It is quite possible that a vehicle used in Germany contains components purchased in Asia and assembled in North America.”
With focused localization projects, we ensure that our suppliers produce where our own needs are. This eliminates long transportation routes and therefore CO2 emissions.”
Anyone looking for a job with fixed structures, where the daily routine follows the same pattern and tasks are solved individually, won't be happy with us. But those who enjoy a variety of topics and want to develop new solutions for challenges in interdisciplinary teams are exactly in the right place!”
We are Ferdinand Wieland makes the automotive industry greener
In the #GreenJobs series, we introduce colleagues whose work contributes to climate protection and the reduction of emissions. Just like Ferdinand Wieland. As Senior Vice President Procurement & Supply Management at thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology, Ferdinand ensures that CO2 emissions are also reduced along the supply chain.
What is it about?
As Senior Vice President Procurement & Supply Management at thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology, Ferdinand Wieland is responsible for purchasing on a global level. In his role, he works on developing the segment's supply chains towards climate neutrality.
What’s the point?
Goods flows and production processes in the automotive industry are globally networked. This makes it difficult to control supply chains. Ferdinand focuses on implementing measures within the company’s own plants to improve sustainability performance, while also collaborating with suppliers to jointly achieve the goal of CO2 neutrality.
What’s the benefit?)
Continuous improvement at our own production sites, for example through the purchase of green electricity or green electricity certificates, and supply chains is essential to holistically reduce CO2 emissions across the board to make the green transformation a success.
Ferdinand Wieland's mission is clear: to make the supply chains of thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology completely climate-neutral. This involves much more than just transportation routes: How are the products sourced? Are recycled materials being used? Are there alternative raw materials or manufacturing processes? These are the questions the expert faces every day.
As Senior Vice President for Procurement & Supply Management at thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology, Ferdinand Wieland is responsible for making supply chains more sustainable.
On the road to climate neutrality
thyssenkrupp attaches great importance to ensuring sustainability in supply chains across all segments. The ecological dimension has become significant importance in the wake of climate change. And there is much work to be done: after all, a car and its components are largely made of steel and aluminum. Both raw materials are very energy-intensive to produce. Converting traditional steel production to CO2-neutral manufacturing processes is a major challenge. “Not forgetting the increasing networking of vehicles, which involves a high use of electronic components,” explains Ferdinand. “These components emit more CO2 per ton than any other raw material used.”
Added to this is the globalization of the automotive industry. The globally networked flows of goods and production processes make it more difficult to fully control supply chains – and therefore to reduce emissions: “It is entirely possible that a vehicle used in Germany contains parts that were purchased in Asia and assembled in North America,” explains the Senior Vice President Procurement & Supply Management.
Step by step to the big goal
Ferdinand and his colleagues are tackling the challenges step by step in small, local projects: “With focused localization projects, we ensure that our suppliers produce where our own needs are. This eliminates long transportation routes and therefore CO2 emissions.” Additionally, the team has developed a communication strategy to raise awareness among suppliers for the shared goal of becoming CO2-neutral.
In the short term, however, the biggest lever for improving the automotive supplier's sustainability footprint remains its approximately 90 and sites worldwide. “We have already launched and successfully implemented numerous promising activities here. This year, we are supplying more than 40 locations with 100% green electricity. We are gradually expanding the use of renewable energies worldwide,” explains Ferdinand. In procurement, the team is supporting this measure by converting contracts to green electricity or purchasing so-called guarantees of origin.
From steering systems to drive and chassis components - almost all parts in cars are made from energy-intensive materials. An enormous challenge for sustainable supply chain management.
Turning sustainability into a profession
What motivates Ferdinand in his daily work? “We only have one planet. Sustainable supply chains are the key to protecting this planet and counteracting climate change.” Being able to contribute to this is what makes his job so appealing to him. He therefore sees attractive opportunities in the context of sustainable supply chains for young professionals who are not afraid of challenges and want to make a difference: “Anyone looking for a job with fixed structures, where the daily routine follows the same pattern and tasks are solved individually, won't be happy with us. But those who enjoy a variety of topics and want to develop new solutions for challenges in interdisciplinary teams are exactly in the right place!”
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