The company Liofit from Kamenz is representative of the trend towards electromobility. Dr. Ralf Günther, Managing Director, focuses on three things: the reprocessing of old batteries, the development of our own technologies and a family corporate management. A strategy that the company will continue to successfully maintain at the “battery location” Kamenz in the coming years and decades.
Nordstraße, number 57, in Kamenz. The eye falls on a large table. If you only listen to the voices, you might think you are listening to the conversations of a large family. But if you look around, you will discover state-of-the-art technology. One stands in a large hall and is surrounded by computers, soldering stations and the central part of the work of the Kamenz company Liofit: batteries for e-bikes. For managing director Dr. Ralf Günther, employee cohesion, the environment of daily work, is particularly important. "There is a common breakfast and lunch here, almost at the center of our work," says Günther, who also sits at the table. His desk is only 10 meters away, in the same hall where all employees work every day on the latest battery technology for electric bicycles.
Steadily uphill
Founded in 2013, since 2015 at the current location, the demand and corresponding sales figures of the company increased every year. With a growth of over 80 % compared to the previous year, Ralf Günther can look back on the most successful business year since the company was founded. "We concentrate on the reprocessing of old batteries, but we are also working on our own batteries, including modern circuit board and protection technology." And the company succeeds without its own sales department. The two pillars, preparation and in-house development, will continue to determine work at Liofit in the future. For example, there is a 3D printer to make it easier to produce your own prototypes. But rising sales also mean that the company will have to grow in the foreseeable future. "An expansion is planned for the next few years, and the city of Kamenz is also very supportive in this regard," explains Günther. And of course, the company also needs new employees. A lookout is already underway for the beginning of this year.
Secure the future
With one exception, all of the company's current employees come from the region. It is not easy to find young people on the market. "The topic of battery technology does not yet exist as an apprenticeship. That's why many turn their hobby into a profession.” Liofit shows that this also works in an impressive way. The low fluctuation in the company is certainly also due to the already mentioned working atmosphere. The flat corporate hierarchies, the easy-going collaboration or even a bonus system, through which employees are involved in sales development, are basic principles at Liofit. Ralf Günther sees the future of the company in the family. His son, who is already employed and responsible for development and marketing, would be his first choice.
"Battery-City-Kamenz"
The great opportunity of Liofit is above all the environment of Kamenz. “The topic of battery technologies is very important here. In this way, you can advance the entire branch of industry with other companies” explains the managing director. He thinks primarily of recycling old batteries, which will become an increasing factor in the coming years. By working with the “Wachstumsregion Dresden”, Liofit is hoping for an even greater presence in the region. Also due to the close competitive situation. But Ralf Günther also sees this as an opportunity. "Battery-City-Kamenz also has a special sound!" He adds with a smile on his lips.
In Family
The conversations in the hall are getting lighter. As in every large family, everyone goes their own way after eating and does their part for the future of electric mobility until the time has come to sit down and be "at home" for half an hour. At home at Liofit in Kamenz, at home in the “Wachstumsregion Dresden.”