Factory Construction in Record Time

Hohe Wolkenkratzer mit Sonnenaufgang im Hintergrund

How an Austrian traditional company found its ideal factory manager for China

Establishing a new plant in China is a strategic milestone that requires the highest level of experience and local expertise – starting with the right leadership personality. For us at Steinkellner China Search, accompanying an owner-managed Austrian production company in this crucial step was a particularly fulfilling task. This success story demonstrates how, through precise analysis and a focused search process, we identified the hand-picked and perfectly matched European plant manager with China experience and fluent Chinese language skills in less than three months, who is now driving forward the factory construction in Suzhou with full force.

A leading, owner-managed Austrian production company from the industrial sector made the strategic decision to establish its own new factory in China for its target group in the Asian market. This significant investment was to be secured from the start by an experienced and culturally suitable leadership. The core task was to find a plant management to not only take responsibility for setting up the new production site in Suzhou but also to lead it as General Manager.

The requirements for the ideal talent were demanding and clearly defined: We were looking for a European, ideally German-speaking plant management. Proven experience in successfully setting up factories directly in China as well as comprehensive management experience in the Chinese context were indispensable. Fluent Chinese language skills were considered another important plus to ensure smooth communication and integration on site.

Our assignment as Steinkellner China Search was to identify this highly qualified leadership personality who can master both the technical and intercultural challenges of building a new factory in China. Through a precise analysis of the industry and the specific requirements of our client, we were able to precisely define the search profile.

We activated our specialized network and our proven search process to specifically approach executives who possessed the rare combination of European background, proven “greenfield” experience in China, and the desired language skills. The close and very productive coordination with our client’s COO was a decisive factor throughout the entire process for the fast and targeted talent selection.

Our structured and dedicated approach led to an exceptionally quick success: Less than three months after the project start, the contract with the ideal candidate could be signed. The European plant manager we presented met all the criteria of the demanding profile and impressed across the board. He not only brought verifiable experience in setting up a factory in China but also speaks fluent Chinese, which greatly facilitates collaboration with local partners and the future team.

Crucial for the success was also the good chemistry that was noticeable from the beginning between the candidate, our client, and its distinctive corporate culture. The new plant manager is very happy in his new role and is already working with high pressure and full commitment on the construction of the new factory, which is being built on site in Suzhou. This perfect placement not only secures the current investment but also lays the foundation for our client’s long-term successful presence in the Asian market.

  • Precise industry analysis and needs assessment: Our ability to precisely understand the specific requirements for setting up a new factory in China and to align the search profile accordingly.
  • Efficient and targeted search process: The rapid identification and approach of highly qualified talents with the rare combination of European origin, China management and “greenfield” experience, as well as excellent language skills.
  • Focus on cultural fit (“chemistry”): Our attention to finding leaders who are not only professionally but also personally and culturally ideally suited, seamlessly integrating into our clients’ corporate culture.
  • Close and productive client coordination: The partnership-based and transparent collaboration with our clients’ decision-makers, enabling fast and well-founded decision-making.

Your success story could be the next

Are you also planning to set up a new production facility in China or facing the challenge of filling a key position with specific China expertise? Do you need an executive who not only brings experience but also fits culturally with your company and implements your vision on-site? Let’s talk about how we can find the right personality for your success in China with our expertise and dedicated team.