KATHREIN Digital Systems (KATHREIN DS), market leader for digital reception and distribution of satellite, terrestrial, cable and IP signals, are celebrating their first anniversary as an independent company. The fact that they could secure and most recently even slightly expand their market position is mostly due to ensuring continuous market and customer support during the last twelve months, says the management. Another reason is the successful integration of departments and responsibilities into the company, which had previously been handled centrally by the Kathrein Group.
In a letter from the management to the employees on the occasion of the anniversary on 1 April, Uwe Thumm and Michael Auer explicitly praise the excellent performance of the entire team during the installation of the new IT environment and the introduction of the new ERP system. At the same time, they claim that there is still room for improvement: “We have mastered many things with great success, but there are still others that need to be improved,” says Uwe Thumm. To operate in a difficult market environment, to sustain one’s position, is not an easy undertaking. Nevertheless, KATHREIN DS has had a successful first year. They launched new products and product groups, for example in the security technology and camping sector.
“The current situation with the corona crisis is posing additional challenges,” says Thumm. “However, we were able to completely meet the high demand that came up in March, especially in the electrical installation industry. The teamwork between production in Germany and sales and logistics was perfect. One could say it was a real stress test. But the busier you are, the faster time goes by.”
“Now we are focusing on how to guide our partners through the current situation as effectively as possible,” adds Michael Auer. “But we are also setting new impulses. The launch of our DAB+ radios in May is a good example. It is a fantastic project, especially in view of the good distribution figures at present and the prospect of new nationwide programmes in the fall.”