Transformation, promotion, networking - the success formula of the future!

Together, many things are easier. At least, this is the summary of Dirk Maaß, transformation pilot at Bayern Innovativ, Gunnar Hagemann, funding pilot at Bayern Innovativ and Dr. Dominik Erhard, IHK for Upper Franconia Bayreuth. The Success Story of CHROFF Kunststofftechnik GmbH from Bamberg is based on excellent networking.

The beginning of a success story

The interaction of transformation pilot, funding pilot and regional chamber is a prime example of successful networking and shows how valuable suitable contacts can be for economic success.

It all started with an initial meeting between Dirk Maaß from Bayern Innovativ and Thomas Hoffmann, Managing Director of CHROFF Kunststofftechnik GmbH from Bamberg, which was arranged via Dr. Dominik Erhard from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Upper Franconia Bayreuth. The in the world cultural heritage city Bamberg resident and owner-led CHROFF Kunststofftechnik GmbH was created 1999 and is Full service partner for the application and processing of plastics - from the product development up to the series production.

In its role as transformation pilot Dirk Maass looks for contact particularly to small and medium-size enterprises, in addition, global Player, in order to support them with their technological and strategic advancement. The project Transformationslotse Automotive Bayern, initiated on behalf of the Bavarian state government, is primarily aimed at companies in the automotive industry and accompanies them through all stages of their transformation process. The service for initial impulse and in-depth discussions is free of charge for the companies.

"Since we had not yet had any contact with the  company CHROFF Kunststofftechnik GmbH, it was all the more important for me in my function as transformation pilot that I became aware of this company through the close contact with Dr. Erhard from the IHK and was able to make contact for the first time," recalls Dirk Maaß of the start of the cooperation at the end of April this year.

In search of the perfect match

Once the first step of establishing contact has been taken, the actual work begins. To do this, the transformation pilot has a portfolio of information, consulting, networking and qualification services at his or her disposal. The trick is to provide the customer with transparent access to relevant information and expertise and to pick out the services that are a perfect fit for him and his needs.

In order to finally find the perfect match, the transformation pilot must first gather extensive information and obtain a precise situation analysis of his customer. Trust plays an enormously important role here: "To find the best possible offer for my customer, I have to know exactly what my customer needs. Mutual trust is an essential basis," emphasizes Dirk Maaß.

In the current case, the basis of trust was quickly created and the match was a success:

In the course of the transformation pilot meeting, Thomas Hoffmann learned about the KoPa 35c funding program, which supports future investments for vehicle manufacturers and the supplier industry. The aim of the funding program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) is to strengthen competitiveness and support in the transformation process.

This brought yet another player on board: Over the project carrier Bavaria - the central approach place for promotion programs of Bavaria and the federation and likewise settled with Bavaria innovative - Gunnar Hagemann, Förderlotse with Bavaria innovative,  with Thomas Hoffmann the suitable module in the economic stimulus package KoPa 35c identified and the enterprise with the application supported and accompanied.

The expenditure was worthwhile itself: Few weeks ago CHROFF plastic technology GmbH received a positive answer. With the subsidies, investments can now be made in a future-proof production landscape that will, among other things, support the competitiveness of CHROFF Kunststofftechnik GmbH as part of its transformation process.

"We are very proud of what we have achieved in recent years and are looking very positively to the future through the planned investments. We want to meet customer requirements and market demands, be able to act flexibly and show our employees perspectives for the future. In this context, we would also like to thank the Bayreuth Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the transformation and funding guides from Bayern innovativ for the impetus and very good support," says Thomas Hoffmann, summarizing the successful cooperation.

Strengthening the market position

The new building serves to strengthen the market position. Production and operational processes have been optimized with sustainability aspects in mind. Stronger networking in the automotive sector and related industries is also on the agenda. Dirk Maaß, Gunnar Hagemann and Dr. Dominik Erhard are also pleased about this. Because only by the perfect interaction of the three partners this success story came about, as all three unanimously emphasize:

Dr. Dominik Erhard, IHK for Upper Franconia Bayreuth: "At this success story you can see what a good cooperation between regional chambers and Bayern Innovativ can bring about."

Transformation pilot Dirk Maaß, Bayern Innovativ GmbH: "I feel confirmed in my work as a transformation pilot when I can give the right impulses to support companies on their way."

Funding pilot Gunnar Hagemann, Bayern Innovativ GmbH: "As a rule, we mainly mediate funding programs in the field of research and development. I am particularly pleased that in this case we could also help CHROFF Kunststofftechnik GmbH with the investment support of the Kopa 35c in the modernization of production."

A nice proof that the right networking pays off and at the same time incentive to focus even more on synergies in the future!