In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, even the most established companies must adapt their internal cultures to remain competitive and innovative. This is evident in the intersection of tradition and modernity within legacy manufacturing firms. As digital transformation accelerates, the challenge for these organizations is not only to update their technology, but also to foster workplace environments that inspire creativity and engagement and sustain high performance. The following case study explores one such journey of transformation within a venerable German manufacturer.
The case study reveals how 200-year-old Wieland Group successfully transformed its IT department culture by integrating a principle held by Stefan Zach, vice president of global IT, that “having fun correlates directly with performance.” Zach says, “The company’s IT department has developed a unique cultural model that demonstrates how traditional German manufacturing companies can successfully implement modern workplace practices while maintaining operational excellence.” Together with Zach’s leadership colleagues, the 125-member IT team has created a sustainable framework that balances autonomous team structures with high-performance expectations, resulting in exceptional employee retention and business outcomes. This transformation occurred organically over more than 20 years, suggesting that cultural change requires patience, consistency, and genuine commitment to employee development. (See also: How IT and OT are merging: Opportunities and tips.)
Wieland Group overview
Founded in 1820 and headquartered in Ulm, Germany, Wieland Group represents one of the world’s leading suppliers of semi-finished copper and copper alloy products. With 10,500 employees across 90 locations globally and annual revenue of 6 billion euros, the company has successfully navigated two centuries of industrial evolution. In 2019 Wieland acquired Global Brass and Copper Holdings Inc., which expanded Wieland’s global footprint significantly, cementing its position as a market leader in specialized non-ferrous products.
