The foundry BIRN has improved collaboration across departments and teams within the company. This is reflected in the latest employee satisfaction survey, conducted annually. The change is especially noticeable among department managers, who have undergone a cultural shift and significantly improved cross-functional coordination – supported by a practical initiative: daily morning meetings at 10:40.
Over the past year, teamwork across departments at BIRN in Holstebro has improved markedly. BIRN is the parent company of BIRN Group – one of Northern Europe’s largest foundry groups – which conducts annual satisfaction surveys across its six companies in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Italy, covering more than 700 employees. Overall, collaboration once again scores highly in the latest results, continuing a positive trend. The past few years’ targeted focus on improving teamwork is now showing clear results.
- Collaboration is a strategic focus across the entire group – both within teams and between departments. These positive results reflect the high level of trust, respect, and initiative shown by our employees, says Claus Beier, Group CEO of BIRN Group.
At BIRN in Holstebro, the improved collaboration is particularly evident in the technical department, which is responsible for maintaining buildings and production equipment – and which therefore has touchpoints across the entire organization. One concrete initiative that has significantly contributed to smoother cross-functional collaboration is the daily 10:40 meetings:
- Our 10:40 meetings are a key point of connection in the organization. Leaders from nearly every department – machining, foundry, maintenance, planning, logistics, quality, and safety – meet to align on the day’s production goals. For example, if a specific order needs to be prioritized and processed quickly, everyone is made aware and works together to ensure it moves smoothly through the entire system, explains Patrick Teglgaard Hansen, Head of Maintenance at BIRN.
Cross-functional communication is key
BIRN supplies cast iron components for, among other things, brake, axle, and suspension systems for truck manufacturers. Each component passes through many specialized departments – from the initial melting of scrap metal to casting, machining, surface treatment, and quality control – before the final product is packed and shipped to the customer.
- Iron casting is like a giant gear – constantly in motion and interconnected with many others. That’s why clear internal communication and alignment between departments are absolutely essential. Every process impacts the final result, and by working together and understanding how everything fits, we ensure the best possible outcome, says Patrick Teglgaard Hansen.
- We’ve worked hard to break down silos between departments and bring our leaders closer together – so they know each other, plan better, and work toward shared goals. We’ve also become more data-driven, allowing us to identify and resolve issues – such as with equipment or machines – more precisely and efficiently.
Employee survey supports cultural change
This is the third year in a row that BIRN Group – and the fourth year at BIRN in Holstebro – has conducted employee satisfaction surveys. Collaboration has been a consistent theme throughout.
- Improving collaboration is part of a broader cultural transformation for us. By engaging with one another and showing curiosity about each other’s work, we build a shared understanding of what we do – and mutual respect for how each person contributes to the final product, says Patrick Teglgaard Hansen.
At both BIRN in Holstebro and the other companies in BIRN Group, survey results are reviewed at different management levels, followed by the implementation of action plans with specific focus areas for the year ahead.
- Following last year’s survey, the majority of action plans focused on collaboration. It’s therefore especially gratifying to see progress in that area. At BIRN Group, we are one team – and I’m pleased to see that reflected in the results, says Claus Beier.
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