Up

08.04.2020

“We want to grow together”

To integrate Dutch activities into DMK’s structures, unified processes are needed. Carsten Klapproth, Head of Global Business Services DMK, is part of an international team ensuring collaboration works out

How does DMK manage teamwork with the Netherlands?

We set up a project called MAXIMA. It pulls together the integration of all of our activities in the Netherlands under one DMK roof. The aim is to work out how to optimize cooperation between DOC, DDP, Uniekaas, DVN, DP Supply and DMK. What’s important for us is the “one way of working“ principle – whether it’s in Hohenwestedt, Holdorf or Hoogeveen. We want to introduce international process flows and an international way of working – and to continually learn from each other. If a Dutch solution is better than a German one, we will integrate that into our processes and vice versa. What counts is getting the best result for the DMK Group.

And how is the integration going, specifically?

We have clearly defined areas of action and regional allocations for our business units within Vision 2030. The prerequisite for that to run smoothly is that we have uniform systems. So we are rolling out SAP for our Dutch locations as well, for example.

Who is in charge of the project?

The group management commissioned a project team from the Netherlands and Germany, which was tasked with developing solutions and processes here. The top priority is teamwork.

This is what our partners say.

Opinions on our MAXIMA project

Uniekaas
Ron Krekels, Managing Director, Uniekaas:

“I’ve been working closely with DMK for several years now and I think we can still learn a lot from each other and improve together. I hope that MAXIMA provides a foundation for this. We can only continue to succeed in the future if we all feel as though we are part of the DMK Group and keep developing together.“

Business Unit International
Michael Feller, COO International Business Unit:

“Uniekaas and DOC make first class products and I really appreciate how openly we are working together with our Dutch colleagues. I will certainly be reaching for that great Dutch cheese, not only to enjoy it at home but also as a global export.“

Business Unit Private Label
Thorsten Rodehüser, COO Private Label Business Unit:

“The Dutch private label business works a little differently than the one in Germany, and has its own appeal. This is an area where we can learn from each other and ensure that DMK Group customers get the very best. We have a lot to offer!“

Business Unit Brand
Matthias Rensch, COO Brand Business Unit:

“Uniekaas is a traditional Dutch brand and its naturally matured cheese is a real asset. I am looking forward to our future exchanges and to working together closely with our Dutch colleagues.”

DOC Kaas
Marcel Bruins, Director Administration DOC Kaas:

“I took on responsibility for the DOC’s Finance & Administration in October. I started working closely with my German colleagues immediately. I am sure that MAXIMA will continue to improve this close collaboration on both sides.“


Business Unit Industry
Alexander Godow, COO Industry Business Unit DMK:

“The Zuivelpark Hoogeveen is an important pillar for the future of our Industry Business Unit and therefore for the DMK Group as a whole, of course. The prospect of combining the DOC, one of Europe’s most modern cheese dairies, with the DVN, one of Europe’s best whey processing sites, offer us great perspectives in the framework of Vision 2030.”

Why does this project exist?

The DMK Group as a whole has yet to tap the full potential that we and our farmers expect from us. We could still do better at improving and streamlining processes across borders, and we could cooperate better in administration. What does the project team want to achieve this year? We want to make sure Uniekaas and DVN have SAP, clearly structure the organization, define a roadmap and coordinate our core processes.

How will things look in 2021?

By then we hope to have implemented all the issues that we are addressing in 2020 – processes, IT and organisation, and to be seeing a noticeable improvement in how we work together.