Interview with Helmut Hechinger GmbH & Co. KG

In an Interview with Markus Duffner, CEO

1.     In which market(s) does your company operate? What products / services does if offer?
The Hechinger Group develops and produces customer-specific solenoids as well as mechatronic/electronic modules for customers in the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, and other industries. We deliver around the world due to our customers' global activity.

2.     How long has your company been active in China? In which locations in China is it currently active?
Our China plant in Pinghu was founded and built in 2015 so that we are in the structuring phase in China. Our goal is to deliver manufactured products to customers in China after mid-2016.

We chose Pinghu as our location because this is where we found the best conditions for ourselves, both in the location as well as in the opportunities for expansion and support from local authorities - at times even in German.

3.     Why is your company also an attractive employer in Greater China?
We produce technologically complex and very high-demand products, making us an employer with potential for growth.
The high degree of automation in the production process offers an exicting field of activities to accordingly interested candidates. As a mid-sized company with few hierarchical levels, we are able to react flexibly not only to customer needs, but also to all other decisions that affect the company.
Air-conditioned rooms and a cafeteria also create an attractive working environment in China.

4.    What skills are you looking for in a candidate for your China business?
We are looking for technically versed candidates who can move between the two cultures and who are able to stand up to unplanned obstacles and difficulties during the start-up period. A certain degree of pioneering spirit and adventuresomeness can be helpful in finding good, pragmatic solutions on site. Good language skills are crucial, and German and Chinese are ideal.

5.     Why are candidates with an EU-China background especially interesting for your company?
We think that candidates with a European-Chinese background are especially suitable because they can act as mediators between two different work- and lifestyles. This is particularly true in regards to the language barrier, but also in all intercultural aspects up to and including questions of daily life. The link of technical knowledge with intercultural competence is the deciding advantage that these candidates should bring.