Mr. Angermeier, welcome again! Why did you decide on the CHIRON Group?
Thank you very much! The decision to join the CHIRON Group was an easy one. Many aspects that are important to me are combined here: Technological excellence, a strong international focus and a team spirit that cannot be taken for granted in our industry. After more than 20 years in production, I wanted to contribute my experience to a company that combines tradition with innovative strength. The CHIRON Group impressed me with its strategic orientation, especially the close integration of operations and order management.
How were you received and prepared for your tasks?
I received a very warm welcome from the entire team. The cooperation and support was noticeable right from the start and made it easier for me to get going. The induction provided by my predecessor Roger Schöpf, who has been with the company for around 40 years and knows the CHIRON Group like no other, was particularly valuable. He shared his knowledge and experience with me, enabling me to get started quickly and easily.
Can you tell us more about your range of tasks?
As Senior Vice President Global Operations and Order Management, I am responsible for the entire operational implementation of our customer orders – from planning to delivery. My focus is on the continuous optimization of our production processes and cross-location collaboration, and ensuring high quality standards and adherence to deadlines. A central part of my job is order management – mean the control and coordination of all activities relating to customer orders. The aim here is to create transparency, harmonize processes and design interfaces efficiently. I find the close integration with sales, engineering and service particularly exciting, because we can only offer our customers an outstanding overall experience if all functions work together.
How does your new position differ from your previous tasks?
What makes this position special is the combination of strategic responsibility and operational proximity. I can set global standards and at the same time play a concrete role in their implementation. The combination of operations and order management in particular offers opportunities and leverage to increase efficiency and achieve even greater customer satisfaction.
With a fresh perspective, where do you see the strengths of the CHIRON Group and what distinguishes the machining centers and solutions?
With my fresh view from the outside, I am particularly struck by the technological depth and precision of the CHIRON Group. The combination of high innovative strength, many years of experience and a deep understanding of customer requirements is impressive. Particularly noteworthy is the versatility and modularity of the machining centers, which enable tailor-made solutions for a wide range of applications, from single-part production to highly automated series production. The focus is always on productivity, without compromising on quality and precision. Another major advantage is the close integration of machines, automation and digital services. This holistic approach to manufacturing solutions is a real competitive advantage.
In the internal announcement you are described as a »committed mechanical engineer«. What does this mean to you?
I am indeed a mechanical engineer by conviction and find the combination of technology, precision and creative power fascinating. For me, mechanical engineering is not just a profession, but an attitude: It's about solving complex challenges, driving innovation and creating real added value with technical expertise. Something that is often underestimated: Mechanical engineering is a central pillar of our prosperity. Many of the products that shape our everyday lives - from smartphones to cars, from toothbrushes to wind turbines – would be inconceivable without modern manufacturing technologies. At the CHIRON Group, mechanical engineering is not just done, it's lived - which is exactly why I feel I'm in such good hands here.
What is particularly important to you in cooperation and how would you describe your management style?
Open, respectful cooperation is important to me. I believe in transparency, clear communication and trust. My management style is consistent, goal-oriented, but also supportive. My aim is to promote a culture of continuous improvement - with clear goals, feedback and the courage to break new ground.
How do you create a motivational climate in your team?
A motivational climate is created through trust, clarity and participation. I attach great importance to the clear communication of goals, delegating responsibility and making successes visible. Lean methods and continuous improvement processes play a central role in this. Motivation does not come from control, but from trust and purpose.
What are the biggest challenges for the next few years in your area of responsibility?
One of the biggest challenges will be to make our production systems more flexible, digital and resilient. The digitalization of our processes is a key issue for achieving transparency, efficiency and making better decisions. The use of artificial intelligence to optimize production processes and predictive maintenance offers enormous potential here. Harmonizing and standardizing processes across all locations without losing the necessary local adaptability will also be a key challenge.
How would you describe yourself?
I am a passionate mechanical engineer with a clear view of processes and structures and the ambition to bring about real change with my team. I work openly, constructively and consistently to create sustainable change through continuous improvement and digitalization.
What do you do in your spare time to relax and recover?
I spend a lot of time with my family and friends. Joint activities, walks and hikes with our dog give me energy. I also swim regularly and enjoy being active outdoors, for example on my bike. The area around Tuttlingen offers ideal conditions for this. I also like to go diving when the opportunity arises. It's a special way for me to switch off and gain new perspectives.
Personal details:
Mathias Angermeier, Senior Vice President Global Operations.
Born in 1969, married, father of three adult children (23, 24 and 26 years).
Studied mechanical engineering at the University of Stuttgart and at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
He started working on lean production in 2001 with Porsche Consulting.
He then held various positions in the TRUMPF Group, both at the headquarters in Ditzingen and in the USA, with increasing responsibility in the Operations division. Before joining the CHIRON Group, he was assembly manager at Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik.
Quick-fire questions:
Mountains or sea? Italy – you have both. And both have their appeal.
Cook or be cooked for? Being cooked for – it's usually tastier (and more relaxed for everyone).
Coffee or tea? Espresso – short, strong, to the point.
Wine or beer? It depends on the occasion – a good red wine almost always works.
Saturday or Sunday? Saturday – it has more options for activities.
Television or book? Internet – versatile, up-to-date and always exciting.
Call or email/chat? Call – more direct, more personal, usually more efficient.
Comedy or drama? Comedy – laughter is always good.
Playing sports or watching sports? Better to be active yourself – whether swimming, cycling or hiking.
Rock/Pop or classical? It almost doesn't matter – when it's live, it's the atmosphere that counts.
