Page 69: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 2015)

friendly control systems latest materials industry have. ZF Marine as a division search capabilities, production systems and a technology leader in its ? eld. ZF and state-of-the-art productions systems of the ZF group has access to this knowl- and processes. This, paired with a large Marine is well prepared to take chal- with its modern processes are implement- edge base. Our products use the latest worldwide sales and services organiza- lenges and turn them into opportunities.

ed. This trend will continue therefore I see materials, technologies, design and re- tion, makes ZF Marine a reliable partner it absolutely positive and as an innovative industry which has always been able to balance advances with risks.

Looking ahead to 2016, what do you see as the de? ning trends that will drive your business forward in the year(s) ahead?

On the one hand we see low oil prices and a weak Euro, which is challenging the whole marine business and as well our business. But still there are a lot of opportunities for ZF Marine to grow and increase market share. Drivers for this growth are our up-to-date products - meeting the customer’s expectations in all areas, paired with excellent services from project start all the way through the lifetime of the application.

Brie? y describe the overall importance of the maritime industry to the whole of your company.

In terms of sales and employees, ZF

Marine is a very small part of the global

ZF Group. But ZF Marine plays a major role in the diversi? cation of ZF towards non-automotive products. And we are 1,000 individuals who are working for

ZF Marine with enthusiasm and dedica- tion. ZF is a company were every single individual counts, who together make a very strong team.

What is on the calendar in terms of cele- bration to mark this historic occasion?

There are many ways we will cel- ebrate. Every ZF location worldwide is hosting “family days,” allowing families to visit and learn about the company. In addition, every employee will receive a history book on the company, as well as receive a personal greeting card from Dr.

Sommer, ZF Group CEO.

In addition, there will be the ZF Group

Gala anniversary event on September 9, the same day the company was incor- porated in 1915. It is here that the new global headquarters in Friedrichshafen – the “ZF Forum” – will be unveiled. The new headquarters will include a museum that will be open to the public beginning in 2016.

As the business world grows increas- ingly complex and competitive, what do you count as the primary strengths of your company that make it stand out?

ZF, as a large, multi-faceted entity with 100 years of research and development in driveline technology, has a knowledge base not many companies in the marine www.marinelink.com 69

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