EU Business News- Q2 2024 Much more than just an average supplier of automation and process technology, Elco Industrie Automation GmbH has spent many years as a visionary leader in this space, pioneering expert solutions and combining these with a first-class commitment to service that measurably benefits those operating within the field of industrial automation. Boosted by customised and tailored solutions implemented by an expert team who are knowledgeable on all of the latest industry technologies, reliable support is offered to clients so as to ensure a smooth and reliable experience every time. Across its decade-long tenure, the team has aimed to set the gold standard as opposed to just adhering to it. ISO certification underpins this commitment, and represents but a fraction of this sustained excellence. Elco believes that the calibre of its products speak for themselves, beginning with the sensors, which represent precise technology for precise measurements. Across these inductive, capacitive, and optoelectronic sensor offerings, all the bases are covered, with sensors designed for use with metallic and non-metallic objects alike. In a similar vein, its encoder technology is grounded in years of research, and has yielded fantastic outputs that are suitable for use across almost all modern industrial appliances, while its connectors are of equal distinction, shining in both variety and precision, whether a customer chooses their standard solutions or one that has been created especially for them. Integral in securing the business’ success in the present and future is CEO and awardee Ralf Matthews, whose wealth of experience and impactful approach to leadership have won him this award. Beginning his career as an industrial electrician for Murrelektronik GmbH, Ralf Matthews’ unwavering ambition Automation Solutions CEO of the Year 2024: Ralf Matthews Situated in Oberstenfeld at the heart of Germany’s industrial scene, Elco Industrie Automation GmbH (Elco) is one of the country’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of systems components, operating across the automotive and mechanical engineering industries with a distinct prowess that has got it noticed on an international level. By producing a series of core components, inclusive of sensors, cables, connectors, and encoders that are all compatible with a variety of machines worldwide, the team are continually diversifying their hold on the market, something bolstered further by their unmatched expertise regarding automation technology. At the helm is CEO and awardee Ralf Matthews, who tells us more about the company and his hands-on approach to leadership. Jan24505 and technical ability were apparent from the outset, soon leading him to further explore automation at Erkert GmbH in Sulzbach/ Murr. Here, Ralf gained invaluable practical experience, working as a service technician on new engines and carrying out maintenance and repairs, something he would excel at for more than ten years. Ralf tells us, “I became involved in products similar to those manufactured by Elco at an early stage. Through identifying and addressing issues, I helped improve existing products and develop new ideas.” Such experiences early on in his career demonstrably shaped Ralf professionally, after which, he returned to Murrelektronik GmbH, and despite being away for more than a decade, he quickly ascended the ranks. Starting out in technical sales and distribution, Ralf filled the project manager vacancy in 2012, a position he would hold until October 2013. The desire for a change of pace saw Ralf undertake a quick detour on his route to becoming a CEO in the automation sector, with him taking on the role of COO at SME Schildknecht AG. A few short years later, Ralf would return to his calling, becoming Elco’s Deputy General Manager and taking responsibility for its European operations. Excelling in this role with the same distinction he has brought to each of the positions he has occupied, Elco’s shareholders soon began to take notice, and on 1st April 2021, Ralf ascended his rightful throne as CEO, the culmination of his tireless efforts. Leveraging his experiences for ultimate impact, Ralf Matthews has successfully spearheaded Elco throughout its expansions of the past few years, with the company today enjoying a strong presence in its home country and an ever-greater reputation for success. When it comes to the team acquiring new customers, they do so through a balance of trade fairs and cold calls, but once contact is established, lasting relationships are often formed with suppliers and customers alike. Ralf shines further light on this, telling us, “our close collaboration with customers ensures that we understand their products from their perspective and develop them optimally with their interests in mind.” Similar care is taken when it comes to new projects, which, as Ralf explains, are “always assign[ed] a project manager to oversee the project from start to finish, both nationally and internationally.” This serves as a key example of Ralf utilising his prior position as a project manager for success across his CEO duties, recognising the importance of having a person on hand to ensure that things run smoothly in the early days of a new project, enabling the business to continually fortify its position as a frontrunner in the sector. An approach such as this is integral in a business environment that is undergoing continuous shifts, with Ralf leading from the front as Elco effortlessly navigates such changes. When it comes to the qualities that Ralf believes he should embody in his role as CEO, these span prioritising authenticity, honesty, and approachability. He explains, “when employees are passionate about the company, its products, and its leadership, they tend to work more efficiently, consistently, and effectively.” As a leader, Ralf recognises that the responsibility for colleague wellbeing is on his shoulders, and thus, he strives to be available as far as possible as a point of contact, colleague, mentor, and friend. Regarding the internal culture at Elco Industrie Automation GmbH, an environment of open
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