Interview with Marc and Christian Schmeing, Chairmen of Dehonit Group
Interview with Marc and Christian Schmeing, Chairmen of Dehonit Group at CWIEME Berlin 2023
Image for illustration purposes.
Germany, Berlin: Interview with Marc and Christian Schmeing, Chairmen of Dehonit Group at CWIEME Berlin 2023
Q: Christian, the transformer industry is booming. The demand is huge, but the companies were facing many issues with getting all the materials and parts for transformers. What is the situation with laminated wood that you are supplying?
A: This is an exciting year for us. The business is undergoing strong growth, and, thanks to the continued investments and process improvements that we have done, we have been able to maintain continuous and reliable supply to our customers. We have strategic partnerships with our major customers, as well as with our key suppliers, that enable us to secure enough materials for current and future growth.
Q: What is your production capacity currently?
A: We manufacture around 7,500 tons of laminated wood per annum, and approximately 75 % of production goes into transformers, making Dehonit one of the key suppliers to this industry.
Q: Speaking about growth, how do you ensure that you will have enough raw material – wood – in the next 5 or 10 years? Can you guarantee sustainable supply to the industry?
A: The raw material veneers required for our laminated wood used in transformers are carefully sourced from sustainable forests in Central Europe.
Our company is also PEFC certified, confirming our commitment to sustainability. It is important for both our company and our customers that we conduct our business in a sustainable way to ensure future supply.
Q: Do your customers ask you about sustainability of your business?
A: Yes, it is key to our major customers, that is why we have been working on improving the sustainability of our operations. We have installed photovoltaics for electricity and have invested in a new, more efficient boiler for the heating system, and we continue to do a lot in this area.
Q: Marc, you are a family-owned business which continuously invests in the company. What are your latest investments?
A: Yes, investment is a key focus for us. Another new press has just come into service, and this has enabled us to produce more laminated wood than expected. We have 2 more CNC machines (9 in total now), and a new production area of 4000 m2, etc.
Q: Marc, Christian, thank you for these updates.
A: You are most welcome, regards to all Transformers Magazine readers!
Source: Dehonit