In just ten months, the chemicals manufacturer with support of the consultancy BearingPoint integrated the key operational processes, reporting structures and IT systems of an acquired production company

Frankfurt, September 30, 2014 – Together with the consultancy BearingPoint the German specialty chemicals manufacturer Sachtleben has integrated the key operational processes, reporting structures and IT systems of an acquired production company, completing the project on time and on budget, in just ten months. Data relating to separate business entities have been harmonized, and both IT systems and organizational units have been consolidated and centralized. Production planning and control are more transparent thanks to SAP® systems. Purchasing, logistics and auditing have been rendered more efficient, and this has laid the foundation for reduced costs in procurement, production and storage. Sachtleben now benefits from economies of scale and an improved company infrastructure.

“A project must be carried out within the given framework, but first and foremost it must adhere to the specified budget and time frame. We succeeded on both fronts with the support of BearingPoint,” says Dr. Andreas Grünewald, CFO Sachtleben.

Basis for further growth

In response to the increased market demand for specialty white pigments and functional additives, Sachtleben took over the operation of Crenox in July 2012. This move secured additional production capacity for the company and established the basis for further growth as well as greater efficiency thanks to economies of scale in production and administration. To ensure the fast and smooth transition of business operations after the acquisition, Sachtleben immediately began to integrate processes and IT systems at the new location into its own system landscape in terms of organization and technology, using interim solutions as a first step. However, a basic integration project was needed to optimize management of the entire factory network of the Sachtleben Group across its various locations with the dual aim of harmonizing operational processes and fully integrating the new plant into the Sachtleben environment in terms of organization and systems.

Last year, Sachtleben began working with BearingPoint to integrate processes into the Sachtleben Group using SAP® as an essential component of the overall post-merger integration project. Despite the similarities in terms of product range and markets, the task was to integrate two very independent and different companies and corporate cultures. BearingPoint supported Sachtleben when it came to standardizing master data, adapting system and organizational structures, harmonizing processes and developing an efficient reporting framework. Ten month later, the project had already been completed on time and within budget.

“The optimal integration of enterprises and plants is an important requirement for the boost of efficiency and competitiveness – and therefore for the success of mergers,” said Andreas Fermor, Partner at BearingPoint. “The post-merger-integration at Sachtleben is a best-practice example for this process.”

The case study can be found here.

About the Sachtleben Group

The Sachtleben Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty white pigments and functional additives based on titanium dioxide and zinc/barium. It focuses its sales efforts on niche segments in the global markets for fibres, coatings, plastics, printing inks, pharmaceutical products and food. In 2013, Sachtleben generated a turnover of around 800 million euros. Production takes place at three companies located in Duisburg, Krefeld-Uerdingen and Pori, Finland. In total, the group employs about 2,200 people. Sachtleben is a subsidiary of Rockwood Holdings, Inc., based in Princeton, New Jersey, USA.

About BearingPoint

BearingPoint consultants understand that the world of business changes constantly and that the resulting complexities demand intelligent and adaptive solutions. Our clients, whether in commercial or financial industries or in government, experience real results when they work with us. We combine industry, operational and technology skills with relevant proprietary and other assets in order to tailor solutions for each client’s individual challenges. This adaptive approach is at the heart of our culture and has led to long-standing relationships with many of the world’s leading companies and organizations. Our global consulting network of 9200 people serves clients in more than 70 countries and engages with them for measurable results and long-lasting success.

For more information, please visit: www.bearingpoint.com

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Alexander Bock
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