food Marketing - Technology 4/2023

Processing
25 Years of NETZSCH: Interview with
Felix Kleinert
After a quarter of a century as CEO
of Waldkraiburg-based NETZSCH
Pumpen & Systeme GmbH, Felix
Kleinert looks back on the highs and
lows of his time at NETZSCH ahead
of his well-deserved retirement at the
end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2023.
Before leaving the company, Mr.
Kleinert reviewed his time at the global
specialist for handling complex media
and reported on both good and difficult
moments. In the interview, he talks
about the past years since he started
in 1999, the future of NETZSCH, and
his personal retirement plans.
FMT: Thinking back to your first day,
could you have imagined staying
with NETZSCH for so long?
Felix Kleinert: I still remember when
Thomas Netzsch and I signed the
contract in Selb, and he predicted a
long cooperation time. I had already
been with my previous employer for
nine years and, therefore, couldn’t
imagine staying with one company
for much longer. At that time, I felt a
managing director should change at
least every ten years – but I was proven
wrong. I have broadened my knowledge
over the years, and it was great.
How has the company developed
since you started?
The business unit Pumps & Systems
faced difficult times when I joined
in 1999. At that time, we employed
around 1,000 people in ten sales
companies. Today, there are about
2,500 in almost 30 sales companies
worldwide. In addition, we increased
the turnover from 70 million Euros
worldwide and a zero result to no
less than 400 million Euros with an
excellent result. In cooperation with
our licensee Heishin in Japan, we
also increased our world market
share in the progressing cavity pump
sector from 20 to over 40 percent.
This was only possible thanks to the
employee’s and management’s joint
solid effort. We can all be proud of this.
What do you remember most about
the past 25 years?
I always like to think back to Thomas
Netzsch, who passed away much too
soon. When I approached him and
presented a larger project, he would
ask about the costs, the value for
the company and how long it would
take first. After my answers, he would
usually agree with me, adding that it
could be done a little faster.
Who has influenced you the most
during your time at NETZSCH?
During our time together, I was
mainly influenced by Thomas Netzsch,
with his winning personality and
Prof. Michael Gaitanides, with his
comprehensive knowledge as our
mutual friend.
What distinguishes NETZSCH from
other comparable companies?
It’s the long-term vision of the
company. At NETZSCH, it’s not just
about short-term incoming orders,
sales and earnings but also long-term
strategic orientation. In this regard,
people at NETZSCH have more
endurance. That’s important because
only a few things always work out as
quickly as you thought they would in
the original planning.
30 food Marketing & Technology • August 2023