Factory construction in record time

Hohe Wolkenkratzer mit Sonnenaufgang im Hintergrund

How a traditional Austrian manufacturer found the ideal factory director for its China operations

How a traditional Austrian manufacturer found the ideal factory director for its China operations
Setting up a new production site in China marks a strategic milestone that demands the highest level of experience and local expertise, starting with the right leadership. For us at Steinkellner China Search, supporting a family-owned Austrian manufacturing company on this pivotal journey was a particularly rewarding mission.
This success story illustrates how, through in-depth analysis and a highly focused search process, we identified and placed a European plant manager with proven China experience and fluent Chinese skills in less than three months, who is now vigorously driving forward the factory construction in Suzhou.

A leading, owner-managed Austrian industrial company made the strategic decision to establish a new factory in China to strengthen its presence across Asia. From day one, this substantial investment was to be anchored by an experienced and culturally aligned leader. The key objective: Identifying a plant manager capable of not only directing the factory construction in Suzhou but also taking full responsibility for operations in the role of General Manager.

The expectations for the ideal candidate were demanding and precisely defined: The client sought a European, ideally German-speaking, executive with a proven track record in setting up production facilities in China. In addition to deep management experience within the Chinese business environment, fluency in Chinese was considered a strong asset to ensure smooth communication and integration on site.

Our task at Steinkellner China Search was to identify a highly qualified executive capable of navigating both the technical and intercultural complexities of establishing a new manufacturing site in China. By conducting a detailed analysis of the industry landscape and our client’s specific needs, we were able to define a n accurate search profile.

We leveraged our specialized network and applied our proven search methodology to directly target executives who offered the rare combination of a European background, hands-on greenfield experience in China, and strong language skills. Ongoing, close collaboration with the client’s COO was a decisive factor in ensuring fast, precise, and aligned decision-making throughout the entire process.

Our structured and focused approach led to outstanding results in record time: Less than three months after project kickoff, the contract with the ideal candidate was signed. The European plant manager we identified met all the criteria of the demanding profile and impressed across the board. In addition to proven experience in establishing a factory in China, he is fully proficient in Chinese, enabling seamless collaboration with local partners and future team members.

A key factor in the success was the strong personal rapport that emerged early on between the candidate, our client, and its distinctive corporate culture. The new plant manager has embraced his role with full commitment and is already driving the construction of the new facility in Suzhou forward with energy and precision. This well-aligned employment not only secures the current investment but also a strong foundation for our client’s sustained success in the Asian market.

  • Industry-Specific Analysis and Profile Alignment: Our ability to accurately assess the specific requirements of setting up a new factory in China and translate them into a sharply defined search profile.
  • Efficient and Targeted Searching Process: Rapid identification and direct approach of highly qualified candidates with the rare combination of European background, China-based management and greenfield experience, as well as excellent language skills.
  • Focus on Cultural Fit (“Chemistry”): We emphasize not only professional qualifications, but also personal alignment with the client’s culture, ensuring seamless integration and long-term collaboration.
  • Close and Transparent Client Collaboration: Partnership-based, transparent coordination with the client’s decision-makers enabling fast decision-making and process agility

Your success story could be next

These success stories confirm: With the right partner at your side and a proven method in place, even the most complex challenges in China can be managed successfully.
If you are ready to set the course for sustainable success, let’s connect.