Mark Waterman, Electronics Division Manager, ECD

How was business in 2022 and what do you expect for the industry in 2023?
Despite all the challenges, Emil Otto has achieved a very good result, which is mainly due to our extensive and high quality product portfolio. This makes us very competitive in the electronics industry as well as in the field of metal chemistry.

Will you be launching new products or services in 2023?
In 2023, as in all the other years before, we will launch many innovative new products.

Have supply chain shortages caused problems for your company in 2022 and what have you done to reduce these issues in 2023?
It is difficult to make a forecast for the year 2023. After all, the geopolitical situation, the question of energy supply and the associated exploding costs influence corresponding statements.

Currently, the pandemic, the collapse of supply chains and the associated extreme shortage of raw materials are still having a negative impact. But the difficult market situation for electronic components is also a problem for us as flux manufacturers, because if our customers cannot process components, no flux is needed. Therefore, the component shortage and the difficult raw material situation are market realities for us that we have to keep a close eye on.

Are you able to hire enough qualified employees?
The shortage of skilled workers is a problem for small and medium sized enterprises. Generation Z often considers these companies unattractive and prefers project related jobs in large companies. However, we medium sized companies also offer many advantages, such as short decision making processes, the opportunity to get involved and therefore be appreciated, as well as flexible conditions.

Has your company travel returned to pre-pandemic levels or are you still limiting travel to customer sites or industry conferences in 2023?
Travel will not reach pre-pandemic levels. Of course, direct exchange on site cannot be completely replaced. However, consultations can also be conducted online, which hardly anyone could have imagined before the pandemic.