Walther Flender (Drive systems)

The Walther Flender Group, Duesseldorf, is engaged in drive, conveyor, bearing and fastening technology. With roughly 300 employees a turnover of about 65 million Euro is generated. Focussing on pulleys and drive belts, Walther Flender has become the market leader in this field.

After first export activities in China, Walther Flender assigned FE to recruit a sales manager in 2007, who is responsible for the development and expansion of the local distribution network since then. In order to meet the growing demand of local potential customers for pulleys and drive belts, a production company named Walther Flender Power Transmission Changshu Co. Ltd. has been founded in early 2009 in Changshu. During the establishment of the production and the foundation of the company FE has taken the responsibility for the following tasks:

• Selection of the site as well as drafting, final negotiation and signing of the rental agreement with Changshu Economic Development Zone
• Drafting the factory layout in accordance with Walther Flender
• Selection of suitable suppliers for machinery as well as procurement of machinery and plant equipment
• Construction of Business Plan, Feasibility Study and Articles of Association
• Applying for as well as obtaining business licence in required scope
• Recruitment of all employees as well as construction and signing of employment contracts

FE took a 25% equity share in the capital of Walther Flender Power Transmission Co. Ltd. Throughout the entire duration of the company, FE supports Walther Flender in taking responsibility for a number of tasks such as:

• Accounting, financial controlling and monthly reporting
• On-site management and taking charge as General Manager of the company
• Recruitment of new employees and replacement for leaving staff
• Ongoing search for new market potentials in sales and procurement
• Strategic advice in terms of a market oriented development of the company
• Preparation, organisation and participation in board meetings

Thanks to the local delivery out of this factory the number of customers in China has increased year by year. Since 2011 also skid rollers have been produced locally and in 2012 the factory has been expanded in order to add the production of complete drive assemblies. Summarizing, the increasing range of power transmission products manufactured locally strengthen the position of Walther Flender in the Chinese market.