Ralf Brenner and Stefan Valetti. The two are the founders and managing directors of the new plant engineering company MRS Anlagentechnik GmbH
Interview: Heinz Käsinger
Galvanotechnik: In business management, we know the term "anti-cyclical behavior". Have you not acted a little too anti-cyclically by opening a company now of all times?
Ralf Brenner: Not at all. Of course it's difficult at the moment, but the demand for high-quality, professionally planned systems is there. And what's more, our customers are congratulating us on our move into self-employment, as it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to find competent plant manufacturers for their upcoming projects.
They call the situation difficult.
Due to the current situation, plant operators are currently keeping their money together. They are keeping the existing plants running as best they can with the spare parts available in the companies and their own people.
Is everything solely due to the corona hysteria or is it also due to REACh, for example?
Clearly corona. We suspect that companies are practically waiting in the wings. As soon as the economic outlook improves, the projects that have been put on hold will be resumed and implemented.
"Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we are already fully operational!"
What exactly are your company's competencies?
Stefan Valetti: Ralf Brenner and I previously worked together in another plant engineering company. As a mechanical engineer, he has been a specialist in sales and technology for 25 years. As assistant to the management, I was in charge of the spare parts department, among other things.
We therefore have the necessary experience in the field of plant engineering for surface technology. Our product range includes systems for all areas of surface coating. This includes anodizing systems, zinc systems, nickel systems, pickling systems, phosphating systems and burnishing systems. Spare parts and accessories such as tanks, filter pumps, bath heaters, rectifiers and much more are included in the scope of delivery. From the complete system to the smallest spare part.
Who exactly are your customers?
Among others, the major German car manufacturers as well as important large suppliers for the automotive industry. Of course, we also count many small, medium-sized and large electroplating companies among our customers.
Will you make it through the lean period?
Basically, we knew that it would be a difficult start. We were prepared for anything, so to speak. But we didn't expect the situation to get so bad. Nevertheless, we will get through this phase.
Care to take a look into the crystal ball? How long do you think this state of emergency will last?
We are optimistic that the mood within the economy will brighten as early as the beginning of next year, so that we can expect a significantly improved order situation towards the middle of 2021.
