In our latest Snackbox podcast, we meet up with Mirco Reif, Director Market and Product Management of the Off Highway Solutions unit.
He and his team deal with a wide range of topics and products. In fact, the spectrum of applications includes not only vehicles and machinery used in the construction and agricultural sectors but also special vehicles used by the fire department, Germany’s civil protection organization, or refuse collection companies. Essentially, everything „that has a hydraulic system on board,“ he explains. Things are certainly on the move in this segment of the market. Digitalization, electrification, climate neutrality, downsizing, a shortage of skilled workers: these are some of the key issues currently facing machine and vehicle manufacturers – including Mirco and his team.
When he points to the fact that smaller electric wheel loaders are likely to become established in just a few years, there can be no doubt whatsoever: the off-highway market is anything but boring! The emergence of modern, electrically controlled pilot hydraulics is another exciting trend within this area. Indeed, they can unlock completely new possibilities when it comes to automation and remote control.
There were few signs that Mirco would one day head up product management. Having trained as an energy electronics technician at a large corporation, he initially worked in customer service throughout Europe. At the age of 22, he became a training manager at a major manufacturer of construction machinery. He then embarked on further training in the field of business administration and went to the United States for several years as a training manager, where he traveled throughout the country for his employer.
Back in Germany, Mirco joined a company that manufactures construction and agricultural machinery – his first „official“ job as a product manager. After another seven years, he arrived at Thomas, a company where he feels at home. As someone who has always worked for larger corporations, he found the way in which he was welcomed here and the sense of team spirit a completely new experience. „The people here are very, very helpful, everyone has an open ear, they always find the time to engage with others,“ he says.
Would you like to hear more about all of the above and find out why Mirco also worked as a ski instructor in the US or why he was so impressed when he first traveled to China on behalf of Thomas? It’s all just a click away. He also explains why he doesn’t really like snacks, but sometimes („regrettably“) can’t resist reaching into the candy jar when it’s time for a cup of coffee.
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