An interview with Jochen Schaller, Director Operations and Logistics, Diploma in Business, joined Jacob in 2008

What makes Jacob GmbH special in terms of production expertise?

Jochen Schaller: The foundation for all our production expertise is the way that all our departments work together under one roof. In addition to metal turning and plastics technology, these include our in-house tool and mold making departments and the laboratory, which enable us to put our customers’ requests into effect. The other big factors in our success are our highly experienced and qualified staff and our company training – these are the platforms on which our achievements are built.

Jacob produces several million cable glands every year. How do you make sure that product quality remains consistently high?

Jochen Schaller: Standardized production workflows combined with IT-assisted testing procedures ensure that all of our processes are under control at all times.

The Jacob Logistics Center set up in Kernen-Rommelshausen ten years ago has brought together all logistic tasks for manual and machine assembly, warehousing and shipping under one roof. This is a huge plus for the customer ...

Jochen Schaller: Absolutely. The most important factor in achieving our current level of performance has been the automated small parts warehouse (ASPW) we set up in addition to the Logistics Center. This has made all our logistics processes much more efficient. For the majority of our products we keep the components in the ASPW and assemble them upon request from the customer; the high-runners are available ex stock as finished goods at all times.

What role does special packaging play in the logistics process?

Jochen Schaller: The packaging is part of the product. As such, special packing units and custom labels are services we offer in order to generate effective added value for our customers' supply chains.

What special production and/or logistical challenges have you identified for the future?

Jochen Schaller: In the face of business digitalization and the resulting acceleration of workflows, we need to be even more dynamic in terms of our logistics. Green logistics – and everything that comes with it – is also something we’ve been looking at for a long time. But the focus is always on the customer – their challenges are and will always be the most important consideration for us.