HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
The Future Belongs to Agile Companies From an interview with Martin Welp, CEO of Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
Uncertain political and economic circumstances, climate change, digitalisation and customer requirements are becoming increasingly more individual and complex: the companies of the surface coating sector are facing enormous challenges. Against this background, the family-run company Dörken, based in Herdecke (Germany), is modernizing its paints & coatings activities. At the same time, the long-established firm is introducing agile structures, installing a digital team and constructing a new office building to keep pace with its ongoing growth. In this interview CEO Dr. Martin Welp explains the background and the specific measures that are being taken.
Why did you decide to introduce
stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity,
worldwide trend towards nationalisation, with
fundamental changes at your company?
Ambiguity – is not just a popular buzzword,
raw materials lists, import tariffs and trade
MW: It is quite simple: for 127 years the
it also describes our current situation very
restrictions. These are joined by issues such
Dörken company has adapted successfully to
well. We are required to deal with a variety
as increasing E-mobility or the current REACH
the changing conditions of the market. And
of requirements and often unforeseeable
discussion regarding the banning of titanium
this is also what we are doing today. VUCA – it
events on a daily basis. For example, the
dioxide. In brief, we find ourselves in a period of
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N. 61 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 - international PAINT&COATING magazine