1. TÜV Rheinland was founded more than 150 years ago, but our readers may not be so familiar with the company. What can you give readers a sense of TÜV Rheinland's origins and how the company has evolved to where it is today? Can you describe any “metrics” (number of facilities, number of employees, square footage of facilities, locations, etc.) that would give our readers a better sense of your company?
Founded in 1872, TÜV Rheinland embarked on a mission to utilize technology for the betterment of humanity. Originating with a focus on steam boiler safety, our evolution into a global leader in testing, inspection and certification is evident. Throughout our journey, TÜV Rheinland has remained synonymous with quality and safety in various domains, including testing, inspection, certification and training. Our commitment is to deliver precise and reliable services, ensuring that we get it right every time.
With a presence spanning over 500 locations globally, our company's experts specialize in testing and inspecting technical plants, equipment and products. We actively support innovation in both engineering and business sectors, provide comprehensive training programs and certify management systems in accordance with international standards. Boasting a workforce of more than 22,000 employees and generating annual revenue exceeding 2.4 billion euros, we stand as one of the foremost providers of testing and inspection services worldwide.
In 1983, we initiated our operations in North America, with a primary focus on Products, Industrial, Cybersecurity and Systems Management Certification. Over time, our footprint has expanded, and we now operate six laboratories across California, Arkansas, New York and Massachusetts. In June 2024, we are set to inaugurate our advanced Technology and Innovation Center (TIC) in Boxborough, Mass., representing a significant investment. Spanning 65,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure for electrical safety, wireless technology, EMC testing, environmental assessments, medical device testing and more. It also features spacious office areas designed to facilitate client interactions. Moreover, the center serves as a collaborative workspace for our regional staff across diverse business lines and support functions.
2. You’ve been with the company for 13 years. Can you share some information about your background and what attracted you to TÜV Rheinland?
Throughout my career journey, my passion for sales, teamwork and innovation has been the driving force behind my professional endeavors. Joining TÜV Rheinland as a Commercial Sales - Global Key Account Manager 13 years ago marked the beginning of a fulfilling journey that has seen me progress to roles such as Director of Medical Sales, VP of Worldwide Sales and now VP of Sales Products - USA. I've always been motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact and contribute to the prosperity of both the company and its stakeholders.
During my tenure at TÜV Rheinland, I've had the privilege of achieving remarkable results on a global and regional scale, while also nurturing strong teams and leading pivotal business units. What initially drew me to TÜV Rheinland was its remarkable stability and impactful work in ensuring product safety and quality across diverse industries. Now, as we prepare for the launch of our Northeast TIC, I am filled with excitement about the potential for innovation and growth it brings.
As a native of the New England area, I am particularly honored to bring a facility of this caliber to my local community. The opening of this lab represents not only a professional milestone but also a personal achievement that underscores my commitment to driving progress and prosperity in my hometown and beyond.
3. TÜV Rheinland is an international company offering services in five broad areas of expertise to a very diverse set of markets, applications and customers. Your responsibilities are for North America. What is different about North America for TÜV Rheinland’s business? Are there any unique challenges or opportunities that the company sees in North America?
The U.S. presents a lucrative market for TÜV Rheinland, with the testing, inspection and certification sector poised for significant growth. Valued at $25.76 billion in 2023, it's projected to reach $38.31 billion by 2029, driven by industries like solar, wind, energy storage and electric vehicles. The U.S. commitment to decarbonization further fuels demand, with the electric car market growing by 55 percent in 2022 alone. Safety standards in automotive technology, including semiconductors and sensors, are paramount, highlighting the need for TIC services.
Additionally, the rise in heart disease cases underscores the importance of medical devices, contributing to substantial growth in the healthcare sector. At TÜV Rheinland, our focus is on being the premier partner for global companies navigating U.S. standards and regulations. Our expertise and cutting-edge Northeast TIC ensure top-notch service quality and speed, strengthening our leadership in the U.S. market and enhancing our coverage throughout the Americas.
4. What are the core competencies and technologies that differentiate you from your competitors?
TÜV Rheinland has been a trusted leader in technical services worldwide, prioritizing efficiency, quality and safety across technology, people and the environment. As an independent third party, we conduct rigorous testing and inspections on products, equipment and services, adhering to recognized standards and legal provisions. This not only ensures our clients' success but also enhances trust in global value chains.
Our committed global team delivers dependable services, bolstering technological progress and business innovation. With a focus on surpassing customer expectations, including supply chain concerns, we prioritize satisfaction and safety. Our skilled professionals conduct thorough testing on technical systems and products worldwide, offering essential support for advancement and innovation. Their expertise instills confidence in products and processes, ensuring seamless operations across global value chains and logistics.
5. Within the last few months, you’ve opened a new TIC in Boxborough, Massachusetts. What can you tell our readers about that facility?
Our new TIC spans 65,000 square feet, embodying TÜV Rheinland's commitment to shaping the future and advancing sustainability and technology in the Northeast region. This cutting-edge facility is designed to cater to the evolving needs of our clients and partners, offering end-to-end solutions to address growing demands for transparency, traceability and regulatory compliance globally.
Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including a 10-meter semi-anechoic chamber, which ranks in the top 1 percent in the U.S. for equipment size, this facility enables comprehensive testing for a wide range of products, from automotive vehicles to medical devices, elevators and more. With a focus on EMC testing, product safety assessment, environmental testing and beyond, we empower retailers and producers to streamline their product development processes, reduce time to market and ensure full compliance with industry standards.
6. How will this Technology & Innovation Center benefit your current customers and attract your prospects soon?
This fully operational hub and innovation center provides comprehensive solutions throughout the client's product lifecycle. From collaborative spaces to troubleshooting areas, training facilities and customer service zones, the center is tailored to meet diverse client strategies and needs. Clients and partners benefit from streamlined processes, shortened time to market, on-site collaboration with engineering and compliance advisors, and access to regulatory expertise. This space enables us to maintain fruitful collaborations with key clients across various U.S. industries, as we've done over the past four decades, while also unlocking new opportunities in sectors that demand our expertise.
7. What are your expectations for the Northeast TIC and how will this facility reinforce the leadership of TÜV Rheinland in the U.S.?
The Northeast TIC plays a pivotal role not just in fortifying our leadership position within the U.S. market but also in expanding our coverage network across the Americas. By strategically positioning ourselves with this state-of-the-art facility, we can offer comprehensive solutions to customers seeking to penetrate the U.S. market while simultaneously enhancing our reach throughout the region. This expansion represents an exciting opportunity for our company's growth trajectory in the U.S., and we hold optimistic expectations for the future of our business. We're eager to leverage this strategic investment to further solidify our presence in the market and continue delivering unparalleled value to our customers across the Americas.
8. How do you see the company evolving in the next five years? Where is your development focus? What services and markets have you excited for the future?
Our primary focus is on bolstering our Products Business Unit within the U.S., recognizing its pivotal role in our North American growth strategy. Our commitment entails ongoing investments in innovation, strategic partnerships and our talented teams. Notably, our investment in North America accounted for 7.2 percent of the total investment volume in the 2023 financial year, primarily allocated to the construction of the new laboratories in Bentonville, Ark., and the Northeast laboratory center in Boxborough, Mass.
These investments are geared towards further expanding our laboratory capabilities, including equipment upgrades and renovation efforts. Anticipated benefits from the expansion of the chemical laboratory and the opening of new facilities are expected to drive growth in the double-digit percentage range. Additionally, we recognize the potential in service innovations, particularly in automation and digitalization. Thus, we are committed to driving innovation by investing in new technologies, with a particular emphasis on developing sustainable solutions for our clients while simultaneously enhancing our own competitiveness.
9. What else can you tell our readers about TÜV Rheinland?
I want to emphasize our commitment to being an innovative corporate group, consistently offering new service technologies that meet both current and future client needs. Our state-of-the-art Northeast TIC will play a crucial role in this endeavor, enhancing our services to ensure the safety of products and processes for the benefit of people and the environment, while also accelerating our customers' time to market. With 40 years of achievement in the U.S., this new facility strengthens our leadership position and reflects our dedication to shaping the future through technology and innovation. As leaders in the sector, TÜV Rheinland is firmly committed to pioneering advancements that will contribute to a safer and more sustainable world.