Dear readers,

2020 was probably an extraordinary year for all of us. Allow me to take a brief look back and pass on some news from BERTHOLD.

We started the new year with a lot of work. Over the turn of the year we were able to put our BLS logistics control system into operation at the headquarters of the Baumit building materials group in Wopfing.

Managing director Joachim Berthold, MAS reports on the successes despite difficult times.

Coping with specific challenges – Covid 19

Shortly afterwards, like so many companies, we had to deal with the switch to home office and new framework conditions for work and business.

Nevertheless, we quickly learned to deal with the new situation efficiently and, as already described in another blog article, we managed to always be there for our customers and interested parties.

We also handled many small and medium-sized software projects from our home office, developed new features and at the same time pushed forward projects in terms of sales.

So we were in the fortunate position of deciding on one major project in Switzerland (LIMECO waste and wastewater recycling) and one in Germany (ROHRDORFER cement).

These two customers also stuck to the projects because they wanted to enjoy the benefits of our BLS logistics control system as quickly as possible.

We were well positioned for this year and decided to continue growing. The search for suitable employees turned out to be difficult because our requirements are high.

Lived teamwork, the ability to grasp complex interrelationships quickly and solution-oriented thinking and acting are basic requirements for successful work in the BERTHOLD team.

In the middle of the year we found what we were looking for and accepted 5 young technicians who were a perfect fit for us into our team. Even after a short, intensive training session, they were allowed to work on the current projects straight away and thus gain experience quickly. They are now an integral part of our great team.

The young technicians are already an integral part of our team.

Joint success in difficult times

We were able to realize our third major project in Switzerland again. HKW AARBERG AG received a flexible and fail-safe BLS logistics control system that allows fully automated remote operation.

Due to the workload and the short project duration, we had to split the project into 2 phases. Ultimately, however, we were able to complete this project significantly faster and more comprehensively than planned, so that only minimal adjustments and the first extensions are pending for the second project phase.

The wood-fired power plant in Aarberg / CH relies on the fully automated handling of transport logistics from BERTHOLD.

Our regular customers, such as the wastewater association Wiener Neustadt, Holding Graz and Wien Energie, also used the year to carry out further optimizations with us. There were many great projects and expansions up to really extensive digitalization projects that we handled this year in addition to the BLS logistics control systems for our new customers.

Employee protection and customer-oriented service

For us, the new lockdown also meant the strenuous balancing act between a full home office and the physical presence required to complete the projects on time and optimally.

It is just as important to us to protect our employees and their families as it is to help our customers and suppliers and to complete projects.

Ultimately, we hope that the measures we have taken will enable us to implement our major order from ROHRDORFER over the winter months. This year, too, we have busy holidays ahead of us and I would like to thank my team for the commitment. None of this would be possible without these great people.

For our enthusiastic and professional team

It is also this team that makes our company so successful. We have therefore decided to make structural changes that are positively noticeable for our employees.

In the coming year we will invest around 1 million euros in our company building, infrastructure and work equipment so that our employees, who do an exceptionally good job, also have the appropriate working environment, including new social rooms. I will be happy to tell you more about the planned expansion next year.

As already mentioned, the days around Christmas this year will be less contemplative for us than, once again, work-intensive. But we can be very grateful for the business development. Sure, for us too there were numerous obstacles due to COVID-19. We are well aware, however, that many companies did not do as well as we did in the past year. We know that it is a privilege to be able to continue growing, especially in times like these.

I would therefore like to thank not only my team, but also our suppliers, customers and partners, who always gave BERTHOLD the feeling of security so that we could work successfully.

Last year was difficult, but I look ahead positively. Let us all hope for a good year 2021. With common caution and attention, we will master this challenge as well.

Finally, I wish you and your families good health, a peaceful and happy time and a Happy New Year!

Joachim Berthold, MAS
Managing Director

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