Health Dental accessories manufacturer Coltene sees itself back on track
The new Coltene CEO Dominik Arnold believes his company is back on track after a difficult year. In an interview with the news agency AWP, the head of the dental accessories manufacturer was cautiously optimistic for 2024.
29.07.2024, 10:15
29.07.2024, 10:16
SDA
For the future, he is counting on a better market focus and a possible streamlining of the product portfolio. "The negative influences that we felt last year are now largely over," said the manager in an interview with the news agency AWP published on Monday.
The development is now going according to plan. If the first half of the year had not been in line with the "cautiously optimistic" forecast, the market would have been informed accordingly, he said.
With a view to the future, Coltene is now aiming for an improved market orientation. Arnold emphasized: "Coltene has good products, capable employees and an excellent corporate culture". Nevertheless, he sees room for improvement, particularly in the way the products are delivered to customers.
The issue of profitability
The product portfolio may also need to be adjusted: "Perhaps we also need to tweak our product portfolio". The aim is to increase efficiency and thus improve margins through better focusing and greater customer orientation.
Another topic is therefore profitability. Coltene is aiming for an EBIT margin of 15 percent, which is currently only 8 percent. Arnold explained that the company has developed a strategic plan, which will be presented in detail at a capital market day.
Arnold also addressed the challenges posed by the new EU regulation for medical devices. This would lead to higher costs, which would either have to be borne by the company itself or passed on to customers, "without any added value".
Swiss lack a "sense of urgency"
In addition to the economic and regulatory challenges, Arnold also revealed his personal side. He talked about the cultural differences that he experienced during his time abroad in the USA and Asia. He emphasized that the "sense of urgency" is often lacking in the Swiss business world.
Overall, Arnold was positive about Coltene's prospects. He was confident that the company would be successful with the right strategy and a clear focus on customer satisfaction and process optimization. His personal motto is apt: "Opportunity presents itself to the prepared mind".
