Preface

„The only constant is change!“ — Michael Weper began the foreword of iMAGE issue 01/2020 with this philosophical quotation from Heraclitus. In this age of increasing digitisation, this undoubtedly applies to many aspects of our daily activities. However, it is very important not to apply this to a very specific point, because only then will our customers‘ proverbial foot in the door develop into a long-term, partnership-based positive collaboration: The invariably high quality standards of nass magnet GmbH.

Since January 2020, I have been one of the managing directors at nass magnet and am responsible for finance and controlling. I am now carrying out this role in addition to my managing director activities at Holding Kirchheim GmbH + Co KG. I have been working for the company group nass magnet since August 2003 and am therefore no stranger to many employees in the company. I look back on this long period of my career with pride. It has not always been easy, but in our daily work together we have solved many demanding tasks and in doing so gained a lot of mutual respect. As one would expect of a family business founded in 1925.

„The only constant is change.“ These words perfectly encapsulate the current situation. With the age of digital modernisation in full flow, we are witnessing increasing dynamism in the market environment. Digital technologies are becoming increasingly dominant in the world of work, while the rate of change that we are experiencing is more rapid than ever. Our high-quality products, outstanding service and effective business model are no longer the only relevant factors when it comes to maintaining our competitive edge and cultivating our success.

„Anyone who has visions should go to the doctor“ – or so says the famous quote by former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. This is often used lightheartedly as an introductory comment when talking about a mission statement, and, in this context, also a vision for the future. According to this, Helmut Schmidt preferred „doing“ to „dreaming“.

Family-run companies are the backbone of the German economy. Making up 90% of all German companies, they are the most important form of enterprise in Germany. They generate roughly half of all turnover in the country, employ more than 50% of all workers covered by social security and provide 80% of all training positions. They are simultaneously job creators and drivers of growth, both in times of crisis and economic boom.