With a huge investment Bodo Krause from Rolofshagen started this year. His company is a high-tech company.
Rolofshagen. Sparks are sprinkling in the Rolofshagen company every time a saw blade is sharpened oder a new miller is made. But a lot more is happening here under supervision of chief manager Bodo Krause, whoch started this year by making a major investment into a new CNC five axis tool beveling machine.
Sounds gigantic and indeed it is. For the huge machine to be installed into the company building the entrance door had to be made taller and a little hole had to be cut into the ceiling. But it's worth while. The new machine is going to introduce a new episode in the company's histroy. “We're now beginning the production of millers and drillers,” 62 year old Bodo Krause proudly announces. Two of his twelve employees will be dealing with that branch of the business: grandson Tino Krause (19) and Heiko Drewes (36).
Both of them are currently running a special training for the machine. “They're both very enthausiastic and spend additional work time. We're still in the introductory phase of the investment because the machine has only been delivered at the end of december.” Krause reports. With the new machine he is aiming at the markets in East Asia. First contacts have been made. “The advantage of the machine is that is can operate fully automatic even at night. The operator inputs the necessary data into the computer, and there it goes!” he says.
A lot of different metal tools can be produced on the new machine. Yet, it is not going to replace one of the workers. “No, all workers will be occupied with more complicated and time-intensive works like adjusting the drilling and beveling machines.” Krause explains. His products are not only sold to the Baltic coast but also to the neighboring federal states. For example, his influence to the market increased when he bought a competitor's company in Lübeck in august 2004.
Krause's products are applied in many different areas: metall processing, paper, timber and meat processing. Anyone who needs something sharps buys from Krause. “Of course, we're happy about customer's dropping by from the local companies. But we earn the most with bulk orders from major industry companies.” Krause reports. He worked as a cabinetmaker in Grevesmühlen. “But there was also a grinery attached,” he remebers. At the beginning of the 1990's he established “Schleiferei und Handel Bodo Krause” in Rolofshagen.
A modern high-tech company arose whose employees deliver high-quality work to their customers. “With the new machine there's no more room left in this building,” the 62-year-old says. But the next investment will be his grandson's tasks, who will take over the company as chief manager in 2009. Krause senior is very glad to have found such a worthy successor. “He's really enthausiastic,” the proud grandfather praises.
While studying business administration Schwerin, Tino is also doing a practical training in his grandfather's company. He also takes courses in business English, and maybe he will extend the company's trading routes to other countries on the Baltic coast.