Schnitzer Group Newsletter
IN TIME 04/26 .

A world in transition, a clear stance: Insights from the Asia trip and our path forward!

We are living in times when supposed certainties are being put to the test on a daily basis. International power conflicts, economic pressure, and profound technological transformations are changing the framework conditions faster than many organizations can respond. Our answer is not to wait and see – but to take a clear stance: to assume responsibility, embrace challenges, and find pragmatic solutions together. This is exactly where our strength lies.

Left to right: Leo Palma (Managing Director Schnitzer Consulting Shanghai), Andreas Kohler and Peter Schnitzer (Executive Management Schnitzer Group)

Having just returned from their trip to Asia, Peter Schnitzer and Andreas Kohler share their impressions and provide insights into geopolitical developments, market trends, and the strategic orientation of international OEMs.

At present, global industrial projects are under significant external pressure. Tensions between the USA, Europe, and China, changing customs regimes, regulatory interventions, and unstable supply chains are having a direct impact on development and sourcing. These framework conditions cannot be controlled – but their effects certainly can. What is crucial is a resilient, technically sound project organization with clear communication and decision-making structures. Only when technical content is precisely understood, aligned at an early stage, and consistently pursued can risks to timelines, costs, quality, and SOP readiness be sustainably minimized.

In practice, critical project deviations rarely arise from isolated technical issues, but rather from disruptions in the flow of information: misunderstandings between regions, unclear responsibilities, delayed escalations, or a lack of transparency regarding technical changes. Especially in international setups – across time zones, cultures, and organizations – these effects are significantly amplified.

For more than 30 years, we have been operating at these interfaces. Our approach is based on intensive technical exchange, clear structuring of topics, and seamless cross-border project control. We are present wherever technical content, suppliers, plants, and OEM organizations come together. And we ensure that information is available in a consistent, traceable, and decision-ready manner.

Our experience from networked projects in the USA, Europe, and China enables us to integrate regulatory, customs-related, and organizational influences into technical project work at an early stage. This way, risks are not only identified but actively translated into robust measures before they impact program objectives.

For OEMs, this means planning reliability under volatile conditions. Technical decisions are made on a stable information basis, interfaces are actively managed, and projects are purposefully stabilized even in critical phases – with a clear focus on feasibility, deliverability, and sustainable project success.

Photo collage from the management’s Asia trip, meet & greet with customers and partners

With personal commitment, strong technical expertise, and the ability to master complex tasks without long onboarding phases, we create what truly matters today for our customers: reliability and peace of mind.

I look forward to a personal exchange peter.schnitzer@schnitzer-group.com

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IML excellence worldwide: Schnitzer Group stabilizes series ramp‑ups and delivers premium components despite adverse conditions. 

IML (In-Mold-Labeling) enables the integration of decorative or functional films directly into the component during injection molding. This results in bezels and control elements with high‑quality design, pleasant haptics, robust surfaces, and precise illumination – all combined in one durable component. For customers, this means greater design freedom, excellent scratch and media resistance, and a clearly defined premium look in the vehicle interior. 

Components manufactured using the IML process (In-Mold-Labeling)

Following a request from a German OEM for complex IML components in China, experienced IML specialists from Schnitzer Group were deployed at short notice. This included injection molding expert Jörg Woerrlein from Germany and IML specialist Ralf Weimar from the USA. A highly specialized project team was formed on site in China, capable of systematically addressing critical challenges at well‑known Tier‑1 suppliers. Thanks to extensive injection molding expertise and long‑standing cooperation with leading film suppliers, critical process steps were stabilized and sustainable solutions implemented. Particularly noteworthy was the close alignment between shop‑floor execution and management level – with tailored, demand‑oriented communication and reporting established for all stakeholders. 

The Schnitzer Group IML expert team is now also being requested across Europe and the USA. The team has been expanded to include Schnitzer Group colleagues Christian Locher, Robert Faeller (USA), and Marius Schindler. 

Task Force deployment example: “Steering Wheel Switch” 
A globally active automotive mechatronics system supplier develops and produces control components, digital access systems, as well as battery and energy management solutions. 
 

Problem: 

• High scrap rates due to film delamination 
• Contamination and non‑concealable surface defects 
• Cumulative error build‑up from film forming and trimming processes 

Even minor cleanliness issues caused significant quality deviations in the process. While series production conditions were sufficiently clean and controlled for a stable IML process, the ramp‑up phase had to be carried out under less suitable conditions due to timing constraints. Establishing a cleanroom at this early stage was not economically feasible. 

Root Cause: 

• Lack of clean interfaces between individual ramp‑up process steps 
• Tool design issues: tool spotting and insufficient venting of individual cavities 
• Inadequately defined inspection mechanisms (e.g. film thickness monitoring, camera inspection) 
• Handling errors and contaminated trays in an unsuitable production environment 

 

Solution: 
Despite the unfavorable environment, the project team decided to enable a stable ramp‑up by implementing fast, pragmatic, and cost‑effective hands‑on solutions: 

• Installation of cleanroom tents and quality firewalls to locally ensure cleanliness prior to the injection molding process 
• Use of disposable films to replace contaminated or perforated reusable films 
• Increased cleaning intervals for machines, tools, and trays 
• Optimized tool spotting and venting by integrating pressure plates and defined venting concepts 
• Camera inspection and defect marking on raw films to prevent defective material from entering downstream processes 
• Defined handling concepts for films, trays, and protective layers 
• Additional ionization stations to remove particles prior to film insertion 

 

Result: 

• Stable series ramp‑up despite unfavorable initial conditions 
• Missing infrastructure was compensated with acceptable financial effort 
• Required cleanliness levels were ensured and scrap significantly reduced 
• Reliable ramp‑up and supply continuity achieved 
• Foundation established for the final series production environment 

 Interested in learning more? christian.locher@schnitzer-group.com

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Strong support from Schnitzer Group

Since 1994, A&D Verpackungsmaschinenbau GmbH has stood for engineering excellence and, as an internationally recognized specialist, develops high‑quality modular packaging solutions for demanding industries. As a mechanical engineering company with high standards for structure, documentation, and reliability, A&D depends on partners who understand its mindset and implement requirements with precision.

Left to right: Sven Jonasson (Managing Director A&D), Patrick Heine (Schnitzer Group), Bernhard Schnekenbühl (Head of Quality Management A&D)

Schnitzer Group provided us with exceptionally competent support during our preparation for ISO 9001:2015 certification. From the very first kick-off meeting through to the elaboration of all content, the collaboration was consistently transparent, well structured, and technically at the highest level. 

Particularly valuable were the lean, clearly understandable documentation structure as well as the targeted definition and description of processes. Through regular interviews and coordination meetings, the entire A&D team was guided confidently through the change process. We would also like to highlight the comprehensive preparation, execution, and follow‑up of the internal ISO 9001 audit – including a clearly defined action plan. 

Patrick Heine and Reinhard Syska, SYSTEMIC Managers at Schnitzer Group in Wangen im Allgaeu, provided us with valuable guidance and practical recommendations to sharpen responsibilities, focus management tasks, and establish company‑wide commitment to our quality management system. Their approach was consistently pragmatic, actionable, and created real added value – without unnecessary bureaucracy. 

With the optimized quality management system, our team is well on its way, and the processes practiced within the company have taken a significant step into the future. 

Our recommendation is unequivocal: Schnitzer Group is a service partner who delivers on its promises. The clear approach, technical depth, and goal‑oriented support speak for themselves. 

Bernhard Schnekenbühl, Head of Quality Assurance / Quality Management, A&D

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Re‑Certification audits with our customer
GLW GmbH 

Based in Kisslegg, GLW has been a global leader for over 40 years in the production of high‑quality wire ferrules as well as in the development and manufacture of machines for cable processing.

Left to right: Florian Geier (Managing Director GLW), Wilhelm Kellermann (Schnitzer Group), Kadir Özcan (Quality Management Representative GLW)

Schnitzer Group already supported GLW in 2022 during the initial implementation of ISO 9001. In 2025/2026, Wilhelm Kellermann and Reinhard Syska, both quality management experts from Schnitzer Group, were intensively involved in the preparation and execution of the re‑certification audit. 

GLW successfully passed the ISO 9001 re‑certification audit in January 2026 without any major or minor non‑conformities. A particularly positive highlight of the audit was the consistent delegation of responsibility to defined process owners, resulting in clear accountability and a visibly effective management system. 

Florian Geier, Managing Director of GLW, states: 

“Working with Schnitzer Group enabled us to take our quality management to a new level. In particular, the structured approach and practical, hands‑on input helped us to sustainably improve and further develop our processes.” 

Questions about certification or re‑certification? 

wilhelm.kellermann@schnitzer-group.com
patrick.heine@schnitzer-group.com

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Why companies choose Schnitzer Group 

Complex technical projects, global supply chains, and tight timelines require more than traditional project management. They demand deep technical expertise, experience from comparable projects, and a clear methodology to identify and actively manage risks at an early stage. This is exactly where Schnitzer Group adds value. 

Over 20 years of lighting expertise – Deeply rooted in industry 

For more than two decades, Schnitzer Group has supported the industrialization of sophisticated lighting components – ranging from HSW, SBBR, and CHMSL to front and small lighting systems. This experience has grown across multiple brands and platforms. Supported by a strong network within OEM organizations as well as relevant Tier‑1, Tier‑n suppliers and toolmakers, supply chains can be realistically assessed, risks identified prior to nomination, and key focus areas addressed proactively. 

Technical depth through combined expert knowledge 

A key value driver of Schnitzer Group is access to an interdisciplinary team of over 60 specialists covering almost all relevant manufacturing processes – including injection molding, metal forming, surface technologies, automation, joining technologies, tool design, simulation, and quality engineering. This collective expertise enables sound decision‑making, fast root‑cause analysis, and viable technical solutions – even for complex challenges or outside standard processes. 

Globally positioned – Locally effective 

With a strong presence in China, Schnitzer Group is a reliable partner, particularly in tool management and early industrialization phases. Especially in globally distributed development projects, close proximity to suppliers ensures transparency, speed, and a stable foundation for series ramp‑up. This is complemented by international support across Europe and other regions. 

Neutral, solution‑oriented, and project‑focused 

As an external partner, Schnitzer Group intentionally assumes a “diplomatic role” between OEMs and suppliers – neutral, fact‑based, and consistently aligned with the common project objective. Through a holistic view of technology, quality, timing, and processes, critical paths are identified early, prioritized, and actively managed before they evolve into real risks. 

Experienced troubleshooter – When it matters most 

When projects get off track, Schnitzer Group brings structure, momentum, and strong execution capability. Technical focus topics are taken over, issues are analyzed directly on site, and sustainable solutions are developed jointly with all stakeholders – often within a very short time frame. Clear decision paths and a pronounced hands‑on mentality enable rapid stabilization. 

Measurable added value for our customers 

In addition, customers benefit from transparent, fact‑based reporting, structured risk and tool reviews, and pragmatic recommendations for achieving stable series ramp‑ups. The result: increased planning reliability, reduced risks, and projects that are successfully delivered even under challenging conditions.  

Comparable challenges and approaches can be transferred to a wide range of other industries. 

Interested in learning more? thomas.schuol@schnitzer-group.com

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Schnitzer Group ACADEMY 2026

Benefit from pragmatic collective intelligence 
3 courses in autumn 2026 – register now! 
 

 

Preview Video - Automotive Project Management Seminar (DE) 
Schnitzer Group ACADEMY - So entsteht ein Projektterminplan! 

Further Training Programs 
Academy der Schnitzer Group 

For more information about the ACADEMY, please contact: ulrike.schnitzer@schnitzer-group.com

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Precise and efficient: How AI will strengthen the product approval process in quality management

By Stefan Stuckert (Bachelor’s Student at Schnitzer Group)

Graphic: AI-generated

In October 2025, I started my work at Schnitzer Group as a bachelor’s student within the Quality competence area. This role perfectly matched my inclination toward precise and detail‑oriented work – qualities that clearly add value in this field. 

My topic was defined very quickly: “Application potential of artificial intelligence in the product approval process”. I engaged intensively with the dynamic and fast‑evolving field of AI, under the supervision of Patrick Heine, SYSTEMIC Manager at Schnitzer Group.

Within the quality domain, AI is not only meaningful but particularly valuable wherever document‑intensive, repetitive, and time‑critical inspection tasks can be supported efficiently. Especially in the preliminary review of documentation, the detection of formal deviations, the structuring of relevant information, and the transparent preparation of findings, AI can make a tangible contribution. 

This results in clear added value for customers: product approval processes can be prepared in a more structured, transparent, and efficient manner, while internal technical departments are noticeably relieved. AI does not replace expert decisions; instead, it acts as an intelligent tool supporting quality assurance and creating valuable capacity for the assessment of critical content. This establishes a purposeful connection between technological support, human responsibility, and a high level of process reliability. 

Questions? patrick.heine@schnitzer-group.com