They joined Jacob GmbH at almost exactly the same time – one in 2002, the other just a year later: General Manager Bernd Bohl (right) and Sales Director Manfred Strerath are connected not only by the career path they have shared for many years, but also by a clear vision of the correct course for the future. The key coordinates? Innovation, speed and communication.

What would you say makes Jacob GmbH special?

Bernd Bohl: Our staff, our products, our service. We are the specialist when it comes to cable entry solutions.

Response times, development times – speed is becoming increasingly important as a criterion in determining market position. How can a mediumsized enterprise with a global customer base like Jacob keep pace with such developments?

Bernd Bohl: We have prepared very well for this. Due to our long-standing customer relationships we are always up to date – communication plays a key role, of course. The Jacob sales managers and the customer service team are in touch with our customers every day. Longstanding international sales partners strengthen the proximity to our customers even further. The product managers and developers are always within touching distance of the market. Small, solution-oriented teams create the velocity needed. Everyone communicates with everyone else, which enables us to act quickly and efficiently.

Cable glands are a safety factor in many systems. How much awareness is there on the market of the risks involved?

Manfred Strerath: Jacob products are usually part of a complete high-tech solution in the field of electrical systems. Both we and our users are very aware of the safety concerns involved in such systems. The safety features of our cable glands are designed to make the end product even better and safer for the customer.

Bernd Bohl: Our laboratory plays an important role in this aspect. It allows us to simulate extreme conditions and to test and design our product features with safety as our utmost concern. Jacob also offers products for use in potentially hazardous areas, such as refineries, and public spaces like airports. Product safety is very important for us.

So how do you turn fast response times into long-standing customer relationships?

Manfred Strerath: Well obviously, a quick response to a customer’s request is the only way they will come back again next time. Short response times form part of the customers' expectations. And we do identify ourselves with our their concerns. If we’re fast, the customer can keep their own processes running without delay. The many great long-term relationships we’ve built demonstrate our exceptional responsiveness.

The requirements of the markets change fast. What trends have you noticed recently, and how is Jacob responding to them?

Manfred Strerath: We’ve noticed that a lot of customers need more than a standard product out of the catalog. If you like, there’s a trend toward customized solutions – but there are also service-oriented trends toward ever-shorter lead times and individual packaging. Standards and regulations are tightening the requirements for products in terms of safety and environmental protection. We have been addressing this issue for some time already, for example with our range of lead-free brass.

Bernd Bohl: We are well positioned for the individualization of products and services with a special team dedicated exclusively to solutions that go beyond the standard. We regularly discuss market developments with customers and partners. The politically driven trend towards electromobility, for example, offers great potential for us. I can see a whole lot of opportunities we are planning to be involved in, both now and in the future.

Where are the new markets for Jacob’s customizied project business?

Manfred Strerath: There are no limitations for us in this regard. In almost every market segment there’s potential for improvement. This is demonstrated by the large number of ongoing projects we are already working on together with our customers. It is our aim to improve the technical aspects of our customers’ applications and make them more efficient. This approach works just as well in electromobility as it does in mechanical plant engineering.

Environmental regulations represent additional challenges for technology companies. How is Jacob handling these challenges?

Bernd Bohl:  Protecting people and the environment is extremely important to us. We prefer to act proactively here rather than wait for new legislations. In 2024, we introduced the environmental management in accordance with EMAS in our company, which goes beyond our previous ISO 14001.

What areas of expertise will experience particularly high demand in HR the future? What steps does Jacob take to keep new prospects at the company?

Bernd Bohl: Well of course, specialists like process mechanics and cutting machine operators will remain just as essential for us in the future as they are now. We also focus more and more on skills like team spirit, creativity and flexibility. Our employees bring so many different skills and abilities with them. I see it as my job to create the perfect conditions for each individual to put their strengths to use. And for the second question: We have our own trainee program and a great network with training centers, schools and universities. What makes Jacob special? We allow everyone to shape how we work, encourage them to stand on their own two feet and give them the space to try out new ideas. There’s always something new going on – that’s what makes working here so exciting.

Where do you see Jacob in five years?

Both: We’ll still be a major league manufacturer of cable entry solutions, of course! Highly motivated, in great shape and with that special quality and drive for innovation that will allow us to be even better and faster at responding to our customers’ requirements.