Ms. Evertz, would you like to start by briefly introducing yourself?

Jil Evertz (HR manager and co-partner)
My name is Jil Evertz and I am 30 years old. I have been working full-time in our family business for four years, having already worked in various areas of the company during my studies. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and a Master's degree in Business Psychology. In addition to work, I have been a keen horse rider for over 20 years and enjoy playing tennis. I also have a keen interest in languages and cultures and have lived in Sweden during a break between my studies where I successfully completed a language course. Challenging myself in different areas is exactly what motivates me!
What does a typical working day at your company look like? Every day is definitely different. First and foremost, as HR manager, I take care of the employees' concerns. As our core competence lies in the service sector, our team is our strength. I need to clarify all issues that are important and crucial to the work of our employees as quickly as possible. Last year, I was given an exciting new task - to support and coordinate the construction of our new administration building as the client. I learned a lot about commercial construction work in the process. I also recently took over shares in the business, so I am now also involved at a strategic and operational level. I would say that my day-to-day work is very varied. Although I try to give the whole thing structure and planning on a daily basis, there is no lack of flexibility, but that's also what I enjoy about it.
Please tell us the core values that the Evertz Group stands for.In this context, I always like to refer to my grandfather's motto: “I am only satisfied when my customer is satisfied!” I think that this phrase is particularly associated with the values of competence and trust. On the one hand, we offer a strong commitment to the quality of service or products to ensure customer satisfaction. On the other hand, our long-term relationships with customers, employees and partners are based on trust and reliability in our work. Now in the third generation of our company, we try to maintain these values and traditions.

What significance does Solingen have as a location for you and for the workforce?
It all started here in Solingen - my grandfather built the company in this city and we as a family all still live here. It was clear to us that the new headquarters would be built in Solingen - the city of industry and blades - where important steelworks were already located nearby.How has your company developed from a family-run business into an internationally active group of companies?
Through the expertise, ideas and, above all, the courage of our team. My grandfather built up the company in a multi-layered and cross-market way and many of his ideas were realized in the form of patents. Thanks to the various strengths of my colleagues, it was then expanded into a so-called “all-round package” for steel surface treatment services. With joint venture constellations, we bring modern expertise in-house and try to secure our international marketability. Our company Evertz Europe, founded in 2006, is responsible for service contracts at various locations in Europe and the USA. By setting up this company, we have opted for an active international approach and place our full trust in the team from Luxembourg. We are constantly developing with our customers and partners, so that ultimately the joint solutions make the Evertz Group globally competitive.

 

- Evertz Europe SA
New administration building in Solingen
What opportunities will the move to the new administration building open up - and has a date already been set?
We already moved at the beginning of the year and we all feel very comfortable. The move went really well! The modernity of the building, as well as the transparency and brightness thanks to the many glass walls and windows, immediately gives you a different working feeling. I think that the new building also signals a new era for our company. Not only that we are working in a more modern and energy-efficient way, but also that we are offering a perspective. With the new building, we want to create the basis and prerequisites for a successful future for our company and usher in a new generation of the family business.
What are currently the biggest challenges facing the German economy and the steel industry?
I think that the German economy is currently facing several significant challenges that are affecting various sectors, particularly the steel industry. One of the biggest and current challenges is the ongoing uncertainty caused by geopolitical tensions and the impact of the war in Ukraine. This situation has not only driven up energy prices, but has also disrupted supply chains, leading to bottlenecks and higher production costs. Other challenges facing our economy include the ongoing shortage of skilled workers and the integration of and, above all, investment in digitalization. The ability to adapt to these challenges is ultimately decisive for a company's future competitiveness. As is the focus on a sustainable economy. The steel industry in particular, which has traditionally been heavily dependent on fossil fuels, is under pressure to reduce its CO2 emissions. This requires significant investment in new technologies and production methods, such as the production of hydrogen. I could now list many more points that, for me, define the movement in our economy.
What goals do you have for the Evertz Group in the future?
I think that we have the same goals as all medium-sized companies. We want to remain on the market in the long term and, ideally, grow. Our goals are also based on the challenges listed above. Despite the turbulent market economy, which is difficult for us to influence, we want to ensure our competitiveness and create long-term financial stability. Our focus is on customer loyalty and satisfaction and therefore also on the goal of adapting flexibly to market changes and customer needs. However, we also want to grow in areas such as employee development and digitalization in order to improve our day-to-day work and customer service. There are numerous goals that we are pursuing with the company and they are closely interrelated as they influence each other. I remain firmly convinced that courage and hard work will somehow and at some point pay off behind every goal.