortage of skilled workers are presenting the German automotive and supplier industry with unprecedented challenges. Small and medium-sized suppliers specializing in combustion engine drive components, chassis and C-parts in particular must fear for their future. enomyc authors Wolfram Hackbarth and Christian Zeller explain what lies ahead for SMEs and the best strategies to steer them through the crisis.

While many are still on holiday or have just returned nicely refreshed, the buyers of the large car manufacturers and their "opponents", the sales professionals of the suppliers, have long been warming up for the upcoming price negotiations. This year, the talks are likely to be particularly difficult because many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are in deep water. However, giving up is not an option. Those who are open to change now have a good chance of tapping into new potential, according to enomyc author Wolfram Hackbarth.

Today's expectations of companies are unprecedented in their social and political dimensions, says our director Wolfram W. Hackbarth. Decision-makers in companies need to act quickly, but with deliberation and a clear concept.

No foundries would bring everything to a stop: no cars on the roads, no spinning wind turbines or airplanes in the sky. Heating, plumbing, beer tapping would be out of the question and no windows or doors could open without handles. Recycling and upcycling ‒ they too are unthinkable without casting. The foundry industry, however, is also suffering significantly from the effects of the global pandemic. What are the biggest hurdles of the present for the industry and how can companies overcome them? Reiner Winkelbauer and Wolfram W. Hackbarth, finance and production experts at enomyc, are providing important insights based on their professional experience along with a pioneering questionnaire for managers, shareholders, and investors.