Arnd2

Turbulent Times

An interview with CEO Arnd Brüning

Dear Arnd,
the first half of the year is over and we all have already been shaken heavily – by Corona. What at the beginning seemed to take place only in China, eventually came to us in Europe and hit us pretty hard pretty quickly. After weeks of exceptional circumstances, we are gradually returning to normality.

What was your perception when the crisis began?

At first I didn’t take the issue seriously. It was only when information about the situation in Ischgl became more dense and the number of infections in Germany and the number of deaths in Italy rose rapidly, that I realized that we had to act.

 

What measures were then taken as part of the lockdown in the Brüning | Group?

The most important measure was the decision on 13 March to send as many employees as possible to work from home as quickly as possible. Everything else, all the hygienic issues, distance rules, travel restrictions etc. were of course also important, but not so crucial.

 

And what is the situation now after the general restrictions have been eased again?

Together we have managed to return to a new normality very well. What remains is a residual uncertainty about the effects of the easing and the overall economic situation. However, we would be well prepared for another lockdown and could react quickly once again.

 

The lockdown brought the economy to an almost complete standstill. What impact did Corona have on the Brüning | Group’s business? Were there any divisions or units that were particularly affected – either positively or negatively?

There was a rush for all bark products, which were then almost sold out very quickly. Fortunately, we were well stocked at our site in Mölln so that most customers could be served, but with unusual waiting times. For the Waste-to-Energy unit, it was not so easy to get commercial waste, as many companies produced little or none at all. But here as well, we have found good solutions. Overall, the impact on our business was fortunately manageable.

 

How do you see the long-term effects on the various sectors, such as wood or biomass industry or waste industry?

Enormous amounts of subsidies have now been released to quickly revive the economy. Of course, the promotion of renewable energies once again is a key focus. I believe that in one year we have overcome the worst and are looking at what we can do better in the next pandemic.

 

The past weeks have been very instructive. What conclusion do you draw for the Brüning | Group from this time? Are there things that are now being handled differently?

We are working on a concept that will make it possible for the topic “working at home” to become a normal part of working life for many employees. I personally believe that the instrument “video conferencing” will be used more. This will reduce business trips (not all of them, of course) and give employees more time to do their jobs and spend time with their families. Personally, I intend to try out something new more often, even without such a crisis. We often talk about the fact that we could have had a try before with employees working from home. The important thing is that we now succeed in mobilising all our forces in order to emerge from this crisis stronger together. My own feeling is that we have made the best out of it in terms of cooperation, and that’s how it must continue.

 

Many thanks for the interview!

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