
Interview with Stefan Brandl, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
What contribution does DRÄXLMAIER make to curbing climate change?
At DRÄXLMAIER, we are actively shaping the mobility of the future with our product and technology portfolio. By investing extensively in research and development, we focused on innovative technologies and materials at an early stage in order to advance e-mobility and minimize the ecological footprint of our products. In doing so, we not only follow legal obligations, but also understand sustainable action as a central element of our corporate culture and also of our economic success.
What does this mean in concrete terms?
This includes, for example, the expansion of our product range around the future topics of mobility, such as electrification and connectivity. The use of lighter materials to reduce fuel consumption or the shortening of delivery routes are also part of our activities. Among other things, we are also working on the application of the principle of circular economy and continuously on the implementation of efficient manufacturing processes. All these and many other measures are contributions to sustainable business.
What hurdles and difficulties do you face?
The development and production of more environmentally friendly products, but also the establishment of new production capacities and the adaptation of manufacturing processes require considerable investments. Customers expect environmentally friendly products at competitive prices. In addition, there is complexity in the supply chain. It is difficult to implement sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. Consequently, this is a major challenge for the entire automotive industry.
How do you deal with regulatory requirements related to sustainability?
Regulatory requirements vary by region and can be very complex. It requires a high level of expertise and resources to ensure that all products and processes also comply with the applicable regulations. All departments and employees are asked to contribute to this.
What distinguishes the DRÄXLMAIER sustainability management?
What makes us special is our ongoing commitment to sustainability. Even under the difficult economic conditions of recent years, we have been proactive. We created the foundation for this by realigning our sustainability activities on the basis of a materiality analysis. Our main fields of action are sustainable products, climate and environmental protection, social responsibility and governance. We work in a strongly networked manner, because this is a task for society as a whole. As a company, we need stable and long-term political support for sustainable action, including corresponding support programs, government incentives, and regulations that favor environmentally friendly solutions.
How do you involve your employees in the transformation process?
Sustainable action requires a change of mindset. For this, training and a safe and attractive work environment are important. We are awarded as a top employer in the industry and as a particularly responsible company. Our employees, with their know-how and passion, are the most important drivers of innovation and thus of our future viability. I can say that change has always contributed to the progress of the DRÄXLMAIER Group.