International corporations – the most advanced structures of commercial organizations – are experiencing difficult time. The global financial crisis affects most of those firms, which operate with verve and imagination, are not afraid of bold investment, bravely look into the future.
Leading the largest commercial entrepreneurships, regardless of industry, is associated with the greatest responsibility – for the safety and comfort of Employees, prosperity of their families, the environment, and health of entire communities. In the extreme conditions on the world market today, only the companies that remain faithful to a specific system of values, stay in good shape. Such a system has to be based on certain assumptions: the company has to put the well-being of Customers in the first place, as well as pay attention to the highest quality of products and services, provide the Employees with comfort etc. Among the organizations that deserve to be called a true model for all companies that shape their future in rough circumstances of financial crisis, there is SCS Polska Sp. z o.o. based in Legnica. Mr. Jacek Kozań, the company’s General Manager, has agreed to be interviewed by the Manufacturing Journal magazine. Thanks to him, we’ll be able to understand the specific business activity of this rapidly growing firm and learn the secrets of its success.
Dynamic beginnings
The SCS brand is well known to every manager in the world, who has been associated with a globally operating manufacturing company. The scope of activities of powerful Stahlschmidt International Holding covers a large range of markets and the Group’s offices are located on three continents – in Europe, Asia, and North America, cooperating with many business partners as the producers of plastic and metal components for the needs of various industries. It is therefore much easier to focus on the business activity of one of the major companies that are part of the Holding. This firm is SCS Polska - a limited liability company, which has its headquarters in Legnica, in the region of Lesser Silesia. This Polish city, located relatively close to Germany, once the capital of one of the 49 voivodeships, and a thriving district today, was recognized by the Group’s authorities as the optimal location for several reasons, explained by Mr. Jacek Kozań, the company’s General Manager: “The Polish company was founded in 2003 with a manufacturing plant in Legnica. The decision was made for the logistic purposes (the city is close to the A4 motorway) and because of the location of the important business partners.” At the moment, SCS Polska Sp. z o.o. is one of the biggest manufacturers, cooperating with the most important companies from the automotive sector. Given the fact that from the point of view of the Group, this sector is crucial for the activity of the whole organization, the Polish subsidiary company bears a great responsibility. Although it’s been 10 years since the company’s inception and SCS Polska continuously develops and records a steady growth in sales of automotive components on international markets. Let us analyze the most important aspects of the company’s activity and find the factors, which are responsible for the success of SCS Polska Sp. z o.o.
Constant values and a clear plan of action
It is said that the most important thing in business is to stay consistent in action and to complete the best possible team. This thesis is proved true by the activities of SCS Poland Sp. z o.o. From the very beginning, the company is faithful to its strategy of development that is based on several assumptions. As shown by the current position of the company on the international market, this strategy proves to be extremely effective. The basis of the activity of every organization in the world and its strongest point at the same time, are, obviously, the company’s Employees. It is no wonder that the HR policy in the organization from Legnica became one of the company’s priorities. Mr. Kozań explains the procedures, which regulate the functioning of this area of business activity: “At the moment the company employs approximately 300 Employees in various positions. The HR policy is focused on continuous development of the crew’s skills. The company puts great attention to the development of the team and supports all processes of training and education of its personal resources.” Companies such as SCS Polska Sp. z o.o. put the bar high when it comes to quality standards. Therefore, the development of the competences of Employees must go hand in hand with investment in new technologies and optimization of personnel management procedures and production processes. The company’s General Manager says: “From its inception, the company prioritizes both the technological development, as well as constant improvement of the qualification of its Employees. The organization carries out a number of training and education programs, increase the level of technical and quality awareness of its Employees. SCS Polska operates in a highly competitive market of suppliers of the automotive industry, so it is very important for the organization to gain a significant competitive advantage through organic growth, its technology and staff.” Without appropriate technological support, no manufacturing company, even such as SCS Polska Sp. z o.o., which boasts a team of highly trained professionals, would not be able to effectively carry out its tasks. Fortunately, the company’s managers are well aware of the importance of these aspects of the activity of the organization. An important factor contributing to the excellent financial condition and competitive position of the company, is the access to the extensive know-how of the Group, built gradually since 1924, when the Stahlschmitdt Cable Systems began its operation. “As part of the SIH, it is possible for the company to use the Group’s R&D facilities, which permits the continued implementation of the latest material and design advances. This aspect should be seen as one of the most important elements of the strategic potential of the company” – emphasized Mr. Kozań. The company constantly optimizes all of its procedures, searches new solutions, increases the skills of Employees – all that in order to achieve the ultimate and most important goal: complete Customer satisfaction. This is especially important for a company that from the first days of existence operates internationally and provides its products to customers all over the world. What’s more, despite the global financial crisis, the company records solid revenue growth across all markets, including the Chinese market. This is possible thanks to the special quality management philosophy, which is based on the premise that “every customer is the most important”, regardless of the technological complexity of the order. In addition, the company works closely with all Clients who have insight into every phase of the production process. One of the features, which best describe SCS Polska Sp. z o.o., is flexibility. “SCS Poland is a very flexible company that can quickly adjust their production programs. The organization sees its market position as a blueprint for optimizing its processes. Increasing the productivity of the plant and minimizing indirect costs is the best proof” – says Mr. Kozań.
A model organization with a high level of business acumen
SCS Polska Sp. z o.o., a modern company, cannot pass by today’s standards, regarding the environment and CSR. Customers around the world recognize the company’s activities in these areas – they are an important part of the general value of the organization and its global image. Mr. Kozań emphasizes that the company from Legnica has achieved a high level of business acumen: “Our environmental policy is based on the assumptions of the ISO 14001:2004 1 standard. The organization carries out its production programs based on the principle of sustainable development, with particular emphasis on environmental issues. Manufacturing processes used in the company are in no way harmful to the environment.” Of course, prestigious certificates guard the highest quality of the company’s products: ISO 14001:2004, mentioned before by the General Manager, as well as ISO/TS 16949:2009 . All the elements, described above, together determine the success of the company that has a bright future ahead. “SCS Poland Sp. z o.o. boasts some of the best results in the whole group of SIH. Not only that deserves attention. When it comes to the economic dimension, the company during its 10 years of existence managed to transform from a newcomer into an important, renowned worldwide manufacturer of components for the automotive and other industries. As for the administrative dimension, the company has managed to create a friendly place to achieve individual goals of many talented employees who are committed every day to carry out their tasks” – concludes Mr. Jacek Kozań. Let us imagine, therefore, the situation of the company in 2023. Isn’t the picture optimistic?
