Schnitzer Group Newsletter
IN TIME 12/25 .

International Project Management in
the Era of Re-Globalization

Public opinion currently seems dominated by a wave of deglobalization. Yet we are convinced: international cooperation remains the key to success for all economies. The global challenges we face are so immense that – regardless of national sensitivities – they will compel us to work together.

Schnitzer Group Crew worldwide

The Reality of Day-to-Day Project Work

We experience daily how fragile global structures have become:

• Disruptions in supply chains that bring entire projects to a halt
• Customs issues and regulatory hurdles that consume time and resources
• Material shortages and price explosions that blow up budgets
• Loss of know-how within organizations, slowing processes and complicating problem-solving
• Teams lacking the tools and skills needed to tackle new challenges
• Global crises and financial pressure that curb investments and enforce austerity (result: projects stall)

These factors increase organizational vulnerability and make resilience a matter of survival.

Our Answer: Experience and Pragmatism

For over 30 years, Schnitzer Group has relied on a powerful international team that is used to:

• Navigating uncertainty and “shifting sands”
• Finding solutions where none seem to exist
• Leading project teams out of the “valley of tears” back into the light
• Bringing people along without leaving anyone behind

Our message in an ever-agitated world: “Peace of Mind” – Calm through competence and the
ability to act.

Looking Ahead

Let’s not be discouraged by current circumstances. Let’s keep the reins in our hands. Every
challenge – whether in business or in life – requires decisions. And each of us has the opportunity
to make the right decision anew every day.

We’ve got your back.

Contact: peter.schnitzer@schnitzer-group.com

 

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Dumplings, Beer and Kafka –
New Company Location in Prague

The Czech Republic is far more than these three clichés. In recent years, the country –​alongside its direct neighbors Slovakia and Poland, and in cooperation with further regional players like Slovenia and Romania – has established itself as a hotspot for automotive suppliers.

Filip Růžalovský and the „golden City“ Prague

The ongoing shift of production sites toward Central and Eastern Europe is no coincidence:

• Significantly better price-performance ratio thanks to lower operating and ancillary costs
• Qualified professionals with strong education in IT, mechanical engineering, and business
• A magnet for international talent, often with German or English language skills
• Strategic location: Prague in the heart of Europe, short distances in all directions
• Reliable EU single market and stable economic framework
• Export-oriented economy on a growth trajectory

In short, anyone looking to tap into markets in Central and Eastern Europe cannot ignore the Czech Republic. We are therefore delighted about the recent appointment of Filip Růžalovský. Since November 1, the native Czech has been ensuring that our new location in the “Golden City,” truly blossoms. For our customers, the Czech Republic is a real advantage: short distances, fast task
force, quick deployments – all strategically positioned in Central and Eastern Europe.

Filip brings not only a strong connection to his homeland but also passion – as a true Formula 1 fan,
he loves speed, not just on the racetrack. Professionally, he is a seasoned expert: years of
experience in the automotive industry in technical project and quality management. He has
extensive expertise in supplier and quality management – particularly in the context of PFMEA,
Control Plan, and PPAP. He understands the concerns and challenges of quality and the necessary close coordination with OEMs, quality planners, and suppliers.

His specialty? Fiber-reinforced composites, especially carbon – here he is an absolute expert. With
this know-how and his energy, Filip will put our Prague location in pole position! Get in touch.

Contact: filip.ruzalovsky@schnitzer-group.com

 

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Global Projects – Strong Results!

Successful Launch of New Cell Housing Generation in China

From May to December 2025, we supported the introduction of new cell housings at a supplier in China. The focus: precise deep drawing and riveting. Our SYSTEMIC Managers, Stefan Mangold (remote) and Rui Wang (on-site), analyzed the deep-drawing tool, reviewed quality criteria, and provided a clear assessment of design and process maturity.

Through a technical analysis of the stamping tool design, we significantly reduced the complexity of quality inspections. This allowed us to avoid planned changes to the production line, saving both time and substantial costs for the supplier and the OEM.

Thanks to Rui Wang’s intensive on-site involvement, the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of
the existing production line was increased from 40% to 70%. A second production line was also brought from installation to stable operation within three months, achieving an OEE of 70%. In
addition, we supported the supplier in transitioning from a paper-based maintenance and spare parts management system to a fully digital solution within two months. These measures were key to mitigating risks and stabilizing the overall project.

The result: The project not only accelerated production capability but also contributed to efficiency improvements and digitalization – a crucial step for the supplier’s future initiatives. Global
collaboration worked seamlessly and delivered real added value throughout the project thanks to combined expertise.

Contact: rui.wang@schnitzer-group.com

Rui Wang (left) with international project team

 

From Analysis to Implementation:
Securing Capacity for E-SUV Batteries from Thailand!

Global collaboration for stable supply chains: Our team in Asia assessed the production capacities of a strategic supplier to ensure reliable supply for a fully electric SUV model.

Our SYSTEMIC Manager, Gabriel Osterried, took on the exciting and strategically critical task of conducting a comprehensive capacity check at an Asian supplier in the battery technology sector.
The goal was to analyze production capabilities and ensure that future call-offs can be reliably met –
a decisive step toward stable supply chains in e-mobility.

The global collaboration within the Schnitzer Group proved particularly valuable: Together with the expertise of our colleagues Joachim Müller on-site in Thailand and Leo Palma (CEO, Schnitzer Consulting Shanghai Co. Ltd), Gabriel Osterried was able to thoroughly review equipment, processes, and data, while gaining essential insights on-site and initiating effective measures immediately.

Site visits played a key role: They allowed us to observe actual production conditions, identify bottlenecks early, and develop solutions together with our partners. Especially in an international environment, such visits are indispensable for building trust and creating transparency.

The result: The maximum peak line for planned call-offs was secured. This ensures that even during peak demand, delivery capability remains stable.

How does your company approach capacity checks? Do you rely on regular audits, digital tools, or personal visits? Get in touch – we’re happy to support you!
 

Contact: gabriel.osterried@schnitzer-group.com

Gabriel Osterried (left) and Joachim Müller in production

 

A Special Kind of Holiday Coverage – Rapid Deployment in the USA

When flexibility and expertise are required, true strength shines through. Martin Schneider tackled challenges in the USA head-on, demonstrating why global collaboration at Schnitzer Group is more than just a buzzword.

During the holiday season, Schnitzer Group USA received a unique form of support: Martin
Schneider stepped in at short notice to relieve the local team and stabilize critical processes.

The mission was clear: restore injection molding operations, tools, and maintenance processes to standard and secure critical spare parts. Despite complex conditions on-site, Martin Schneider achieved remarkable progress in a very short time. Robert Faeller, CEO of Schnitzer Group USA, personally visited to thank him for his spontaneous commitment.
Key tasks included:

• Assessing maintenance status and tool conditions
• Conducting a GAP analysis of documentation, workflows, and maintenance plans
• Developing a plan for implementing preventive maintenance
• Defining maintenance scopes (Class 1–3)
• Establishing maintenance intervals
• Aligning planning between maintenance and production
• Scheduling urgent repairs and providing technical support for execution
• Defining spare part packages to ensure availability

The result: Thanks to the dedication and expertise of our team, we initiated crucial steps to stabilize and optimize processes at the supplier in the USA – a strong example of global collaboration within
the Schnitzer Group.

After Ralf Weimar, the responsible SYSTEMIC Manager, returned, Martin Schneider handed over
the tasks to the US team. Ralf Weimar continues the work under challenging conditions.
 

Contact: robert.faeller@schnitzer-group.com

Martin Schneider on assignment in the USA

 

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Schnitzer Group: We are one company! 

International CAMPUS Meeting in Wangen

At the end of September, the entire Schnitzer Group crew gathered in Wangen – a truly special event! Our two new Managing Directors, Andreas Kohler and Marius Schindler, were eager to bring all colleagues together in person during their first year in this role.

Schnitzer Group Global Crew

For one week, team members from Asia and the USA visited our locations in Wangen, Kornwestheim and Weissenburg. The agenda included customer meetings, workshops, supplier visits, and even a bit of sightseeing.

The highlight came on Friday: an international meeting that also brought in teams from Switzerland, Italy, and the Czech Republic. The day concluded with a lively dinner full of international flair and engaging conversations.

Saturday continued with an active and nature-inspired program: an outdoor event at Skywalk Scheidegg followed by a boat trip on Lake Constance – the perfect way to round off our time together. For our Chinese colleagues, this led straight into the Golden Week – a wonderful transition from work to celebration.

There’s simply nothing more valuable than personal encounters, shared laughter, warm hugs, and open exchange. #workingwithfriends

 

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MERRY CHRISTMAS from the heart!

The Managing Directors: Peter Schnitzer, Peter Kienzle, Marius Schindler, Andreas Kohler

 

This year we have shared many valuable moments and encounters that brought us closer together
and inspired us. Our collaboration was marked by mutual trust and the joy of growing together.

A heartfelt thank you for the goodwill and support we have experienced.

For the year 2026, we wish to continue moving forward with confidence – and that, united in
humanity, we will overcome the challenges ahead.

May the New Year bring health, peace, and love to us all – for ourselves and for the whole world.

On behalf of the Schnitzer Group Crew:

• Andreas Kohler
• Marius Schindler
• Peter Kienzle
• Peter Schnitzer

This year, we have once again decided to make a donation. It will go to:

Children’s Hospice Bad Groenenbach / Allgaeu
www.kinderhospiz-nikolaus.de

„AWAMU – zusammen für Uganda“ e.V.
www.awamu-uganda.org

This year we are foregoing Christmas cards and sending our Christmas greetings with a video message from the management...