Plant Manager Jens Kircheis Brings New Momentum to Production at SHZ
Focus on Efficiency and Innovation
With the completion of the generational transition in October 2025, SHZ GmbH has realigned its management structure. Alongside shareholders Matthias and Franziska Böhme, Plant Manager Jens Kircheis and Head of Sales and Purchasing Marcus Fabich now strengthen the management team. Together, they combine experience, innovative strength and strategic expertise – with the aim of optimising processes and driving SHZ’s sustainable growth.
Mr Kircheis, what particularly appealed to you about the role of Plant Manager?
Jens Kircheis: I was already Production Manager at SHZ from 2010 to 2014, and even in the years after that, when I was working in the automotive industry, I always followed the company’s development with interest. When the opportunity arose to take over as Plant Manager, it quickly became clear to me: this is where I can apply my knowledge and experience in a targeted way – especially in the areas of automation and process optimisation. SHZ GmbH’s international growth opens up considerable scope for shaping production to be more efficient, more digital and more sustainable.
What are your most important tasks?
Jens Kircheis: I am responsible for production processes and employee management. The current focus is on expanding the site and modernising our machinery. For example, we are investing in a new tensile testing machine that can test products with tensile loads of up to 100 tonnes – an important step towards even greater quality assurance. At the same time, we are optimising our ERP system in order to integrate customer requirements more directly into production and make information more transparent. This improves processes and strengthens the connection between sales, production and customers.
What do you value about SHZ as an employer?
Jens Kircheis: Quite clearly: the sense of togetherness. At SHZ, you are not just a number – every individual counts. The working atmosphere is family-like, direct and based on mutual respect. Communication channels are short. Everyone can contribute their own ideas and receives support in doing so. That is motivating and ensures that we truly stand together as a team – and achieve something together.
What characterises production at SHZ?
Jens Kircheis: Our great strength is the combination of flexibility and productivity. We can respond very quickly to special requests and reliably deliver within two to three weeks. We achieve this speed, among other things, through forward-looking warehousing – we have extensive stocks of raw and finished materials and are therefore independent of long supply chains from the Far East.
How are new products created?
Jens Kircheis: Many ideas come directly from customer enquiries. We are in close contact with users, and their feedback flows directly into development. From the initial design to testing in our own test laboratory, it often takes only one week – then series production begins. This agility is our clear advantage.
A new product is the “Performance PRO” heavy-duty round sling. What makes it special?
Jens Kircheis: The “Performance PRO” is significantly lighter and more compact than conventional round slings – setting new standards in handling and safety. Thanks to its high-strength HMPE core and a particularly abrasion-resistant, seamless polyester sleeve, it is up to 75 percent lighter and requires around 50 percent less contact surface. This makes it easier to handle even with high load capacities and allows it to fit into more common hook openings. It also shows improved performance on sharp edges – a real step forward for everyday practical use.
SHZ manufactures in Germany. What advantages does this bring for your customers?
Jens Kircheis: Manufacturing in Germany guarantees our customers consistently high quality, tested safety and short delivery times. Every product is extensively tested in our own laboratory – far beyond the applicable standard requirements. For example, we design our products with a safety factor of 7.5 times the required load, while the standard only requires a factor of 7. For lifting equipment, we also test three samples per batch, even though only one sample per 1,000 units is required.
By manufacturing in Germany, we not only ensure the highest product standards, but also remain flexible and responsive. We can implement individual customer requirements at short notice – from development through to delivery: as a rule, a new product is created within one week, with delivery taking place after just three weeks. For us, “Made in Germany” is not an advertising slogan, but an expression of our lived commitment to quality, production expertise, reliability and speed.
How does SHZ remain able to deliver despite global changes?
Jens Kircheis: Thanks to forward-looking planning and well-coordinated processes between purchasing, warehousing and production. We have a large material warehouse and produce entirely in Germany. This makes us independent of international supply chains and protects us from customs or transport problems. As a result, we can deliver reliably even at short notice.
Where do you see the greatest future opportunities for SHZ?
Jens Kircheis: I see great opportunities in international growth – there is still plenty of potential in Europe as well. At the same time, we want to expand our production capacities for mechanical lifting equipment and chain slings. Many customers still know SHZ primarily for textile products such as lashing straps and webbing slings – in the areas of mechanical equipment and chains, we want to significantly increase our visibility. Another key focus is automation, in order to further optimise processes and sustainably increase efficiency. But the decisive factor remains: we listen to our customers, develop customised solutions and implement them quickly.
What makes you proud when you think of SHZ?
Jens Kircheis: I am impressed by how forward-looking and flexible the company is in responding to change – even in difficult times such as during the coronavirus years. That speaks for our strong team and the close connection to our customers. For the future, I hope for stable markets and continued growth – in Europe, but also in South America, where our “Made in Germany” products are highly valued.
Mr Kircheis, thank you very much for the interview!
