Siemens has appointed Christian Grosch to lead its major manufacturing facility at Congleton as the business expands the site to target new vertical markets.
Christian, who has held international managerial positions with Siemens for more than three decades, which included roles in China, Brazil and Italy, takes the reins from his predecessor Andrew Peters, who headed-up the flagship site for nine years.
The business manufactures more than 1 million controls and drives for customers globally at the facility every year and employs more than 550 people from across the region, including 19 Ukrainian refugees.
The move comes as Congleton expands into the heating and ventilation market and boosts capacity at the site – which was the first Siemens manufacturing plant in the UK to become carbon neutral, eight years ahead of its original target, and achieve 80% energy independence thanks to its on-site gas engine and hydro-electric plant at Havannah Weir.
Siemens has increased production capacity by more than 50 per cent, all achieved within the same physical footprint.
Christian, whose engineering career began in a factory in Germany, for microwave transmission and communication equipment, will now oversee this journey to ensure the facility continues to drive the industry forward while maintaining its world-renowned culture.
Christian Grosch, head of manufacturing at Congleton, said: “Famous for its digital transformation and positive attitude towards delivering change, the Congleton site truly is a leading light in progressive and sustainable manufacturing across the UK and the wider global Siemens community.
“The innovative culture here is well established so my role is to help this talented group to identify and realise further potential, as Congleton maintains its reputation as a global leader. This factory has long set the example for lean, digital manufacturing methods and how to implement advanced processes from virtual reality, digital twins, advanced robotics and additive manufacturing, and I look forward to seeing us achieve further innovation for our customers.”
Brian Holliday, managing director at Siemens Digital Industries UK and Ireland, said: “Christian joins a team at Congleton that has shown what is possible in a factory of the future. It’s a leading global example of digitalisation, automation and energy efficiency. Welcoming a new head provides a new chapter for the site in its continued ambition to be an exemplar for the industry.”
Carl Ennis, chief executive at Siemens UK & Ireland, said: “Our manufacturing facility in Congleton showcases the factory of the future, using digital solutions to make more complicated products as efficiently as possible. Christian has a strong track record in leading manufacturing sites that are pivotal to global industry, and I look forward to the seeing the impact he will have.”
