CASE STUDIES
Leading a Site Through Restructuring
How an Interim Manager led a site through a critical
restructuring phase and restored stability
Mandate Context
Results
Assignment
Mandate Extension
Approach
Value
Mandate Context
- Industry: Special-purpose machinery / food packaging machinery
- Company size: 105 employees, EUR ~18 million revenue
- Situation: Restructuring of the German subsidiary with a planned workforce reduction of approx. 25%
- Specific context: Ongoing negotiations between Group Management and employee representatives without a concluded reconciliation of interests, resulting in significant time pressure and high decision urgency
Initial Assignment to EIM
- Identification of additional cost reduction potentials
- Financial assessment of strategic options
- Preparation and partial execution of key restructuring measures
Approach
The Interim Manager was rapidly onboarded on site, with a focus on financials, organisational setup, and operational processes.
As part of the analysis, the Interim Manager not only reviewed operational performance indicators but also incorporated the potential of the company-owned real estate into the restructuring considerations. Key factors such as size, layout, location, technical condition, and refurbishment requirements were assessed and benchmarked against the future space requirements of the business.
Based on this analysis, several realistic scenarios were evaluated:
- Continuation at the existing site (downsizing)
- New build (brownfield approach)
- Sale-and-lease-back of the existing property
Alignment with Group Management was continuous and closely coordinated.
Results and Deliverables
- Robust decision-making proposal for the real estate strategy with a clear financial recommendation
- Detailed implementation plan and timeline for a cost-optimised downsizing of the existing facility
- Initiation of initial construction and adaptation measures
None of the evaluated alternatives (new build or sale-and-lease-back) met the required financial criteria. Key drivers were the expected sale proceeds, high rental costs, and significant upfront investment required at a new site.
The Interim Manager therefore recommended a focused continuation and optimisation of the existing site, supported by a clearly defined implementation plan. The plan was approved, and initial structural adjustments were initiated.
Mandate Extension: Interim Site Leadership
In the course of the engagement, the Interim Manager additionally assumed operational responsibility for the site following the departure of the local Managing Director.
The objective was to ensure business continuity, stabilise the organisation during a period of high uncertainty, and manage all relevant stakeholders – in particular the works council – until a reconciliation of interests was achieved and a permanent successor appointed.
Within a short period, numerous discussions were held with managers and employees. In parallel, a structured and regular exchange with the works council was established.
On this basis, a comprehensive action and roadmap (“Company XX 2030”) was developed, defining the strategic direction and organisational development of the site. In close alignment with Group Management, key structural adjustments were defined, including:
- Strengthening of sales with a focus on internal sales and improved quotation processes
- Reorganisation of engineering into clear streams for Projects and Standards & Technology
- Reduction of lead times through increased standardisation
- Focused strengthening of procurement with emphasis on global sourcing of standardised components
Value Delivered to the Client
Stabilisation of a site undergoing restructuring
Avoidance of economically disadvantageous site decisions
Ensured operational leadership during a transitional phase
Development of a clearly aligned target operating model (“Company XX 2030”)
The planned workforce reduction measures were implemented in the subsequent phase. Further organisational adjustments are being carried out in alignment with the works council and the new site leadership.
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