06
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
GROWING TOGETHER
Best practice in innovation, operation, and teamwork FRITSCH was acquired by the MULTIVAC group and with that it joined a network of resources helping it thrive. These include everything from R&D to day-to-day operations, with the information exchange going both ways. Guido Spix, Group President, MULTIVAC and Frank Gabriel, Managing Director, FRITSCH explain how the companies help each other to grow together.
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Mihu: To show how the two companies are growing together, it would be interesting to learn how they came together in the first place. Why did MULTIVAC acquire FRITSCH, considering the types of technology each specializes in developing? Guido Spix: FRITSCH was well known at MULTIVAC, from a large number of projects involving both companies in the past. A good example is the packaging of pretzels for baking stations. MULTIVAC'S strategy to grow as a solution provider in processing has been complimented in an excellent way with the acquisition of FRITSCH. The information that FRITSCH was available for acquisition came to us by chance. However, we immediately saw the opportunities in the acquisition, starting with the similarities in engineering between the two companies. While the industries we serve are different, from an engineering standpoint the companies are closely related. We realized from the beginning that the idea of having both companies under one roof was going to work out perfectly. And last but not least, I am proud to say that MULTIVAC is an outstanding mechanical engineering company. We very quickly recognized that FRITSCH, an extremely innovative company, could benefit from our ‘operational excellence’. Innovation is a very important part of our overall strategy. Both companies are leaders in their fields with innovative products. We work systematically on joint solutions, both in automation and technology. Frank Gabriel: During MULTIVAC’s due diligence process, it became apparent that FRITSCH had wonderful expertise in innovative solutions, in bakery products, and the highquality of the end products – for which they had earned respect in the market. There was also potential for further improvement, areas where MULTIVAC could provide feasible solutions with an immediate positive impact on FRITSCH’s business, such as access to a global production network, co-developments, or international sales and service, just to name a few. We were able to directly integrate these benefits into our daily work, especially in what Mr. Spix referred to as ‘operational excellence’ and in mechanical engineering. FRITSCH enjoyed some benefits right after the acquisition, such as access to wet-cleaning, wash-down design, which is very well-known
www.bakingbiscuit.com 04/2022
in the meat and packaging industries and is seeing a rise in demand in bakery. We could immediately adapt this knowledge from the MULTIVAC Group. Weighing technologies are another similar example. Now we can invest the time saved in further high-end products and customerspecific innovations. Conversely, MULTIVAC were able to gain further insights into the design of complete lines, as customers in the food industry prefer more and more complete lines, to reduce complexity and focus on their core business. We could see from the beginning that this is a good fit.
EUR 35 M THE VALUE OF THE ORDERS FRITSCH RECEIVED IN Q1, 2022 Mihu: FRITSCH has already introduced new technology developments to the market since its acquisition by MULTIVAC. How do the R&D teams at the two companies collaborate? Guido Spix: We have an innovation strategy for our company. MULTIVAC has been a known solution provider for many years, and so has FRITSCH. MULTIVAC implemented an agile development process very successfully many years ago and has repeatedly adapted and improved it to new boundary conditions. We also introduced this innovation strategy at FRITSCH immediately after the takeover. We have a combination of engineering and digitalization that also works perfectly for FRITSCH. Moreover, we focus on sustainability in packaging, which is something that FRITSCH customers are now increasingly looking for as well. The first resulting products have already been successfully delivered to customers. There is a lively exchange and good cooperation in all technical areas. For me, this must by no means be a one-way street. The parent company has learned a few things from FRITSCH. Both companies are really growing together.
