Welcome to our world of SIMPLICITY • 1/2012 • A magazine from

Be Prepared! A special issue on flexible organisation

8 Conscious development

13 Welcome to Brussels CONTENTS Editorial 3...... Theme: Be prepared 6...... The power of initiative Jan-Olof Andersson 8...... Conscious development CEO

10.....Global footprints We have now come part of the way through a new year – 2012. As always, the start of a year is a period when we look forward and feel excitement 11.....Notes at the thought of the various challenges the new year will bring. At the same time, the start of the year is a time when one has the chance to 12.....Welcome reflect and look back over the year that is gone.

13.....Personal 2011 was the year when the financial concern in Europe became reality. Uncertainty has increased, and predicting the future is difficult. During 14.....The Group its history, Rimaster has been present during up and downturns, including the telecommunications crisis at the turn of the century and the recession in 2008/2009. Rimaster’s history has created the Rimaster we have today, with our ability to create simplicity, our proximity to our customers and our global presence. All of these characteristics are foundations to give our customers the secure knowledge that Rimaster is a value-adding partner, a reliable employer and a company that takes its role in society seriously.

During recent years, Rimaster has undergone major development. 2011 Welcome to Rimaster was characterised by strong growth and improved results. Operations Rimaster is a leading supplier of cabling, in China increased to almost 100 employees, we developed and invested electrical cabinets, electronics and cabs further in the production environment in Poland, established a for special vehicles and industrial systems. customer centre in Benelux, and brought all operations in Söderhamn together in one location. We are a global group with our origins and our head office in Rimforsa in Sweden. Will 2012 be a year of new market turbulence and economic crises?

Regardless of how the year develops, we must relate to the world we live Today, Rimaster has around 600 employ- in. Rimaster’s strengths are our preparedness and ability to act in both ees in seven companies across the world. up and downturns. We have organisations for sales, design, development and production in Sweden, Our objective is continued international development across our Poland, Belgium and China. whole product range. We will be intensifying the work to increase Our vision is to be a partner who creates our customer base in Benelux and Germany, an area in which we are simplicity for our customers and sets the already seeing positive development. standards for global industry. A milestone will be passed in 2012. Rimaster will be 30 years old! Welcome to our world of Simplicity. Naturally, we will be celebrating this in different ways both with our customers and employees. Rimaster AB Industrivägen 14 As you can see, we have taken a new step with Riview in order to SE-590 44 RIMFORSA develop our external communication and to clarify what Rimaster +46 494 795 00 stands for. We look forward to receiving your opinions or suggestions [email protected] for future issues; email me directly, CEO Jan-Olof Andersson (jan@ www.rimaster.com rimaster.com) or VP Q/IT Peter Haglund ([email protected]).

Kind regards EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jan-Olof Andersson Jan-Olof Andersson, [email protected] CEO, Rimaster group Meet three enthusiastic researchers, Andreas Wallo, Peter Nilsson and Henrik Kock, who are all passionate about their projects. We meet them at the University in Linköping, where they can be found in the Department of Behav- ioural Sciences, bearing titles such as Senior Lecturer, Assistant Professor and Doctor of Phi- losophy. An inspiring environment in which Editorial to study and consider modern management.

Modern Management – fragments from a scientific perspective

- Page 3 - Theme

Dare to develop the inherent drive During the latter half of the 1900s, the eco- nological development happens at the same time be focused on develop- nomic situation to all intents and purposes incredible speed, we move almost un- ment. This is about the ability to deal followed a fixed cyclical pattern. Society hindered across borders, communica- with the Gordian Knot*; to accelerate and companies could in principle plan for tion is constantly updated and we are and brake at the same time. To be able forthcoming booms and recessions. How all exposed to information overload. to see where savings can be made, and would you describe the conditions for man- The world has quickly become com- where investment and development agement today? plex and global. should be carried out.

Today we see a completely different Through our work we have been able In your research, you meet companies with- pattern. Changes in the economic to follow companies who must man- in different industries and with different situation occur more quickly, tech- age these constant changes and at aims. Are there any questions that you feel

*The Gordian Knot is an apparently impossible task that can only be solved by an unusual action. It was prophesied that Alexander the Great would become lord of all Asia if the knot was undone, which – after Alexander cut it with his sword – it was. This whole episode took place in around 300 B.C.

- Page 4 - are currently particularly important for to- requires courage to differentiate one- same time as it constructs and reflects day’s managers? self and to create competitiveness. the brand. A precondition for success- ful HR work is that information and One of the most significant trends over We discuss what is characteristic of communication go in both directions recent years is of course Lean Produc- Swedish management, and it is prob- between managers and employees. tion; the ability to create added value ably decentralised and delegated lead- for the customer. Lean can be both a ership. Jan Carlsson, who was CEO at In a world where there is complete philosophy and a concrete tool and it SAS, taught us to “tear the pyramids transparency and where we are all vis- is particularly interesting that it can down”, but now it is time to take new ible in the media, the spread of nega- be used both within industry and pub- action. Perhaps this will entail broad- tive information can have devastating lic organisations with great success. ening the company’s appeal by means effects. Ethics and morality are at a of diversity and sexual equality; how premium, and it is important to im- Many organisations and managers are can we ensure that more women want plement the company’s values as an sensitive to trends and constantly seek to be managers; how can we eliminate ethical compass for all employees. Cor- out new models the invisible bar- porate Social Responsibility is a term for their manage- “Major opportunities riers? Those who that should be borne in mind. ment and way of for those who have the dare to construct working. This is their manage- Andreas, Peter and Henrik have to important to hold courage to differentiate ment groups rush off, but before leaving they sum- one’s own and to themselves” with diversity marise our conversation: The future create competi- where languages of management contains many chal- tiveness among customers and com- and cultures mix will be strong over lenges, but also management oppor- petitors, and in order to attract com- time. It is a case of seeing cultural dif- tunities for those who have the cour- petent employees. It is part of creating ferences as a means of access. age to differentiate themselves and an attractive brand and it generates who have the power to develop the energy for the organisation. In today’s global world, the tempo is organisation’s expertise in change. high. Economic situations and cir- In a rapidly changing environment, But we also see risks with being too cumstances change in a constant it is important to eliminate uncer- sensitive to trends; it can lead to un- stream. Management is about creat- tainty in organisations and to dare certainty and disjointedness for the ing flexible organisations that can to develop their inherent drive. This organisation. And if everyone is equal- rapidly readjust to new conditions. requires managers to be close to their ly sensitive to trends, there can be no This is why Human Resources, HR, is organisations and to understand the distinguishing features. We believe becoming ever more important. Cor- consequences of the changes that are that the managers of the future must rectly handled, HR can create value and implemented. dare to develop their own models; it competitiveness for the company at the

A ten-year research project that started in 2006 is under way at Linköping University between the Uni- versity, Vinnova and twenty other partners. The project is multidisciplinary, which means that it is organised in research groups with a broad spread in terms of subject area, theoretical starting points and traditions.

Helix has 45 staff, with 8 senior researchers and 36 researchers. The project is unique of its kind and creates interdisciplinary perspectives in collaboration with companies and organisations in order to develop new knowledge and methods. The starting point is that a workplace is not just a production system but also a system for encouraging learning, health and innovations.

Andreas Wallo, Peter Nilsson and Henrik Kock are linked with the project relating to Rimaster. Per-Erik “Our research is linked with the Helix project here in Linköping and for us as researchers, Ellström is assistant centre director, while Lennart this has meant a unique research effort on an interactive basis between the university, Svensson is research manager. partner companies, society and organisations. We have been able to exchange experiences with researchers from other disciplines, which has given us new angles of attack and a www.liu.se/helix broader perspective”, explain Andreas, Peter and Henrik. Picture above: Attractive surroundings at Linköping University.

- Page 5 - Our World

The power of initiative

Riview meets Andreas Kronström tion of if there will be a change in the We want the key words associated one evening at the end of the work- economic situation, because there al- with our brand to be Simplicity, Prox- ing day. We are practically the only ways will be. The world never stands imity and Global. This also shapes people left in the workplace; there still, and there are always changes our strategy. Proximity means that are just a few lights left in some taking place. Instead it is about being we want the customer to perceive us of the offices. Andreas works as prepared and managing the situation. Key Account and Project Manager Be Prepared! within Rimaster, and we ask him “Value-adding what he thinks of the troubled Naturally, we monitor the informa- partners create economic situation? tion we can obtain from the market on a daily basis. But we consider that it competitiveness” This is a question we have talked a lot is most important to be responsive to about within Rimaster. Someone had our customers. In this way, we obtain as a collaboration partner, a partner read an interview with Percy Barnevik the time to create the ability to act and who can be both value-supporting and in which he said that it’s not a ques- to handle the current situation. value-adding.

- Page 6 - Globally prepared to be an active part in the search for efficiency and rationalisation.

A value-adding partner Value-adding processes constantly growing organisation that As a value-supporting partner, we link By following our customers as they is geographically spread across the with ongoing processes and provide move out onto the international stage, world, the customer should meet the support in line with what the customer we are today ready for the global mar- same Rimaster regardless of which of values and needs. But as a value-adding ket. We take part in our customers’ de- our sites they are in contact with. We partner, we take our own initiative for velopment of products and can easily therefore coordinate the organisation the customer and provide new solutions transfer production to different pro- to increase our uniformity. that give increased competitiveness. duction units depending on the vol- umes and product maturity involved. The objective is to create quick, To be constantly consciously moving straightforward communication be- forwards, we arrange different types Human Resources tween managers and employees, de- of meetings with our customers. These Currently we are developing our partments and work groups. In this can be strategy meetings, evaluation or HR work to anchor our strategy in way, Proximity becomes Rimaster’s development meetings. This becomes the organisation by creating under- model for creating the time and ability an iterative process where we create re- standing, acceptance and the ability to act in order to manage change. This newal and development together. to act. Despite the fact that we are a is our response to the call: Be Prepared!

CUSTOMER SUPPLIER Simplicity

Global Proximity

RIMASTER

The key words associated with Rimaster’s brand should characterise relationships and work processes. Be Prepared! This is our recipe for managing They give the opportunity to be both value-supporting and value-adding. constant change, Andreas explains.

- Page 7 - Out and about Conscious development

In Mjölby, we meet Mats Nilsson, toring deliveries, but it has changed Mats Nilsson who is an experienced buyer for and developed. Today, the work is Toyota Material Handling Europe BT. We ask him to tell us how he more about selecting the right sup- Strategic Buyer. works with his strategic purchas- pliers and products and managing » Responsible for products such as ing work. logistics and flows. In short, running electricity, electronics and cabling supplier development projects. with around 1200 items and 20 Over the last 25 years, purchasing has suppliers. developed from an administrative When we evaluate new potential sup- support function to a more strategic pliers, we visit them over two days and » Employed by BT since 1998. function with a very significant effect the whole of the company’s organisa- Lives in Linköping, commutes to on the results of the company. From tion is inspected. We have developed Mjölby every day. the beginning, the purchasing role templates for evaluating and scoring, was about placing orders and moni- identifying weaknesses and working we have a resource that helps our sup- deliver to other factories within the pliers to find efficiency measures and group. Today, for example, we see that improvements; Commercial Supplier Rimaster in Sweden delivers to our Kaizen. It is fascinating to see how factory in Italy. the Toyota model is also used within the County Council and hospital Close collaboration with great success. Set up times and I see major advantages in being able preparation increase both efficiency to develop prototypes and designs and quality. here in Sweden and then when it is time for volume production seeking Global efficiency cost-effective solu- Over a number “One trend is the tions, primarily of years, we have in Eastern Europe focused very tightly search for efficiency and China. on quality improve- As a strategic buyer, Mats Nilsson seeks straight- forward and rational solutions for achieving ment. Now we are and rationalisation” To have control cost-effectiveness. also increasing our over quality and focus on cost reductions. Our objec- delivery accuracy is a precondition tive is to achieve 25% market share for us being able to develop effective together to find areas for improvement. in the world within our segment, production solutions together with which means that we must be more the supplier. The initiative for an ef- We also work with a supplier certifica- cost-effective. This is why we are col- fective solution can come both from tion programme where quality, deliv- laborating with our suppliers to seek ourselves and from the supplier; that ery and service are measured every out simple and rational solutions. is how good close collaboration works. quarter and compiled once a year. In parallel, cross-functional work takes Within Toyota Material Handling place with other evaluations in areas Europe (TMHE) we have three factories such as technical discussions between in Europe, and BT has designers and quality issues between also started production engineers. in China. About every two months, I travel to The Toyota Way visit my overseas suppli- Within BT in Mjölby, we are part of ers. Then we carry out Toyota Material Handling’s overall stra- comparisons and help tegic objectives. The objectives are then each other to find new gradually broken down to the level of and stimulating solu- our factory in Mjölby and to objectives tions. for the purchasing department. We are a part of the Toyota culture and I When I think of how we think that it works very well. work and compare that with others, I see that A current issue is “TPS”, the Toyota a clear trend today is Production System, through which the search for efficiency our suppliers have progressed to differ- and rationalisation. We ent extents. One part of TPS is Kaizen, are always striving to a which means constant improvement. greater extent to find Together with our suppliers, we iden- global solutions for our tify problems, shortcomings or areas purchasing. A new truck has seen the light of day. The BT Optio L Series was for improvement that we can work recently awarded the Gold Award and the highest recognition for through together. product design, functionality and design by the international jury at Certified suppliers also the iF Gold Awards. It has been developed around the Smooth Operator Within the purchasing department, have the opportunity to concept and is intended to create the best possible working conditions.

BT’s factory in Mjölby is one of the largest production units in the world for the manufacture of material handling equipment, with around 1800 employees and 76,000 m2 factory space. Here there are functions such as product development, manufacturing and a central store with over 40,000 spare parts.

- Page 9 - Sites Polish success

Rimaster’s plant in Czaplinek has mation about a new machine project, recently obtained a number of new and in late January we delivered the customers. Among others, Krone, first prototypes.” the German manufacturer of ag- ricultural machinery, has chosen “Today we see that our robust pro- Rimaster as its supplier. cesses, where quality and the right delivery times are a matter of course, Piotr Szyrman works with marketing are one of the most important keys for and sales in collaboration with the the customer to feel confidence in our Belgian sales office. He tells us with organisation. Together with the cus- great empathy and enthusiasm how tomer, we can then create flexibility.” the contacts with Krone developed. MD Iwona Uszakiewicz tells us that “Krone visited the production plant several more interested customers are here in Poland and the result was a on the way. “This is a victory for all of close collaboration where we devel- the personnel here in Poland.” oped adaptable solutions together. In Proud and happy! Piotr and Iwona see success as the middle of December, we got infor- a victory for all of the personnel Kanban in China

At Rimaster’s plant in Ningbo, in cesses. But with the help of the Lean China, personnel have long been approach, we can maintain both high working according to Lean prin- productivity, flexibility and have full ciples. It is a process that is con- control of the process. This involves stantly developed and refined. our whole business, for example in de- Yong Shen (“Jonas”), who is the sign and sourcing.” MD, tells us that he and several of the other employees previously “Six months ago we also introduced worked at Sony Ericsson’s plant in Kanban, which is a tool within Lean. China. The objectives include reducing our material stocks. The will inside the or- “There it was about large production ganisation is strong, so we saw results volumes. Within Rimaster, we are quickly.” instead aiming at ‘high mix-low vol- ume’. Here there are constantly dif- “Development here in Rimaster’s ferent products, and that changes the plant in China happens quickly. Today production conditions.” we see more customers who demand our entire process”, Jonas concludes. “Together we have developed our pro-

“Jonas” and several of the other employees in China have significant experience of the Lean ap- proach, including from Sony Ericsson’s plant.

- Page 10 - Notes

December, also in Söderhamn as ager for the unit. Previously, Iwona RD organisation an electrical systems designer. Mats has held a number of management changes previously worked for Industriauto- positions within quality, project mation in Sandviken. management and logistics. Benny Wallin is the new MD of Ri- Håkan Karlsson will be starting in Yong Shen started at Rimaster in master Development AB, as of 1 spring in Jönköping as an electronics January 2011 as Operations Manager January 2012. Benny comes from a designer. He comes from BAB for Rimaster’s operations in Ningbo, position as MD of Rimaster Electron- Elektronik. China. He then came from a position ics AB and has earlier experience as Senior Improvement Manager of leading development operations within Sony Ericsson. from both Ericsson and Emerson. 30th anniversary – Tomas Stålnert, the former MD for Benny is based in Söderhamn. both Rimaster Poland and Rimaster From the start of the year, Peter Rimaster 1982-2012 Ningbo is now Operations Manager for the Rimaster group. Haglund, the previous MD of the This year it is 30 years since Rimaster company and coordinator of the was established in Rimforsa. A Jubi- group relating to quality and IT, will lee group has been created to work be purely addressing quality and IT on proposals for how this anniversa- Rimaster a prize- issues within the group. ry should be celebrated. We started our jubilee year by inviting all of winner in Best In- the employees within the group to New designers for sample “Rimaster cake”. ternational Growth Forthcoming activities are an “open Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Rimaster house” at all of our units before the Year is one of the world’s foremost Development summer where we have the opportu- awards for entrepreneurs. The com- nity to show our operations and our petition is carried out at regional, The pressure was high within workplace to family, friends, custom- national and international level in Rimaster Development for the ers and the public. more than 140 cities and in more whole of 2011. More and more of our than 50 countries. In December 2011, customers ask for design help, both Rimaster AB won the “Best Interna- within electrical and electronics sys- Merger between tional Growth” prize in the eastern tems, and both for new products and area regional final. changes to existing product lines. Rimaster Electro- “Rimaster has established production During the year, we have therefore system AB and and marketing companies both close reinforced our team with: to home and far away through close Anders Hahne who started in Rimaster collaboration with its customers. Söderhamn in February as an electri- With a focus on simplicity, innovation cal systems designer. Anders previ- Electronics AB and development, the company has ously worked for Saab in Arboga. The site merger in Söderhamn is now created a reputable and profitable Olov Häggbom, who is working as an complete. The project went according company whose expertise and com- electronics designer in Jönköping. to plan and the merger was finished petence have become widely known He started in May and most recently by the turn of the year. In Söderhamn across the world.” worked for Combitech. everything is now “under one roof”, Dennis Tang, who started in August and we are looking forwards; greater as an electronics designer in well-being, better resource manage- Jönköping. Dennis comes straight ment, more effective material from his studies! handling, overall planning and more Feng Yuanxing, who started during straightforward administration. the summer in Ningbo as a designer, primarily within electrical systems. Feng previously worked at Aeroflex in Peking with test system develop- Appointments ment. From 1 March 2012, Iwona Uszakie- Bertil Sahlström, who since Novem- wicz has been appointed as MD for ber has been working as an electri- Rimaster Poland and Yong Shen as cal systems designer in Söderhamn. MD for Rimaster Ningbo in China. Before he started at Rimaster, Bertil Iwona Uszakiewicz has worked for worked at CrossControl in Alfta. Rimaster in Poland since 2002 and Per Carlsson, Rimaster’s principal owner Mats Andersson, who started in since 2011 has been Operations Man- and proud recipient of the award.

- Page 11 - Welcome

Brussels

A greeting from Europe’s capital – Brussels. Welcome to Europe’s capital

Favourite children have many the Grand Place, the fine old square his surrealist friends. An alternative names, and that applies to Bel- in the centre of the city, which must is the newly opened Hergé Museum, gium’s capital Brussels, which is be one of the world’s most beautiful where Tintin has his own exhibition. written Bruxelles by the French squares. At the pavement cafe Le Roy and Brüssel in Germany. Today the d’Espagne, espresso Enjoy the architec- city is the main centre for the EU is served while you “Art Nouveau ture in Brussels, and NATO’s headquarters are lo- take in the architec- where Art Nouveau cated here. There are just over a ture. Manneken Pis buildings abound buildings abound. million inhabitants, but with the is nearby, but we can While you wander, suburbs included this increases to pass by without fur- in Brussels” you can quench your around two million. ther comment! thirst with one of the more than 700 kinds of beer to choose Kristel Olislagers is enthusiastic and Then a little window shopping in Brus- from in Belgium. well-informed about her capital. On sels’ oldest shopping arcade, Galer- a daily basis, she works with logistics ies Royales de Saint Hubert, with its Kristel concludes by reminding us of and quality issues at Rimaster’s office gorgeous marble halls and luxurious the famous Belgian chocolates, which in Beringen, just outside Brussels. She shops. Kristel feels that nothing can are a must. She suggests a visit to one of tells us about the top sights of the city, top a visit to the enormous art mu- the Leonidas shops, which can be found and impresses us with her knowledge seum Musées Royaux des-Beaux-Arts, across the whole city with an excellent of architecture, art and history. where everything awaits you from the range and good prices. A favourite can Often a weekend in Brussels starts in old Flemish primitives to Magritte and be found at 46 Boulevard Anspach.

- Page 12 - Personal Good morning Niklas Kindén How are you today? There is always something exciting Very well! I have just spent a weekend happening at Rimaster. I now have hunting; this time we got two wild a new role as sourcing manager on boar. Otherwise, we hunt things like a global level. This has meant that I moose, hare and deer. But I am just have been in China for long periods as happy simply walking through the during recent years. forest and enjoying the silence and stillness. I live on a farm called Aspud- One of my tasks is coordinating our den, in Yxnefall, just outside Kisa. I purchasing functions and develop- bought the farm, which is only a few ing our strategic collaboration within meters from the lake, in 1998. What the Rimaster group. It is a major task, Niklas the globetrotter with his hunting could be better? which will streamline and rationalise companion Meja. our business. I have hunting in my blood; both my father and grandfather were great For me personally, this has been an tive and wants to create clever solu- hunters. I have a hunting companion enormous development. To work in- tions. Jonas and all the others are do- too, a wire-haired pointer. Together ternationally has given me new per- ing fantastic work. In China I also met we are often called out if there have spectives both on my work and my a new woman. She is 44 and is in Swe- been traffic accidents and an injured private life. My advice to those who den just now to visit and to see how animal must be tracked. get the chance to work overseas is to I live. Many millions of people live in appreciate the opportunity. Ningbo; in Aspudden, there’s just me I have worked for Rimaster since June and the dog. How different life can be! 1984; that’s 28 of my 47 years! That There is an exceptional team spirit at must mean that I am happy here. our plant in China. Everyone is posi- We take our hats off

Jimmy Holler works within Atlas is quite conservative. The 50% reduc- Copco in Örebro. He has been pro- tion creates competitiveness and a fu- ject manager for the prize-winning ture for our factory here in Örebro”. Smart Roc T35, an above-ground application for rock drilling. A “Rimaster has helped us with develop- project that started in 2007 and ment and design work for the cabling. which involved 30-40 people. The result has been a cabling system that streamlines our production and “With a new control system, we have reduces prices. Production takes place managed to cut the machine’s fuel in Poland or Sweden, depending on consumption by half. We have also volume. Today, Rimaster is one of the tested it in a number of different en- suppliers we work most closely with; vironments and under different con- we use the same design software and ditions. Including in Poland, Turkey, they work directly on our templates. Germany, Norway and Sweden. This Our collaboration just gets better over has meant that we were awarded the time.” “Environment Award”, an internal prize within Atlas Copco.” “I am really proud that our team won, among 35,000 employees”, Jimmy “The environmental aspect is very im- concludes. portant in today’s society, and we have Riview takes its hat off in congratula- had many positive signals from our tion. customers, even though the industry A prize-winning team from Atlas Copco in Örebro.

- Page 13 - The Group

The next few years will be our best! Rimaster’s vision is to be a partner has grown, just to name a few indica- area we want to explore still further in who creates simplicity for our tors. The perspective in strategy work order to build even stronger customer customers and is an inspirational is broad and comprehensive. In this relationships and to be involved at an example for a global industry. This article, we have chosen to highlight a early stage in our customers’ change means that we must constantly few current areas. projects. Then we can act proactively develop in order to understand and create competitive advantages for and meet our customers’ demands. The customer relationship: We should the customer. Within the group, we therefore be perceived as easy to work with carry out annual strategy work and we should be found close to our The customer base: Historically, for both the forthcoming years customer, so relationships with our our customers have been found in and development seen in a longer customers are extremely northern Europe, perspective. important. We therefore Be prepared! mainly within the regularly hold different special vehicles and After the latest recession, Rimaster’s types of customer meetings. For industry systems segments. To reach business has developed positively. example, strategy meetings are held new markets, we opened last year a Growth has been strong, profitability so that we can better understand the customer centre in Belgium, from has improved and our customer base customer’s future needs. This is an which we are cultivating customers in

- Page 14 - The Group

Benelux and Germany. This work will with standardising and streamlining be intensified during 2012. our internal processes, for example by Flexibility and control: Changes in our introducing a common part number surroundings take place outside our system, standardised supplier agree- control and can happen very quickly. ments and continued development of We are therefore constantly seeking our internal operational system. new ways to increase our ability to be flexible. We are currently running Company and management culture: deliberate projects to reduce tied-up Rimaster’s size and geographical capital and to develop the organisa- distribution set demands on the man- tion’s flexibility. In 2012, we will be agement and management structures, increasing our focus by regularly which mean that management groups measuring selected parameters and within all units are undergoing man- monitoring objectives to guarantee our agement development. Employees control of operations and to be able to who have the ability and the desire take fact-based can grow into decisions. new management Peter Yngvesson and Liselotte Nilsson work with “This is how we face an roles. The group HR issues within Rimaster. Internal uncertain economic management has processes: Our undergone minor for this geographically widespread customers situation” alterations in organisation to work towards the are exposed order to increase same objectives, we initiated a work to competition in their respective clarity and to be prepared for forth- in 2011 related to strengthen the markets. Therefore they are also price- coming change projects. company culture. The project was conscious and require us to work to called “Master of Simplicity”, and will streamline our operations without Rimaster today has around 600 em- continue in 2012 to increase all em- losing focus on quality or delivery accu- ployees and operations in Sweden, ployees’ understanding of the group, racy. We will be intensifying our work Poland, China and Belgium. In order our customers and our future. Flexible infrastructure A geographically widespread or- ganisation needs to be linked to- gether with a modern IT environ- ment. This is why an analysis was carried out in spring 2010 of the Rimaster group’s IT environment. We were assisted by an external consultancy company that special- ises in infrastructure and security. In spring 2011, it was time to act, and we have invested in a modern environment based on virtual serv- ers and with duplicate backups to physically separate buildings. Per Mårtensson, IT manager within Rimaster. Virtual servers give us a number of benefits. The number of physical A centralised IT operation leads to re- virtual environment went according servers in the business are reduced duced administration, better control to plan, while moving the servers has significantly, which means lower over licences and improved opportu- been more complex than we initially maintenance costs, a reduction in nities to run certain common appli- thought. the need for ongoing investments in cations. We have now simplified the new, smaller servers, and a reduction opportunities to adapt the IT system The virtualisation work will continue in total energy consumption. We can in the case of future reorganisations, during the spring, with centralisa- rapidly adapt to new demands, such and we have a flexible infrastructure. tion starting of all units’ IT systems. as the introduction of new applica- This is a matter of “bringing order” to tions, and the utilisation of the infra- In technical terms, the change project each respective unit’s IT environment, structure is increased. The duplicate has so far gone well. Most of the serv- evaluating what should be centralised backup solution improves security ers that previously constituted indi- and ensuring both normal and redun- and increases the possibility of a rapid vidual physical machines have been dant communication between Rim- return to normal operation if a catas- implemented in the virtual environ- forsa and each unit. trophe should occur. ment. The actual installation of the

- Page 15 - Welcome to our world of simplicity

Contact us

Rimaster AB Industrivägen 14 Rimaster is a leading supplier of cable harnesses, electrical cabinets, SE-590 44 Rimforsa electronics and cabs for special vehicles and industrial systems. Sweden

Rimaster Electrosystem AB Rimaster Development AB Rimaster Cab & Mechanics AB Rimaster Poland S.P. Z.o.o. Rimaster Benelux BVBA Industrivägen 14 Östra Storgatan 20 Klintvägen 3 Ul. Kolejowa 4 Schaapsweg 6 SE-590 44 Rimforsa SE-553 21 Jönköping SE-590 39 Kisa PL-78 - 550 Czaplinek BE-3582 Beringen Sweden Sweden Sweden Poland Belgium

Bröksmyravägen 31 Bröksmyravägen 31 Industrigatan 1 Ul. Poprzeczna 1 Rimaster Ningbo Co., Ltd SE-826 40 Söderhamn SE-826 40 Söderhamn SE-590 42 Horn PL-78-449 Borne Sulinowo No.9 Jinxi Road, Zhenhai, Sweden Sweden Sweden Poland Ningbo CN-3152 21 China

www.rimaster.com www.effectreklam.se