Three companies, one message – the importance of CEE partnerships today
In last week’s LinkedIn post, we reported on the study visit to Germany organised by AHK , where industry representatives and companies from Central and Eastern Europe explored together how closer regional cooperation can make Europe more competitive.
Our LinkedIn post is available here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7383762905458044928
Building on this idea, our Managing Director recently visited Germany again, this time to discuss potential forms of cooperation with representatives of specific companies.
The three companies visited differed in size, structure and challenges, but all expressed the same need: reliable, flexible and competitive partners within Europe.
Small business: overcoming certification and capacity challenges
Our first visit was to a small, family-owned company that had previously worked in BMW's supply chain through a Tier-1 partner. That partner had recently ceased operations.
Without the required certifications, they cannot supply directly. They are now seeking a partner able to maintain OEM relationships and ensure compliance with stringent automotive quality requirements.
This is where we can add value: our technical capabilities and flexibility can help smaller manufacturers remain part of major OEM networks.
Medium-sized business: balancing efficiency and cost pressure
Our next stop was a medium-sized injection moulding plant – an inspiring example of automation and disciplined process management.
We learned a great deal from them about efficiency and organisation, but they too face challenges with tooling costs and winning new projects. It is a familiar situation: the gap between the high prices of German toolmakers and the low costs of Asian suppliers continues to widen.
We see an opportunity in this space: companies in Central and Eastern Europe, including Mitter, can deliver high quality at competitive prices, with geographical proximity and cultural compatibility.
Large business: reshaping supplier networks and strengthening regional focus
The third meeting took place at a large company that is reorganising its supplier network and exploring the possibility of relocating part of its injection moulding capacity to Central and Eastern Europe.
Their goal is clear: greater competitiveness and supply stability through a more balanced network of regional partners.
It was encouraging to see their openness to new forms of cooperation and their recognition that Central and Eastern Europe offers both advanced technological expertise and the flexibility essential in today's rapidly changing industrial environment.
The lesson: the power of meeting in person
Regardless of company size or industry, these visits made one thing clear: face-to-face meetings are always worthwhile.
An honest conversation quickly reveals how many opportunities for connection exist between German and Central and Eastern European manufacturers, and how much shared value closer cooperation can create.
As specialists in toolmaking and injection moulding in Central and Eastern Europe, we see every day the benefits of connecting Western European needs with the region's fast, flexible and cost-effective solutions.
We continually seek partnerships in which our in-house toolmaking and series production capabilities enable us to offer both speed and technical depth.
If you face similar challenges or are looking for new regional partners, we would be happy to share our experience.
Let's continue the conversation – step by step, project by project.
