Some 1.200 employees and a forecast of 160 million
euros by 2024. "Digitisation and the energy
transition are two disruptive variables. They do not imply if, but only when
they will happen. We have to arrive earlier, we have to work together in a
predictive logic". For FARE INSIEME Giampaolo Colletti interviews Renzo
Gibellini, CEO of Reflexallen
di Giampaolo Colletti
@gpcolletti
Reflexallen, an excellent Italian company operating in the
automotive sector, talks about an evolving world. A world that is migrating at
alternate speeds towards electric power. A world still to be built, with new
looming challenges, the emerging needs of a customer who is more attentive to
the dynamics of environmental impact, systems that must be adjusted to this
transition. «We are still focused on heavy
vehicles and we are moving into a wider, electric world. We are experiencing a
slow transition in the public's eyes, but a much more expedited one in the
supply chain, where a real disruption is taking place with an escalation curve
that is also dramatic. On the other hand, there has also been the variable
linked to the pandemic, which has speeded everything up», says Renzo Gibellini, CEO of
Reflexallen, a giant in precision components and also active in after-sales.
The company focuses on energy transfer in the automotive sector: all systems
are designed to make fluids flow through pipes, cables, plugs, wiring of
various kinds. The customer informs us of what kind of energy he/she wants to
use and in which product and Reflexallen takes care of the rest: design,
development, testing, prototyping, production. We are located in the hills
around Modena, precisely in Guiglia, in the wonderful village that has less
than three thousand inhabitants and looks at the whole world thanks to
Reflexallen. The company employs 1,200 people in various branches around the
world, including China, the United States, Japan, Germany, England, Ireland and
India, which boasts even four plants.
Between old world and new world. Today, the market is
experiencing deep divisions, subjected to multiple stress tests, staying within
the metaphor linked to research. A seesaw marked by the virus emergency, which
is also reflected in the numbers: if 2019 recorded a turnover of 120 million
euro, 2020 saw a drop to 80 million euro and this new year marks a forecast of
110 million euro. However, the trend is growing strongly. «In 2024, we estimate to reach 160
million euro with more than 1500 employees. This is the impact of
electrification, which has been reported by research institutes around the
world. This is also leading to a new approach to vehicle manufacturing. The
proof? 43% fewer components in an electric vehicle than in a conventional one.
A devastating impact on components. So, there is only one message: evolve», says Gibellini.
Then, the key to success is not chasing, but anticipating
change, especially at this stage, which represents a point of no return. There
are so many different elements at stake, factors outside the company that have
an impact within the company. There's the end of the internal combustion
engine, the drive towards autonomous driving, which will be a reality in 2030,
and the collection of data through much more widespread and sophisticated
sensors inside the vehicle. There is the aspect of reducing the vehicle fleet,
with new, different and more versatile vehicles, such as the small autonomous
shuttles that will replace large buses in cities. «All this will happen faster than
we think. Digitisation and energy transition are two disruptive variables. They
do not imply if, but only when they will happen. We experience
this on the ground every day, it is not the fashion of the moment, but a new
and already present reality. Fear is running high, but there is enthusiasm. We
have to arrive earlier, we have to work in a predictive logic. On the other
hand, we know technology with its much faster growth curves than in the past,
so we have less time to develop new and different business models and find
solutions. Knowing how to anticipate the times, especially at this time,
becomes essential. This is also why we are dedicated to developing our
business system, our being a Tier 1 supplier, and being able to increase our
speed as a platform and supply cluster»,
says Gibellini.
Teamwork. Indeed, the cluster, so the
territorial district, becomes reticular because it links up with excellence in
the world. The secret, in this case too, is to work as a team so that no one is
left behind. After all, you win or lose together: this is the mantra for a
global player which, at the same time, maintains a 'can-do' approach.
Therefore, the way forward is to do things together in a logic that is not only
company-based, but embraces the entire value chain. «We have firm guidelines linked to
the automotive world and an immense desire to do things well and with passion.
Ownership is essential, as is the ability to evolve quickly. However, the
entrepreneurial spirit without the team and the community element is null and
void. That's why the sense of community and attachment to the company works
here. Human capital is the most valuable element because these professionals
are highly trained and skilled with vertical specialisation. The person at work
is measured on three pillars: intelligence, character and passion. Then, there
is a fourth fundamental element: knowledge. It is essential but, together with
the other pillars, it defines the person not only professionally but also personally», Gibellini points out. The right
people to arrive prepared for the new world, the digitised one where technology
will be pervasive. Gibellini is convinced of that: «For at least twenty years now,
small is no longer beautiful, in such a dynamic logic, the culture of our
companies is constantly evolving, but our roots are fundamental because they
keep us with our feet on the ground and remind us who we are and where we want
to go. In twenty years' time, the world will be different, with fewer but much
larger companies as a result of this great process of unification that is
currently underway; however, our roots will remain stable here and our people
will be the focus, as they always have been and will be».
https://podcast.confindustriaemilia.it/
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