In order to ensure the long-term success of his company, the entrepreneur Reinhold Würth wants to see more IT specialists at the Würth retail group. “I am pushing very hard for the recruitment of computer scientists and the expansion of computer science,” said Würth of the German Press Agency. He used to say that 80 percent of the importance of his company was the sales force. “But times are changing,” said the entrepreneur. In 15 to 20 years, 80 percent of the company’s success will depend on IT.
Those who have the best software developers, write the best programs and who can establish the best connections with customers, suppliers, producers and authorities will be the winners on the market. According to Würth, around 1,100 IT specialists currently work in the group.
With IT specialists to the “winner in the market”
However, the sales people are still likely to play an important role. “In 2022 we will by far set new sales and profit records,” said Würth. “In terms of sales, we’re nibbling on the 20 billion euro mark.” The profit is “well over one billion euros”. His fear from the summer that an economic crisis could worsen the result has not been confirmed. “It came the other way around,” said Würth.
The company tried to pass on the additional costs incurred in purchasing to the sales prices, which, according to Würth, was largely successful. Accordingly, the gross profit fell only minimally. The company’s high inventories also helped. “Our warehouses were really full,” said Würth. During the supply chain interruptions, the competitors were no longer able to deliver, but thanks to the stocks at Würth, some items were still available. That brought additional sales.
Wait and observe the situation
Because of the global political and economic crises, he made the requirement for the first quarter of 2023 to wait with major investment decisions and stopped the start of construction projects. “It has always been my credo to be careful and to wait two or three months before a decision is made,” said Würth.
The Würth Group, known for its screws, achieved sales of around 17.1 billion euros and an operating result before taxes of around 1.3 billion euros in 2021. The group employs more than 83,000 people worldwide.
At the age of 14, Reinhold Würth began an apprenticeship in his father’s company, which was still small at the time. He took over the company at the age of 19 after the death of his father in 1954. Today he is Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Foundation. Würth is one of the richest Germans.
According to experts and companies, a lack of skilled workers and young talent, especially in scientific and technical professions, is endangering the German economy. However, there are always different views on how the shortage of skilled workers actually is, especially when it comes to working conditions, training and immigration.
For jobs and job offers in the IT industry, see also the job market on heise online:
(tw)
