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“The challenge lies in striking a balance between global standardisation and local conditions”
After one month as Chief Operations Officer of Beckers Group, Dr Susanne Goldammer talks to European Coatings about her vision for the company’s 24 production sites in 18 countries. With her extensive experience in the process industry, she wants to drive forward the “Green Lights” strategy, focusing in particular on safety, modernisation and sustainability. The interview was conducted by Kirsten Wrede.
What are your short- and long-term goals in your new role at Beckers?
Dr Susanne Goldammer: In the short term, I am focusing on two main areas: occupational health and safety, and the modernisation of our plants. In terms of safety, we are working to improve our safety culture, particularly through better leadership and role modelling in the plants. Our goal is continuous prevention and awareness-raising among our employees. In terms of modernisation, we are investing around 5 % of our total sales in infrastructure improvements, safety measures and capacity expansions by 2025. In the long term, we are striving for sustainable structures through harmonisation and standardisation of our plants, always with an eye on our “Paint Plant of the Future” concept.
What challenges is the industry currently facing?
Goldammer: For Beckers, as a medium-sized company, the biggest challenge lies in balancing global standardisation with local conditions at our 24 sites in 18 countries. Requirements vary greatly depending on the region, customer structure and product portfolio. Added to this is the need to modernise existing plants while establishing new locations to support our growth. Climate adaptation of working conditions is also becoming increasingly important in view of rising temperatures.
How do you see the opportunities of digitalisation and AI for your company?
Goldammer: The opportunities are still underestimated and considerable – both in terms of efficiency gains and innovation. At Beckers, we are first laying the foundations with a uniform digital infrastructure, for example through a group-wide ERP system. We already use AI in product development, for example to predict the weather resistance of coatings. I see the greatest potential in production and the supply chain: process monitoring, safety analyses, forecasting material requirements and controlling inventories. Modern data management structures are the key to automation, digitalisation and the meaningful application of AI.
How is innovation promoted within the company?
Goldammer: Innovation takes place both in large projects and in our daily work. In product innovation, we are continuously developing technologies such as UV/EB coatings and cooperating with start-ups such as Anodyne Chemistries. In my area of operations, I see great potential in the systematic use of data to improve processes in a measurable way. We want to turn data into knowledge and translate it into concrete improvements. Modern data management and cyber security help us to do this. Innovation is part of our corporate culture – our values of “shape and adapt” promote cooperation, openness and a willingness to experiment.
How do you assess current market developments in the industry?
Goldammer: The market environment is volatile. While India and the Middle East are growing and we want to expand there, Europe and North America are stagnating. The geopolitical situation is tense, which is affecting the supply chain. Added to this are regulatory pressure and tariffs, which are creating uncertainty. Nevertheless, we are sticking to our “Green Lights 2030” growth strategy. It stands for sustainable development and long-term value creation – even under challenging conditions.
What motivates you personally in your daily work?
Goldammer: I was particularly attracted by Beckers’ mission statement, “Be a force for good.” I am looking for meaning in my work and want to be able to make a difference. This mission statement opens up many opportunities – for employees, customers and the communities in which we produce. I like the fact that we don’t just focus on profit, but also want to reduce our carbon footprint and improve working conditions. The corporate culture and atmosphere at Beckers motivate me to get up every day.
