LIVING THE FUTURE. THE POWER BEHIND POWER.

Transcription

1 LIVING THE FUTURE. THE POWER BEHIND POWER.

2 CONTENTS. PROGRESSIVE How we bring the future into everyday life COMPETENT Staying ahead of the curve through development: Interview with our CEOs RELIABLE To the limits and far beyond: Quality assurance at the Test Center in Regensburg SAFE Combining expertise with trust in the Far East NETWORKED The company and its biggest asset: Highly skilled, passionate employees Page 4 Page 8 Page 14 Page 18 Page 22 2

3 FOREWORD. Dear Reader, The Power Behind Power "And who is that?" you might be asking. Put simply, it's us: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH or MR for short. Over 2,700 creative, dedicated people based at Regensburg (Germany) and many other locations around the world, helping to build the energy supply networks of the future. We make a vital contribution to this process. Many years ago, with the invention of the high-speed resistor-type tap changer, we laid the foundations on which MR grew to become the market leader in transformer regulation. That was over 80 years ago. Today we manage much more than just high voltage in power transformers. Through the MR and HIGHVOLT brands, the Reinhausen Group offers a diverse port-folio of solutions for global niches in the electrical power industry and related applications. We are growing at a steady rate and in our chosen direction, and the conditions have never been so good: the growing population and increasing affluence are continuously raising both overall and per capita power consumption. In the foreseeable future, two thirds of the world's population will live in cities, and these new load centers will need energy. As the world begins to transition away from fossil fuels, enormous investments will be required in future-proof power supply networks. The energy industry is facing tremendous challenges. It is drawing breath in preparation for a new era, just as at the beginning of last century when Oskar von Miller was making pioneering advances in hydroelectricity, Thomas Alva Edison was producing his inventions for electricity generation and distribution, and George Westinghouse was helping alternating current to make its breakthrough. When major changes take place it needs smart thinkers to spot the opportunities these present. The aim must be to advance innovations and develop new business models and that is what we are working on, with enthusiasm and success. In this brochure we take our customers and partners behind the scenes. And if you would like to find out more about Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen and our subsidiaries as potential employers, we want to hear from you. But be warned: our solutions last a lifetime and that applies not only to our technology, but also to our working relationships. We hope you enjoy reading this brochure, and all that remains for us to say is: Welcome to the world of MR! Michael Rohde CEO Dr. Nicolas Maier-Scheubeck CEO 3

4 PROGRESSIVE. A POWER STATION OF THE FUTURE. PAGE 6 The tower of the 18th-century St. Michael's church is visible from a long distance away. It's just one of the features that make Larrieden in southern Germany such an idyllic spot. But if you assumed this was a quiet place where nothing ever happens, you'd be mistaken. In Larrieden, the transition to sustainable energy has already become reality because the village is its own power station, thanks to MR technology. To regulate locally generated, clean electricity presents a challenge to us but it is just one example of how we bring the future into everyday life. 4

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6 PROGRESSIVE. At sunrise, the houses of Larrieden turn a surreal deep red. Soon the roofs are shining and sparkling. As the solar cells start producing their full output, the voltage-regulated distribution transformer really gets going. The GRIDCON station controls voltage fluctuations without a problem and there was no need to dig up the roads or lay extra cabling. MR technology has significantly increased the ability of the grid to handle renewable energies, helping to make the transition to sustainable energy economical. It's good news for local residents and good news for the environment too, because now it's not just the river Wörnitz that flows out of Larrieden, but plentiful clean energy too. Voltage regulation in the power distribution grid and the GRIDCON family as always at MR, one innovation leads to another. In this way, we provide essential components to make the transition to a sustainable energy future a reality. INGENIOUS SOLUTIONS FOR THE NETWORKS OF TOMORROW. Focus on R&D: Ever since MR opened its own patent office over 50 years ago, the company has been enormously active in this field and has registered hundreds of new developments around the world. It's a trend that's set to continue, because the turnaround in energy policy is giving added impetus to our innovation activities. Manufactory for timber saws in Reinhausen Patent granted to Dr. Bernhard Jansen for the high-speed resistortype tap-changer Market launch of the electronic voltage regulator MK 10 Often imitated, never equaled: the on-load tap-changer OILTAP M Development of the Argentière semiconductor switch Maintenance-free reactance tap-changer: VACUTAP RMV-I MR opens its own patent office MR registers its 400 th patent

7 JÜRGEN ACH Head of Innovation The mechatronic engineer, who joined MR in 1995, is responsible for predevelopment, product development and testing. "The energy and dedication of the team is almost tangible," says Jürgen Ach, Head of Innovation. He works with four of his closest team members in the "War Room": a tidy, uncluttered space barely 25 square meters in size. On the walls are complex development plans and handwritten concepts. Just a few folders in the filing cabinet and a notebook on the desk, but little else. "No frills," says Ach. "Just the basics." Together with the systems development and design departments, he is based in the assembly building at the Reinhausen plant, "within sight of tried-andtested products which are already in operation." Just a few steps away is the electronics development team, and next door to them is the test center, which is unlike any other test facility anywhere in the world. About 250 employees are engaged here, mostly mechanical and electrical engineers, as well as specialists in other fields such as chemists and physicists, and other skilled workers and foremen. Jürgen Ach and his team make sure MR spots future market demands early on and impresses customers with superior technology solutions. What are they working on at the moment? He prefers not to say, because as he points out: "Our competitors never sleep." But he does reveal: "We're working on solutions that will secure a successful future for our customers and for MR." "WE'RE SITTING ON A MOUNTAIN OF IDEAS, AND THE SUCCESS OF NEW PRODUCTS DRIVES US." Jürgen Ach Maintenance-free high-speed resistortype tap-changer: VACUTAP VV Maintenance-free dehydrating breather MESSKO MTraB Mobile transformer test system by HIGHVOLT Market launch of the hollow composite insulator ReCoTec Active filter GRIDCON ACF for POWER QUALITY Voltage regulator TAPCON based on ISM Technology Company awarded Best Innovator 7

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9 KNOWING HOW SINCE Planning, controlling, protecting and improving energy supplies that's what we can do best. The invention of the high-speed resistor-type tap-changer was a milestone. It made us a world market leader. Over 80 years later, MR is playing a key role in the transition to sustainable energy. For example, we help to ensure that offshore wind farms function smoothly even in rough seas. 9

10 COMPETENT. "STAYING ON TOP BY DEVELOPING CONSTANTLY." MICHAEL ROHDE CEO Born in 1958, engineering graduate Michael Rohde joined the management team in Married with a daughter and a son, he previously worked for an international electrical company. He holds honorary positions in the council of the Regensburg University of Applied Sciences and the administrative council of the non-profit Research Association of the Electricity Supply Industry and the Electrical Industry. DR. NICOLAS MAIER-SCHEUBECK CEO Born in 1961, with a degree and PhD in business management, Nicolas Maier-Scheubeck joined the management team in He is married with one daughter and has previous professional experience in industry and consulting, honorary positions in committees of the University of Regensburg, the board of the Scheubeck- Jansen Foundation, and the Regensburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce. 10

11 A new age in energy supply has begun, and MR is playing a key role in the process of change. We talk to Dr. Nicolas Maier-Scheubeck and Michael Rohde about strategies, innovation and high voltage behind the church tower in Reinhausen. Mr. Maier-Scheubeck, you have been directing MR's fortune since 1996, with the support of Michael Rohde since Thinking about the spectacular photo of the Lillgrund offshore wind farm on the previous pages: Have you always steered the company through calm waters, or have there been storms to contend with too? Scheubeck: A bit of both. Between 2006 and 2008, in a phase of turbulent growth, we doubled our turnover. We managed to maintain a record level during the economic and financial crisis. And now we can see lots of opportunities for continued profitable growth. The global economic situation is always somewhat unpredictable, but we are optimistic and, with our innovation program, well equipped to take on the challenges of the future. What key developments have you pioneered together? Rohde: Global market leaders are always being chased, even in global niches. This is also true for MR. We have maintained our leading position and continually built on it. MR plans to completely renew its portfolio by In addition, the company is transforming from a component supplier to a complete system supplier, offering integrated solutions instead of individual products. In this process, our comprehensive asset management complements the strong OEM business. Scheubeck: We recently made three new lines of business fit for marketability: our composite insulator business - yet another field where we are meanwhile among the market leaders - our shop floor management system for production data, which we also use inhouse, and the innovative GRIDCON system solutions for Smart Grid applications. The future belongs to renewable energies and the intelligent control and regulation of energy consumption and supply. What opportunities and challenges does the turnaround in energy policy mean for your company does it bring added impetus? Scheubeck: The potential does exist, because the turnaround in energy policy is increasingly making people question existing systems and calls for innovative solutions. Today's power grids are not designed to transport or distribute the constantly growing proportion of renewable energy, let alone to store it. Let's look at regional and local levels. Everywhere new photovoltaic systems and wind turbines are going online, adding large quantities of additional "THE TURNAROUND IN ENERGY POLICY BRINGS PROBLEMS TO WHICH WE HAVE SOLUTIONS." Dr. Nicolas Maier-Scheubeck power to the grid independently and usually not in sync with demand. MR offers solutions that can stabilize the grids. We have the advantage of trusting relationships with an established customer base, which we have built up over the past 80 years through the regulation of power transformers in the transmission grid. Our products and system solutions are available for delivery and the level of customer acceptance is very encouraging. Were you ready for the transition to sustainable energy? Rohde: It was clear that the world would have to start transitioning to renewables even before the catastrophe at Fukushima. However, the decision to shut down nuclear power plants has worsened some of the problems relating to the power grids. The challenge now is to keep pace with the accelerated speed of development and use it to MR's advantage. The story of Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen goes back to the second half of the 19th century and the founding of a repair business for timber saws in Reinhausen, a district of Regensburg and responsible for the company name. The patent for the high-speed resistor-type tap-changer in 1926 was followed by diverse innovations and continuous growth. Today the Reinhausen group includes 27 production, service and sales companies on all five continents. Which criteria do you apply to organize growth? Scheubeck: As a family business with a belief in independence, we prefer listed or state-influenced companies to be customers rather than competitors. So MR consciously chooses to operate in niche areas of the electrical engineering industry, in all its lines of business. If you choose to restrict yourself in this way, you need to operate on a global level. Our success formula is to be present in the market to the broadest possible extent and for more than just a temporary period, with highly specialized products and services. Our innovation and growth policies are consistently based on this principle. If, in exceptional cases, we aren't the first to hit upon a good idea, we do everything we can to be the most successful at marketing it. As long as this strategy continues to work well, the result is profitable growth. 11

12 COMPETENT. Michael Rohde and Dr. Nicolas Maier-Scheubeck during an interview in Reinhausen. How will you ensure healthy long-term growth for MR? Scheubeck: First and foremost, by maintaining our independence and using it to do business in a long-term and sometimes even anticyclical way. We won't make ourselves dependent on large customers or suppliers, and as a family business which has had a stable ownership structure for generations, the unpredictable fluctuations of the capital market don't influence our business. We are also fully self-financed, which might be considered anachronistic, but lots of businesses would have been glad to be self-financed during the recent crisis. This allows us to focus on what our employees and customers are equally passionate about: long-term solutions for the growing challenges in electrical energy engineering. Rohde: We need to retain our ability to operate in an anticyclical way. Then we can invest when we think it's important to do so, not when analysts think it's the right time. We also don't want to feel forced to report quarterly sensations all the time. Our expertise and our self-confidence give us the strength we need to make longterm strategies and implement them successfully. What areas of business do you want to expand or move into? Scheubeck: The path is from product-based business to systems business, combining products intelligently to create integrated solutions for complex applications. This is gaining us new customers, because we can position ourselves much further up in the supply chain. MR already regulates more than half of the world's power. Whenever a light goes on somewhere in the world, there is a good chance that technology from Reinhausen is involved at some point. You communicate your vision of "no transformer without MR product" in a self-assured manner. At the same time you position the MR brand with the claim "The Power Behind Power" that sounds like understatement. Why so modest? Rohde: MR enjoys a legendary reputation for quality and competence in the industry. This reputation was built exclusively on the skills of our workforce, and that's what we prefer to put the spotlight on. If our unconditional customer orientation had to retreat into the background behind an exaggerated claim, it would be dangerous. Arrogance is bad for business. Scheubeck: It's worth emphasizing again that we are a niche provider. As such, MR is an important link in the powerful chain that makes up the power supply infrastructure. Our claim expresses that very well, and I believe it also conveys a healthy self-confidence. Exaggeration would be out of place. By the way, our headquarters in Reinhausen are near the local church, and I once wrote an essay entitled "High Voltage Behind the Church Tower" another variation on "The Power Behind Power"! To stay an innovation leader, MR need to bundle skills. How do you achieve that? Scheubeck: By campaigning intensively for graduates, particularly from mechanical engineering. We are very involved in higher education policy and we work with leading universities and technical colleges both in Germany, and, increasingly, abroad. We place contract research in areas that take our business forward, we attend university fairs, and we support student dissertations and doctorates. Our foundation has already endowed two professorships at the Regensburg University of Applied Sciences. We are funding the costs of professors and assistants for five years, after which the responsibility will be handed over to the state of Bavaria. 12

13 The Reinhausen Group currently employs more than 2,700 people worldwide. Much of the group's production activities are based at HQ in Regensburg, as are R&D, marketing, sales, and the high-tech test center. As for the "war for talents", how do you attract the best engineers and managers? "THE COMPANY IS TRANSFORMING FROM A COMPONENT SUPPLIER TO A SYSTEM SUPPLIER." Michael Rohde Rohde: The shortage of skilled staff is certainly a problem. We need to raise our public profile as a good employer, for example by taking part in competitions like Great Place to Work. And by using modern communication. Social media is an important aspect of this, and it's one area where we are often faster and better than the bigger players. If we come across potential employees, we can play our trump card the level of continuity at MR. The senior management team doesn't change every two years and the strategy isn't altered from one quarter to the next. Early retirement, restructuring or plant closure are foreign words to us. And because we want to build lasting relationships with employees, we offer a tailored career model. Here you'll find a chance to engage in your own field and take responsibility. You'll experience lasting recognition and personal satisfaction. People who value this way of doing things stay for decades, if not their whole working lives. In spite of diversification and global expansion, you believe in staying down-to-earth, being true to your roots, and tradition. How do you share these values with your employees and put them into practice? Scheubeck: Tradition isn't backward-looking. To quote Gustav Mahler, it's about passing on the flame, not worshipping the ashes. You can stay true to your roots while organizing change. But if you are always all ready to go, you'll lose credibitility because then any change becomes transparent as a trick. Rohde: We operate an open-door policy. We care about the people who work for us. If people have questions, we answer them, and there is a great sense of team spirit. We want MR employees to know that it is very important for the company to develop competencies in each employee. Mr. Maier-Scheubeck, your wife comes from the founder family, the Scheubecks. Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen is proud of its status as a family business. Are there signs that the family tradition will continue? Scheubeck: The fact that, as a managing director, I'm married to one of the company owners, is unimportant it's entirely to do with the woman I have loved for many years. There is a certain dynastic element to the senior management at MR, but it's by no means without exception. And that's a good thing, because the independence and success of MR come before all else. All the proprietors are committed to this principle even those who are not members of the founder families. 13

14 RELIABLE. TO THE LIMITS AND FAR BEYOND. PAGE cranes. 64 kilometers of cable for measurement, control and regulating technology. 2,500 meters of busbars in the power test lab. 16,000 meters of piping for insulating fluid. And a climate chamber. Arctic conditions at the Regensburg test center - and our tap changers right in the middle of it. They have to pass the toughest tests before they are approved for use. It's worth it for a high-quality product, say our technicians. We've been refining this quality for over 80 years, and the results are impressive every time, to anyone in the world. 14

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16 RELIABLE. The thermometer in the cold chamber reads minus 60 Celsius. At this temperature the insulating oil is as viscous as honey and people soon become incapable of movement. Yet the on-load tap-changer continues to perform each tap-change operation with the precision of a Swiss clock. The door opens and a frosty mist rises. Workers in thickly padded protective suits take the tap changer out of the simulated Siberian environment. But this isn't the end of the ordeal: after a heat test at 130 degrees Celsius the tap changer is punished by artificial lightning. It withstands the 1.8 million volts with ease. Then a time-lapse test shows what mechanical stress the tap changer is capable of withstanding. After all, it needs to function without faults for 50 years or more a quality standard which MR technology has always fulfilled. TORTURE CHAMBER FOR TAP CHANGERS. The high-tech test center in Regensburg is a visible expression of MR's expertise. The biggest single investment in the company's history, it pays for itself on a daily basis, because nowhere are tap changers tested to such extreme levels as here. Designed by MR, the test center cost 25 million euros and is so well shielded that not even the ignition spark of a car started outside can distort the measurement results. "It's gigantic!" thought the normally placid Dr. Axel Krämer the first time he saw "his" test center ready for operation, shortly before the official opening in "I was involved in the design and I was often in the building during the 13-month construction phase," he says, "but it was only then that I realized just what we had at our disposal here in terms of working environment and equipment there is no other facility in the world quite like it." Having spent a lifetime in development and quality assurance, Krämer knows what he's talking about. Since 1994 he has been responsible for ensuring that MR tap changers deliver reliable performance almost infinitely, above and beyond the demands that might conceivably arise in everyday operation. It was also clear to him that the previous test environment had gradually outlived its useful life, and the new test center plays a key role in enabling MR to remain top of the game in terms of innovation. After the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Krämer and his team of 90 specialized engineers and technicians took the new high voltage, power and mechanical test labs into operation. The fully automated and parallelized test processes allow operation 365 days a year. MR's aim is not only to satisfy the world's most stringent international standards for tap changers, for example IEC, IEEE and JEC, but to continually exceed requirements and keep developing the products to meet the customer's needs. Because MR sets standards on a global scale. 16

17 "WE IMPLEMENT TEST REQUIREMENTS WITHOUT COMPROMISE." Dr. Axel Krämer DR. AXEL KRÄMER Head of Testing and Simulation Krämer, who has a PhD in electrical engineering, has been working at MR for over 20 years. No device leaves the factory without his seal of approval. 17

18 SAFE. BEHIND EVERY DATE IS A VISION MADE REALITY. PAGE 20 It's time for a regular inspection at the Uirapuru transformer station near São Paulo, and an from our technician arrives at MR do Brasil: "Hi! Over 50 years under the scorching sun, and the tap changer is still working without a hitch. The sign on the cover could do with a bit of a polish, that's all see attached photo." Even the predecessors of today's MR tap changers have been working for half a century or more without any malfunctions. We guarantee to offer the same quality today and tomorrow. To us, continuity is more than a word it's a promise. 18

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20 SAFE. This morning the sun is particularly strong above the transformer station at Uirapuru. Service technicians Edvaldo Macedo and Marcelo Dantas work in the same scorching heat that the MR tap changer has had to endure for 50 years. Even more astounding is their finding: exactly 168,871 switching operations since 1960 but hardly any signs of wear. Then the routine work the replacement of the main contact knives and buffer springs. Nothing else is needed to return the long-lived system to its usual state of health. Macedo gives the thumbs-up. A gesture that the founders of MR would have liked to see. After all, they were the ones who shaped our standard for reliability more than 100 years ago. The OILTAP D with MA 2 motor-drive unit was the quality pioneer of our products a promise on which we continue to deliver again and again. For instance, with our new VACUTAP tap changers. They are continuing our success story with a design that performs 300,000 switching operations without maintenance. "AS A FAIR PARTNER WE BUILD BRIDGES TO OTHER CULTURES." Anton Seiler ANTON SEILER President East Asia Electrical engineer Anton Seiler has been opening up new markets for MR since 1980 in Asia and the Far East. Based in Korea, he engages in special projects for the region Asia-Pacific. He nurtures not just business relationships but personal friendships with key decision-makers in the region. 20

21 REACHING THE TOP THROUGH STAYING POWER. Can you be a global market leader and still guarantee continuity? The answer is yes at least if you are a family business focused on long-term solutions like MR. Becoming the best demands persistence especially in parts of the world where the culture is entirely different, such as Asia and the Far East. Few people at MR are as familiar with different countries and different customs as Anton Seiler. The sales expert from the Regensburg area began establishing sales channels and initiating business deals in Asia over 30 years ago. He was something of a pioneer, in many places entering new territory. In Vietnam, for example, he attended trade fairs, made the acquaintance of businesspeople going in and out of the Ministry of Energy, and opened a commercial agency in the country. His efforts resulted in visits to Regensburg by key members of the business community, excellent business deals, and links that have lasted to this day, both professional and personal. "Every now and again I'm able to share useful tips with our partners in Vietnam," he says, "for example about study opportunities for young Vietnamese in Germany. Things like that have helped real friendships to form." Seiler has similar stories to tell about China, Indonesia and Malaysia and of course Seoul, where he was based from 2009 to 2014 as Managing Director of Reinhausen Korea Ltd. and manager of an agile service and sales team, with which he exercised influence far beyond the country's borders. What kind of factors are essential to success? "Being a good listener and identifying the customer's needs," he says. That much might seem obvious, but in addition: "You have to get used to the fact that here, you might be thoroughly tested for a whole year or, to get the first contract, up to three years." With success, obviously, because MR is listed as a potential contractor from the outset for all major tenders. A high level of in-house production as safety factor. Outsourcing has never been "en vogue" at MR. We have always manufactured the most important parts of our products in house currently that means a good 60% of all components. The simple reason is that this allows us to maintain our core competencies and guarantee the very highest standards. Our customers benefit from unique quality, fast delivery, individual solutions, and attractive prices. We're in it for the long term. MR tap changers operate for almost unlimited periods of time. That is just how long we offer service and guarantee the availability of original spare parts. If a part is not available immediately for an older system, we will make one even if it's a single item. And that's a promise. PREMIUM CERTIFIED SERVICE PROVIDER Premium Service Provider Maintenance with a seal of quality. Service by MR means quality without compromise. In 2008 we introduced a certification system for our subsidiaries and selected representatives. Their service technicians update their theoretical and practical knowledge at least once every two years and must pass an exam as a mark of success. In this way we guarantee top-quality customer service all over the world. 21

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23 ROOTS IN REGENSBURG AT HOME AROUND THE GLOBE. PAGE 24 An organization which regulates more than half of the world's electricity carries a lot of responsibility. We are aware of our responsibility, so when every minute counts, we send our best wherever they are needed and if necessary by jet. MR experts are continually available on all five continents. 23

24 NETWORKED. The red-hot metal is just starting to cool when, 4300 miles away, a cell phone rings at Reinhausen. It's 1:00 a.m. The trouble report comes as a surprise. Now every minute counts, because on the other side of the globe an entire steelworks is at a standstill. Our service team doesn't waste a moment, and one of our specialists is soon boarding a flight to Canada. Once he arrives, there's no time to worry about jet-lag. The problem is soon fixed and when the next shift starts, it's as if there was never a fault at all. The only sign that anything was ever wrong is a letter of thanks from the customer. PRESENT IN ALL MARKETS. Wherever you need us, we're there. As new markets develop, we're there helping them to grow. And whenever innovative solutions are needed, we help them to become reality. In this way MR contributes to making the world's power supply better and safer, every day. Since 1868 our headquarters have been in Regensburg, one of the most attractive and historically important cities in Germany. The executive board, sales and marketing, research and development (including the unique test center), and highly qualified jobs for other value creation levels, including large parts of production, are located here. Opening up new lines of business. MR is the lead company of the fast-growing Reinhausen Group. Six business areas gather under this roof, each with a clearly defined business objective. In the center are products and services for transformer control (TRANSFORMER CONTROL) and equipment monitoring and evaluation (MESSKO INSTRUMENTS). Our systems expertise is documented by solutions for network nodes in the distribution grid (POWER QUALITY) and high voltage testing and measuring technology (HIGHVOLT TESTING). With the help of the very technologies we use ourselves, we also develop new areas of business: insulators made of composite materials (POWER COMPOSITES) and information processing for automated production (Value- Facturing ). We exploit a range of synergies between the various divisions. Developing new markets. MR products are manufactured in Germany, North America, India and China. Our network of 27 subsidiaries is spread over all five continents with local sales and service units, highly efficient parts logistics, and training centers which provide essential knowledge to our local customers. Focus on Asia and the Far East. 90% of MR's turnover is generated outside Germany. We identify economically promising regions quickly, which is why around half of our subsidiaries and agents are in the Asia-Pacific region. 24

25 Schoolchildren in Dilu: MR is helping them learn to read. Locally networked: the Little Orange Lamp project. The People's Republic of China is one of the most important markets in the Far East. MR makes its presence felt, with two subsidiaries in and near Shanghai and through socially minded projects for people in disadvantaged regions. November 14, 2011 was a special day for the children at Dilu elementary school in Yunnan province. It was the official opening of the village library, the "Little Orange Lamp", built by MR and with 2,000 books donated by the company. The nationwide library program Little Orange Lamp was set up in The name is taken from a novel by popular author Bing Xin, and stands for light and hope. MR plans to continue supporting the project as part of its charitable activities. Germany Firmensitz / subsidiary Niederlassung / branch 25

26 NETWORKED. Mario Pleyer, his wife Sabine and his father Rudolf (L to R) have both a personal and a professional connection. A FAMILY AFFAIR WE ARE MR. Sabine Pleyer has stayed loyal to MR ever since she first joined the company as a trainee technical draftsperson 25 years ago. She loves her job as an equipment designer, and the only thing she didn't succeed in was keeping her professional life separate from her family life! And she's not the only one... "Mario and I met here at work," she says, "and I liked him right away. When he called me at home to ask for a date, I was hesitant at first, but eventually we got together." The two are now married and Sabine works part-time to allow her to look after their two daughters. "It's easy to combine a career and a family, and thanks to the MR Kidz program we know the children are well looked after even during the summer vacation." Team leader and toolmaker Mario Pleyer also has great confidence in his employer: "MR plans longterm and is well positioned thanks to its innovative products," he says. "There are clear goals. Everyone knows what their responsibilities are and we work as a team and people still count." Once in a while, his family situation is a topic of conversation among his colleagues: "My father works at MR too, in the same department as Sabine - a funny situation, isn't it?" Rudolf Pleyer, born in 1955, has been with the company for as long as his daughter-in-law. At 45 he retrained as a CAD designer, for which he was given time off, with MR covering the costs. "In our team we have a good mix of young and highly experienced people who work together very well." And what about the "family affair" at MR? "It's not unusual," he says. "Where we live there are a few families where several people work at the same place." 26

27 THE MASTERMIND: DR. MARKUS DOLLES Studied mechanical engineering and obtained a PhD in production engineering and now works as project manager in the production department. One of his strengths is helping to develop new products and technologies. "I LIKE THE FACT THAT MR ALLOWS PEOPLE TO MAKE DECISIONS THE INFORMAL WAY AND THEN IMPLEMENT THEM QUICKLY." Dr. Markus Dolles THE TROUBLESHOOTER: UWE SELTSAM As leader of the troubleshooting team, he travels a lot, whether in a suit or in a coverall. Solving problems before they start is just part of the job. Studied electrical engineering and has been at MR for many years. "INVESTIGATIONS AT SITE, MEETING CUSTOMERS, TALKING TO ENGINEERS I LOVE THE VARIETY OF THE JOB." Uwe Seltsam THE COORDINATOR: ELISABETH GABLER Joined MR as a project engineer and within only one year became group leader of the customer order center production where she is responsible for managing disposition and assembly planning. "LOGISTICS CONTINUALLY OFFERS NEW CHALLENGES WHICH MAKES WORK FUN." Elisabeth Gabler THE CROSSOVER: DR. ANNIYAPPAN PALANI Joined MR straight after obtaining his PhD in electrical engineering in his native India. Has been testing on-load tap-changers in Regensburg since "I LOVE THE COMBINATION OF BUSINESS, RESEARCH AND TEACHING." Dr. Anniyappan Palani THE HOME-GROWN TALENT: MAXIMILIAN GISS Completed his training with MR ten years ago, and opted to stay. Works in production at Reinhausen Power Composites GmbH and relishes the excitement of every new prototype. "WE'RE FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT JOB SECURITY." Maximilian Giss 27

28 Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH Falkensteinstrasse Regensburg, Germany Phone: Fax: info@reinhausen.com Also visit us at IN /01 EN Image MR F /15 uw Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH 2013 «Discover the world of MR.