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Zahodnoevropske proizvodne težave? Selitev dejavnosti na Poljsko

Se soočate s težavami zahodnoevropske proizvodnje? Spoznajte, kako selitev na Poljsko ponuja prihranke pri stroških, kvalificirano delovno silo in strateške priložnosti za rast.

Poljska kot naslednja evropska velesila: Priložnosti za globalne vlagatelje

Odkrijte, zakaj Poljska postaja naslednja evropska velesila, ki svetovnim vlagateljem ponuja rast, stabilnost in neprimerljive poslovne priložnosti.

Zakaj je vzhodna Evropa prihodnost selitve proizvodnih obratov

Odkrijte, zakaj je Vzhodna Evropa idealna izbira za selitev proizvodnega obrata zaradi stroškovne učinkovitosti, kvalificirane delovne sile in bližine trga.

IG Metall stavka: Vpliv na evropsko avtomobilsko industrijo

Spoznajte vpliv stavke družbe IG Metall na evropski avtomobilski sektor in odkrivajte strategije za stabilnost s selitvijo podjetij v Srednji in Vzhodni Evropi ter na Balkanu.

Krmarjenje v negotovosti: Širitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo s proizvodnim odtisom China plus One za stroškovno učinkovito proizvodnjo

Nimate dovolj časa, da bi prebrali celoten članek? Poslušajte povzetek v 2 minutah. Kitajska, dolgoletno svetovno proizvodno središče, ni več tako veličastna. Regija se spopada z novodobnimi izzivi, zaradi katerih je manj predvidljiva in stroškovno učinkovita. Če se vaše podjetje pri proizvodnji zanaša izključno na Kitajsko, mu bo zapletena mreža, ki jo pletejo naraščajoči stroški, geopolitične negotovosti in nestanovitnost trga, prinesla pogubo. Podjetja se ukvarjajo z zmanjševanjem tveganj in zniževanjem stroškov. Strategija "Kitajska plus ena" je vedno bolj priljubljena. Ta razpršuje proizvodnjo med azijskim središčem in drugimi regijami. Vse več podjetij se ozira po Srednji in Vzhodni Evropi (SVE) ali Balkanu kot po idealnem kraju za strategijo "Plus One". Zaradi bližine evropskih trgov, kvalificirane delovne sile in nižjih stroškov poslovanja postaja regija srednje in vzhodne Evrope ključni akter v svetovni proizvodnji. Razumevanje zmanjševanja vloge Kitajske kot glavnega proizvodnega središča Kitajska je svojo proizvodno trdnjavo zgradila na treh ključnih stebrih - skalabilnosti, stroškovni učinkovitosti in infrastrukturi. Zagotavlja obsežne proizvodne zmogljivosti po poštenih stroških, s katerimi se lahko primerja le nekaj drugih držav. Ima obsežno industrijsko bazo z možnostjo hitre, učinkovite in obsežne proizvodnje velikih količin. Relativno nižji stroški dela v primerjavi z Zahodom so še ena prednost kljub globalnemu dvigu plač za 70% v zadnjem desetletju (McKinsey). Poleg tega ima vrhunsko infrastrukturo s pristanišči, železnicami in tovarnami, ki so vse namenjene podpori tradicionalni proizvodnji v velikem obsegu in učinkoviti globalni logistiki. Zaradi teh dejavnikov je Kitajska najprimernejša izbira za proizvodnjo velikih količin. Vendar pa se na tej prevladujoči trdnjavi začenjajo pojavljati razpoke. Stroški logistike naraščajo (po podatkih Svetovne banke v zadnjih letih za 20%), trgovinske vojne med ZDA in Kitajsko povzročajo politično nestabilnost, dogodki, kot sta pandemija COVID-19 in nesreča v Sueškem prekopu, pa so razkrili ranljivosti globalnih dobavnih verig. Zakaj je zdaj pravi čas, da se odločite za strategijo "Kitajska plus ena"? Zgoraj navedeni dejavniki se še poslabšajo zaradi nestanovitnega svetovnega gospodarstva, v katerem lahko regulativne spremembe ali trgovinske sankcije resno porušijo proizvodne in distribucijske mreže. Podjetja so prisiljena, da razmišljajo tudi zunaj Kitajske in raziskujejo možnosti diverzifikacije. Strategija "Kitajska plus ena" se kaže kot popoln material za odpravo razpok. Podjetjem omogoča, da ohranijo poslovanje na Kitajskem in hkrati vzpostavijo proizvodne obrate v drugih regijah, kot sta Srednja in Vzhodna Evropa ali Balkan. Te alternativne destinacije zagotavljajo kombinacijo prihrankov pri stroških, bližine trga in politične stabilnosti. To je najboljši pristop v trenutnih časih svetovnih gospodarskih pretresov. Pojav CEE/Balkan kot idealne destinacije za načrt "Kitajska plus ena" Srednja in Vzhodna Evropa predstavljata privlačno možnost za podjetja, ki želijo vzpostaviti sekundarno proizvodno lokacijo. Ta regija ima velike možnosti za prihranek stroškov zaradi obilice kvalificirane delovne sile, ki je na voljo za razmeroma nižje plače kot na Zahodu, bližine ključnih trgov, poenostavitve dobavnih verig in odličnih regulativnih standardov. Velika imena, kot so Bosch, Mercedes-Benz in Samsung, so že razširila proizvodnjo v te regije. Še več podjetij je zaradi številnih prednosti pripravljenih iti po isti poti diverzifikacije. Geografska bližina in krajši dobavni roki Dostava blaga iz Kitajske v Evropo običajno traja od 30 do 45 dni s pomorskim prevozom. Nasprotno pa prevoz blaga iz države srednje in vzhodne Evrope traja 1-3 dni po cesti ali železnici, kar podjetjem omogoča učinkovitejše izvajanje dobavnih verig "just-in-time". Če se skrajša čas pošiljanja, se prihrani denar, dobave so hitrejše, vi pa se lahko hitro odzovete na zahteve trga. Nižji stroški dela brez žrtvovanja spretnosti Medtem ko so stroški dela na Kitajskem še vedno konkurenčni, države, kot so Madžarska, Romunija in Bolgarija, ponujajo 40-60% nižje cene dela kot v zahodni Evropi. Te države imajo tudi visoko usposobljeno delovno silo, zlasti za avtomobilsko industrijo, elektroniko in stroje. Zato so privlačna destinacija za podjetja, ki potrebujejo kvalificirano delovno silo po nominalnih plačah. Naložbe v infrastrukturo in tehnološki napredek Države srednje in vzhodne Evrope so znatno nadgradile svojo infrastrukturo, zaradi česar so privlačnejše za svetovne proizvajalce. Po podatkih Svetovne banke se Češka na primer uvršča med 30 najboljših držav na svetu po uspešnosti logistike. Države v regiji veliko vlagajo v pametne tovarne, avtomatizacijo in zmogljivosti industrije 4.0, kar podjetjem omogoča dostop do najsodobnejše proizvodne tehnologije brez visokih cen, povezanih z zahodno Evropo. Usklajevanje predpisov z EU za upravljanje skladnosti Države srednje in vzhodne Evrope ter balkanske države se usklajujejo s predpisi Evropske unije (EU). To zagotavlja, da podjetja upoštevajo stroge okoljske, delovne in varnostne standarde, kar zmanjšuje tveganje dragih pravnih sporov ali kazni za neskladnost, ki bi lahko nastale zaradi poslovanja v regijah z manj strogimi standardi. Enotni trg EU omogoča tudi lažji dostop do čezmejne trgovine, kar poenostavlja poslovanje podjetij, ki poslujejo v več evropskih državah. Politična stabilnost, ki obeta dolgoročno rast Politična stabilnost pomaga graditi temelje uspešnega proizvodnega podjetja. Države srednje in vzhodne Evrope ter balkanske države, ki so del EU, ponujajo ugodno, stabilno in politično poslovno okolje. Podjetja lahko z zaupanjem načrtujejo svoje naložbe. Vendar tega ne moremo trditi za številne azijske in afriške države. Kako proizvodnja na Kitajskem in v državah srednje in vzhodne Evrope/balkanskih državah omogoča stroškovno učinkovitost proizvodnje? Zaradi kombinacije nižjih stroškov dela, krajših prevoznih razdalj in izboljšane infrastrukture je proizvodnja v Srednji in Vzhodni Evropi stroškovno učinkovitejša kot ohranjanje dejavnosti samo na Kitajskem. S to potezo lahko podjetja izkoristijo tudi nižje tarife in davčne spodbude ter manjše zamude v dobavni verigi in nižje stroške prevoza. Ker so se stroški prevoza v zadnjih letih povečali za več kot 300% (po podatkih agencije Bloomberg), lahko zmanjšanje odvisnosti od prevoza na dolge razdalje iz Azije v Evropo prinese znatne prihranke pri stroških. Podjetja lahko ostanejo prilagodljiva, saj lahko preklapljajo med proizvodnimi lokacijami glede na stroške, povpraševanje in politični razvoj. Ta prilagodljivost je ključna za dolgoročno ohranjanje stroškovne učinkovitosti in konkurenčnosti. Kako pravilno izvajati strategijo "Kitajska plus ena"? Izvajanje uspešne strategije Kitajska plus ena (CEE/Balkan) zahteva poglobljeno razumevanje in načrtovanje edinstvenih prednosti Kitajske in CEE. Pri oblikovanju strategije imejte v mislih skupne logistične stroške, lokalne spodbude, zmogljivosti delovne sile, prožnost dobavne verige in druge pomembne dejavnike. Ko je načrt pripravljen, lahko

Preko meja: Izkoriščanje strategije Kitajska plus ena za zmanjšanje stroškov in ohranjanje dobičkonosnosti v EU: Izkoriščanje strategije Kitajska plus ena za zmanjšanje stroškov in ohranjanje dobičkonosnosti v EU

Not enough time to read the full article? Listen to the summary in 2 minutes. China has been the world’s go-to manufacturing hub due to extensive benefits. However, the recent global events have exposed the vulnerabilities of relying on the country as your manufacturing base. You must have a backup plan in case things go downhill.  Logistics costs are rising, trade wars are happening, political instability is persistent, and consumers are growing skeptical. This has driven businesses to diversify production networks– leading to the rise of the “China Plus One Strategy.” It’s a smart approach that allows companies to retain their Chinese manufacturing facility while combining its benefits with production at strategic locations like Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) or the Balkans. This significantly minimizes risks and improves resilience while maintaining profitability and competitiveness. Let’s dive deep into this tactical approach to figure out if it’s the right strategy for you. The Benefits & Limitations of China as a Manufacturing Hub To begin with, you must understand the benefits and challenges of having a manufacturing hub only in China: Key Benefits: Massive production capacity: China still offers incredible scalability. If your company aims at high-volume production, then it’s a highly beneficial location. Low labor costs: While China’s labor costs have risen significantly—by up to 70% in the last decade, according to McKinsey—they remain competitive for many industries. Infrastructure and supply chain efficiency: China’s well-developed infrastructure supports its robust supply chains, making it difficult for other regions to replicate its logistics efficiency. Challenges: Rising logistics costs: Shipping costs from China to Europe have surged by over 300% in recent years as reported by Bloomberg. The reasons are rising fuel prices, global supply chain bottlenecks, and container shortages. This has put a severe strain on profitability. Embargos and trade wars: The ongoing U.S.-China trade war and other geopolitical tensions have caused businesses to reassess their overreliance on China, leading to increased tariffs, disrupted supply chains, and uncertainty. Political instability: With policies like embargos and trade restrictions frequently shifting, companies depending solely on Chinese manufacturing face significant risks in maintaining stable supply chains. Why Has China Plus One Strategy Become the Need of the Hour? Diversifying beyond China isn’t just an option anymore, it’s a necessity due to dreadful risks. The China Plus One strategy prevents you from relying too much on a single production location and offers protection against global uncertainties.  Here are the 3 key reasons why it’s the right approach: Mitigating risks: Companies employing the China Plus One Strategy reduce their exposure to trade wars, tariffs, and other economic and geopolitical risks. Just-in-time logistics: Manufacturing closer to Europe enables companies to adhere to just-in-time principles more effectively. Goods shipped from China take 30 to 45 days for shipping while intra-European shipments arrive in just 1 to 3 days. Note this difference. Freight costs: Rising fuel prices and transportation bottlenecks are making long-haul shipping from China prohibitively expensive. So, get production near your home and cut costs on freight. Why Choose Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) or the Balkans for the Plus One Strategy? Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans have become emerging destinations for companies to move their production base or invest in a new manufacturing facility. Countries like Romania,  Hungary, Poland, and others have tactical benefits like market proximity, plenty of skilled talent, cost-saving opportunities, great regulatory alignment, and more. Geographical Proximity and Reduced Shipping Costs CEE countries are proximal to key European markets and The shorter distance also makes delivery times faster, lead times shorter, and market response times quicker. Companies can slash the shipping costs by half compared to transporting things from China. Lower Labor Costs Compared to Western Europe According to the OECD, labor costs in CEE and Balkan countries are 40 to 60% lower than in Western Europe despite having an equally skilled workforce. This helps companies save money without fighting the logistical and geopolitical challenges of Asian countries. Infrastructure and Logistics Network Countries like Poland and the Czech Republic have made significant investments in infrastructure over the last decade. This makes them a brilliant destination for manufacturing operations.  The World Bank had ranked Poland among the top 25 nations globally for logistics performance. Political Stability Many CEE and Balkan nations are members of the European Union. This ensures regulatory alignment with EU standards, which reduces legal and compliance risks. Political stability in these countries contrasts with the more unpredictable environments found in certain other low-cost manufacturing destinations like Southeast Asia. Comparing CEE/Balkans with Other Low-Cost Manufacturing Destinations Now let’s compare strategic locations like CEE and the Balkans with traditional manufacturing hubs like Asia (Vietnam, Bangladesh, etc.), Latin America, and Africa. Asian countries are inexpensive labor but there are crucial skill issues and shipping times are too high. Meanwhile, Latin America may be an ideal solution for the U.S.-based companies but it still presents logistical challenges and regulatory issues for European firms.  Finally, Africa is an emerging market for companies but the underdeveloped infrastructure, political instability, and lack of skilled labor shoo away manufacturing companies. Key Advantages of the China Plus CEE/Balkans Strategy for European Businesses With the China Plus CEE/Balkans manufacturing strategy, companies can unlock access to an extensive list of benefits: Reduced Dependency on China: When you diversify out of China, it spreads the concentrated risks and your business won’t be halted due to issues in one region. Cost-Efficient Logistics: When you manufacture in the CEE or Balkans, the transportation costs are 30-40% lower than those in China. This also boosts profits while reducing delivery times. Resilience and Flexibility: By diversifying production between China and Europe, companies can easily shift operations based on market demand or geopolitical developments, offering greater operational flexibility. Regulatory Alignment with EU Standards: Manufacturing in CEE ensures full compliance with EU environmental, labor, and safety regulations, reducing the risk of fines, legal disputes, and compliance violations. How to Implement an Effective China Plus One Plan? Implementing an effective China Plus One plan isn’t a cakewalk. You must

Od krize do priložnosti: Kako lahko strategija Kitajska plus ena zaščiti vašo dobavno verigo in izboljša dobičkonosnost

Not enough time to read the full article? Listen to the summary in 2 minutes. Ongoing events like trade wars, rising energy prices, and geopolitical tensions have made the global business landscape unpredictable. It’s normal for companies to struggle amid the chaos. However, there’s one move that’s giving a sigh of relief to manufacturing businesses. It’s the China Plus One strategy. It is basically a diversification model where companies move a part of their production outside China, preferably to strategic locations like Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) or the Balkans to reap benefits from these emerging manufacturing hubs. Previously, businesses explored this plan as a way to mitigate risks involved with relying on a single manufacturing location. However, it’s increasingly being adopted now to counter the unstable business environment of China, enhance profitability, and build supply chain resilience. From a crisis to an opportunity, let’s uncover how the new-age China Plus One approach transforms manufacturing businesses. Exploring the Crisis of Global Supply Chains Managing global supply chains is hard. When events like the COVID-19 pandemic, container shortages, and the Suez Canal accident happen, you are exposed to the vulnerabilities of longer supply chains. Companies are more concerned than ever. The sole reliance on China won’t help your manufacturing business. It’s bound to face production delays, material shortages, and escalating logistics costs. This will lead to unmet market demands and missed opportunities. The trade war, particularly between the U.S. and China is set to make things worse. It introduces tariffs and export restrictions that increase production costs. Another concerning factor is the increase in operational costs. Labor and energy costs are rising in China, and also in Western Europe. This significantly reduces the profitability if your company is relying on a single-source production model. Turning Crisis into Opportunity with the China Plus One Strategy Modern manufacturing companies are adapting and turning crisis into opportunity with the smart China Plus One strategy. Instead of struggling with disruptions, they are leveraging them to build strong supply chains and make operations more profitable. Want to know why diversifying production beyond China helps your manufacturing businesses? Let’s find: Risk Mitigation through Supply Chain Diversification When you are manufacturing both in China and Poland, you can switch production based on market demands or disruptions. The China Plus One strategy spreads manufacturing across multiple countries and prevents dependency on a single source. Cost Optimization and Increased Profit Margins CEE and the Balkan countries have extensive cost advantages. They provide skilled labor at comparatively lower wages, better infrastructure with nominal investments, government incentives and tax grants, and shorter supply chains. This is great for boosting profitability. Access to Emerging Markets The China Plus One method isn’t only limited to shifting operational bases. It also lets your company tap into untapped markets. For instance, you can expand into CEE and the Balkans to access new consumer bases, local suppliers, and government incentives. It’s a sure-shot opportunity for growth. Building Sustainable and Compliant Operations When you shift production to regions that align with environmental, social, and governance standards, it improves the sustainability of your company. CEE and the Balkan countries are often targeted for diversification as they align with European Union (EU) regulations. It comes with two main perks– seamless compliance management and enhanced brand reputation. Why CEE and The Balkans are Ideal Destinations For this Strategy? CEE and the Balkans are emerging as the two ideal destinations for companies diversifying production outside China and within Europe. Let’s understand why manufacturing companies are after these countries to improve their profitability and supply chains: Central and Eastern Europe (CEE): CEE countries such as Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic are turning into manufacturing powerhouses. Here’s how: The Balkans Countries like Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are increasingly attracting foreign investment for several reasons: How the China Plus One Strategy Enhances Profitability The China Plus One model is turning out to be an incredible way to enhance the profitability of manufacturing companies, especially the ones from Europe. Let’s understand in detail: Reduced Operational Costs Companies moving production to CEE and the Balkans can reduce labor and operational expenses while maintaining product quality. For instance, automobile manufacturers shifting operations to Hungary or Romania benefit from cheaper production without compromising output. Less resource burn, more money. Shorter Lead Times and Greater Market Agility When you manufacture close to European markets, you can minimize the risk of stockouts and have a faster time-to-market. This makes your company adapt to market demand fluctuations. This agility is essential in fast-moving industries like electronics and consumer goods. Government Incentives and Tax Relief Many CEE and Balkan countries offer tax breaks, land grants, and R&D incentives. Poland’s Special Economic Zones and Serbia’s FDI programs enable companies to maximize profits by reducing setup costs. Steps to Implement the China Plus One Strategy Effectively Now that you have decided to move further with the China Plus One strategy to diversify production and enhance profitability and supply chain resilience, let’s understand how to proceed. Here are some steps you’ll have to follow: If all of this sounds daunting and complicated, let us help you build or relocate your factory with ease and gain the maximum advantage without breaking a sweat. Final Take The China Plus One strategy is great. Combining it with diversification to CEE or the Balkans makes it ‘best for business’. Manufacturing businesses can subdue unpredictability and fight risks before they overwhelm them. Most importantly, companies can boost profitability and build supply chains as resilient as titanium. These regions provide an incredible mix of low costs, skilled labor, and market access for long-term business growth while still aligning with EU standards. What else does a manufacturing business need in today’s competitive world? So, don’t waste more time and prepare for a move right now. Struggling with complex operational challenges? CE Interim, part of the Valtus Alliance global network, is here to provide expert interim management support for greenfield investments, factory relocations, achieving operational excellence, and

Strateška diverzifikacija proti deindustrializaciji: Selitev v srednjo in vzhodno Evropo ali zunanje izvajanje?

Not enough time to read the full article? Listen to the summary in 2 minutes. Germany is undergoing a wave of deindustrialization which is far too strong to subdue anytime soon. Automotive manufacturers, which have been the driving force behind the country’s economy, are struggling with challenges that need immediate strategic action. Among many counter-effective plans, manufacturing footprint diversification to automotive superpowers in the CEE region has emerged as a powerful alternative to outsourcing. For automotive manufacturers and other industries deeply impacted by rising operational costs and energy prices, the decision of whether to outsource or relocate their factories within Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is confusing, complicated, but very critical. We will take a look at the pros and cons of both approaches and compare them specifically for automotive manufacturers and other high-stakes industries here. By the end of it, you’ll realize why moving production to CEE countries may be a better alternative. The Automotive Industry’s Battle Against Deindustrialization For years, Germany’s automotive industry has been the driving factor behind its industrial legacy. However, the recent deindustrialization in the country due to factors like increasing energy prices, growing labor shortages, and geopolitical uncertainties have brought doomsday to the industry. The soaring energy costs have worsened things as the automotive industry relies heavily on uninterrupted production lines and access to energy. Manufacturers are desperately looking for ways to adapt and strategically diversify their operations to preserve competitiveness and sustain profitability– with outsourcing and factory relocation appearing as the top two solutions. Why Outsourcing Falls Short in the Deindustrialization Battle? Outsourcing may be a widely used strategy globally but it has its own set of risks that harm your company’s long-term future. Especially in industries like automotive manufacturing that rely on robust quality control measures, proprietary technologies, and complex supply chains. Let’s take a look at some key reasons to understand why outsourcing isn’t the most vital tool for fighting deindustrialization as a German automotive manufacturer: 1. Loss of Control and Oversight  When manufacturing is outsourced, businesses lose their direct control over the production process. Outsourcing partners may not adhere to the same standards of quality or innovation, leading to a decline in the final product.  For companies rooted in precision manufacturing—such as those in Germany’s automotive sector—this loss of control is a serious threat to their brand reputation. 2. Persistent Communication Barriers Communicating becomes harder when you outsource productions to distant regions. Your vendors will use different languages, come from varying cultures, and work in their preferred time zones. Your company’s operational efficiency will suffer in this case. 3. Intellectual Property Risks If you outsource productions to a region with poorly defined or weak IP laws, your intellectual property is at risk of theft. If your cutting-edge designs, techniques, and innovations get stolen, your company will be doomed and chaos will be unimaginable. 4. Dependency on External Partners You are at the mercy of your outsourcing partners when you hand over your productions to them. If they fail to meet production targets or deliver inconsistent quality, you are doomed. Your supply chain will be affected and operation downtimes are imminent. Due to these challenges, outsourcing is not the right thing to do if you are trying to defend against deindustrialization attacks. Factory Relocation to CEE Can Be Your Trump Card In contrast, manufacturing footprint diversification to automotive superpowers in the CEE region offers a more controlled, reliable alternative to outsourcing. The countries in Central and Eastern Europe have become the ideal manufacturing relocations lately due to great proximity, competitive labor markets, and significant investments in infrastructure. Let’s explore the key advantages of relocating to CEE countries like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. 1. Proximity to Germany: Greater Control and Easier Logistics Factory relocation to the CEE countries provides geographical advantages that are absent with outsourcing destinations in Asia or South America. These countries are so close to Germany that managing operations becomes smoother and you won’t face any supply chain issues. This proximity enables companies to retain much-required control over their operations while significantly reducing transport costs and lead times. For instance, Slovakia is rising up the ranks as the next automotive manufacturing leader in Europe. The country offers advanced infrastructure and facilities, and an amazing workforce that is highly skilled but works at fairly low wages. 2. Labor and Cost Advantages Without Sacrificing Quality The CEE countries have advanced educational and vocational training programs. The talent produced here is not only capable but highly adaptable to advanced manufacturing technologies. Additionally, they demand wages that are significantly lower than in Germany. For German manufacturers, it’s nothing less than a blessing as they can reduce operational costs without sacrificing the quality of their products. 3. Strong Regulatory Alignment with EU Standards CEE countries operate under EU regulations, so you don’t have to worry about compliance problems as the transition will be seamless. However, when you outsource production, you are at the risk of regulatory misalignment with compliance, environmental, and labor laws. Most importantly, German automotive companies can maintain strict adherence to EU environmental policies by relocating to CEE countries. It’s crucial as they are already facing immense scrutiny over emissions standards. So, there is assurance that relocated factories will follow the necessary legal and ethical guidelines to prevent costly regulatory fines and reputational damage. 4. Robust Infrastructure and Supply Chain Resilience CEE countries have invested heavily in upgrading their infrastructure to accommodate the influx of foreign manufacturers. Whether it’s road and rail networks, telecommunications, or energy supplies, these nations have developed the infrastructure required to support complex manufacturing operations. For automotive manufacturers, where efficiency in supply chains is vital, the well-established logistics networks in CEE countries allow for seamless integration into global supply chains, ensuring production continuity and resilience even during periods of global disruption. 5. A Long-Term Solution Amid Rising Costs Outsourcing often appears as the quick fix to reduce operational costs but you may end up neglecting the long-lasting downsides impacting your company’s future. On the

Povečanje vrednosti za delničarje in preprečevanje deindustrializacije: Premestitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo v primerjavi z zunanjim izvajanjem.

Not enough time to read the full article? Listen to the summary in 2 minutes. Germany’s industrial landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as deindustrialization grows stronger. Businesses can either adapt with strategic actions or wait until they become obsolete. The pressure to increase shareholder value while maintaining operational efficiency has become an existential threat. Businesses are left with two choices to maintain profitability, competitiveness, and dominance in global markets– outsourcing production and factory relocation to the CEE, with the latter having an edge over the former due to long-term growth prospects. Here, we’ll explore how CEE relocation can drive shareholder growth while also countering the impacts of deindustrialization. You will also realize why it’s the most stable and cost-effective cure for businesses trying to tackle the complexities of modern manufacturing. How is Deindustrialization Affecting Shareholders? Germany, the country which was once the industrial powerhouse of Europe is now sinking due to the consequences of deindustrialization. Energy costs are at record highs, there is a shortage of skilled workforce, regulations are getting tighter, and geopolitical tensions aren’t helping either. Businesses, especially the ones from high-effort, high-stakes industries like automotive, chemical, aerospace, and machinery sectors, must rethink their strategies. This drastic shift has left shareholders concerned. Businesses are failing to maintain competitiveness and profitability, their stock values are declining– eroding shareholder value. So, viable alternatives to replace domestic production is the need of the hour. At this point, the tactical decision to choose between outsourcing and factory relocation to CEE countries comes into play. If you choose the former for short-term savings, you are doing it wrong. We have explained ‘why’ below. Why Outsourcing Fails to Protect Shareholder Value? Newly founded experts and people with only theoretical knowledge often recommend outsourcing to German businesses to solve their problems. They lure them in by presenting it as an attractive option to cut costs and enhance shareholder returns in the short term. They are not completely wrong though as handing over productions to low-cost regions like Asia or South America helps companies reduce labor costs and minimize capital investment. However, the move poses critical risks that are devastating for shareholder growth in the long run. 1. Loss of Control Over Quality and Innovation Outsourcing leads to a loss of control over the production process which then causes diminished product quality. This directly affects customer satisfaction and brand reputation, ultimately lowering shareholder value. It also makes managing innovation difficult and it’s one of the key drivers behind shareholder growth. Your outsourcing partner may not have the same commitment or capability to develop and implement new technologies and processes. 2. Communication Barriers and Supply Chain Risks When you outsource to faraway regions with language, cultural, and time zone differences, operational inefficiencies will become persistent. This can lead to operational disruptions and create inconsistent revenue generation instances for shareholders. It also makes your supply chain vulnerable. Geopolitical events, natural disasters, and other factors can easily disrupt the global flow of goods and materials to create bottlenecks in production. This can lead to project delays and will damage your market position, affecting cash flow and hurting shareholder growth. 3. Intellectual Property and Data Security Concerns Outsourcing includes the risk of intellectual property theft and data breaches, which can be devastating for companies relying heavily on proprietary technologies and sensitive data, such as German automotive and electronics manufacturers. Even the key outsourcing regions have weak legal frameworks for data and intellectual property. So, protecting your key innovations and unique processes is not easy, and you may even end up having costly legal battles or facing unauthorized competitors, which further erodes shareholder value. Why CEE Relocation is the Best Strategy For Shareholder Growth? On the other side, factory relocation to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is a more sustainable approach to enhance shareholder growth with minimal challenges. Countries like Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic are becoming prime destinations for German manufacturers due to a long list of benefits they offer: 1. Retaining Control Over Operations Businesses can have full control over regular operational activities when they relocate factories to the CEE region. This ensures the maintenance of quality standards, innovative initiatives, and productivity standards. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia have a stable and business-friendly environment that facilitates consistent product quality and timely deliveries. This stability enhances company value and increases shareholder returns, in turn. 2. Cost Efficiency with Consistent Quality The CEE region presents numerous cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality. The labor costs here are significantly lower than Germany but the talent is equally skilled and qualified. This makes it an incredible choice for manufacturing companies. For instance, Poland has become a popular hub for an abundance of well-qualified talent pool ready to work at nominal wages. This allows companies to find the optimal balance between maintaining high production standards while reducing operational costs simultaneously.  Additionally, these countries have made notable investments in infrastructure, including transport networks, energy supplies, and telecommunications. This minimizes logistical challenges and reduces inefficiencies to create a smoother production framework. 3. Proximity and Reduced Supply Chain Risks CEE countries have a geographical advantage over outsourcing locations like Asia or South America. It provides logistical benefits as products can reach German and global markets faster and more reliably. The shorter supply chains also allow your company to manage potential disruptions better, making production more resilient amidst global uncertainties. For shareholders, this ensures continuous operations, reduces production downtime, and keeps the company on track to meet its revenue targets. 4. Regulatory Alignment with the EU When you try outsourcing to distant regions, regulatory misalignment are common, especially when operations are moved to a location with weaker labor laws, environmental regulations, and data protection standards. However, relocation to CEE protects you from this as these countries are members of the European Union (EU). Thus, they follow strict regulations set by the EU. It ensures your company maintains compliance well and prevents costly legal issues, penalties, and disruptions in production. This helps companies safeguard