Patrick Bonetsmüller has been working for the family business since 1987. From 2003, he was responsible for product transport and product handling at Somi Con. After several years of continuous company development, he has been a member of the management team since 2013 and has held a position of overall responsibility at Somic since 2015 following the generational change.
pj: Mr Bonetsmüller, what are the current priorities? in your company?
Patrick Bonetsmüller: Somic has committed itself to continuous growth in order to fulfil the complex customer requirements. In addition to an increase in personnel and spatial resources, this also requires Comprehensive process optimisation at certain intervals. For example, we are currently expanding our subsidiary Somic America Inc. near Minneapolis considerably.
pj: What particular challenges did you face last year?
Patrick Bonetsmüller: The fast-moving markets demand more and more from our customers. more complex packaging tasks from. As a result, the requirements for flexibility and performance are increasing significantly. The global desire for Digitisation and Predictive maintenance. The aim here is to skilfully fulfil customer requirements and at the same time offer an attractive economic solution. For us as a manufacturer, this means adapting and expanding our standard repertoire with the latest technology. Our development department is already doing a very good job here.
pj: How do you assess the economic situation?
Patrick Bonetsmüller: Most manufacturers in Germany currently have full order books, which of course also applies to Somic - in this respect, the situation can only be described as excellent. However, international events mean that we cannot look to the future with confidence. Increasing trade restrictions and impending tariffs (triggered by the USA), but also the impending Brexit, if it materialises, will have a negative impact on the Economic situation considerably.
pj: What effects do you expect for Somic?
Patrick Bonetsmüller: On the one hand, we naturally want to fulfil our growth mission and, on the other, we will act responsibly to offer our employees a secure future in the company. To this end, we will also develop specific machines that the European market will continue to need even in periods of economic weakness.
pj: What do you see as the most important tasks and trends in the industry?
Patrick Bonetsmüller: With globalisation, high-quality technology from Germany will also be available in Emerging markets will be in demand. In order to maintain a leading role, it will be important to understand these markets and design the operating environment accordingly. A comprehensive network environment and digital service systems are just as important here as the reliability of the technology itself. Here, it will also be important to Balance costs and benefits.
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