About Us
Development
In 1992, a new program was introduced which - under the acronym "GROWTTH" (Get Rid Of Waste Through Team Harmony) - turned out to be extraordinarily successful.
Over a period of four days, in groups comprising eight to twelve associates, specific tasks and problems are analyzed, solutions decided, and in most cases also implemented. These working groups are made up of associates from various hierarchy levels and from different functions, with no particular order of rank in the group itself. The principle adopted is that "GROWTTH" groups will always include associates from other departments, who do not encounter the specific problem in their own work, and often participants from our customers as well. This regularly produces a frank and constructive climate for discussion, where each participant learns to respect the skills and input of the others. It also gives participants a feeling of achievement when decisions are put immediately into practice without having to seek permission, and when everyone can see the results of his/her own contribution. After another four weeks, the "GROWTTH" group gets together again, checks to see how the changes they introduced are working out, and decides on any modifications that may be required.
On the initiative of Dr. Peter Stehle's, member of the Management Board, the "GROWTTH" groups have also been introduced in the European plants of Seals and Vibration Control Technology - initially at Freudenberg Technical Products in the UK, but soon followed by all the Business Group's other facilities as well. It was clear from the outset that the success of "GROWTTH" was in no way hindered by different national mindsets; very often, in fact, associates from other countries were also involved in the teamwork sessions.
Contact Freudenberg Group North America:
Cheryl Eberwein
47690 East Anchor Court
Plymouth, Mich. 48170-2455
Office: +1 (734) 354-5373
Cell: +1 (248) 767-1068
Fax: +1 (734) 451-0043