Bernd Kuhlencord from the town of Bassum in Northern Germany has now been with Big Dutchman for 35 years. After completing his business studies and working a job in plant engineering, he started his employment with the Calveslage-based poultry and pig equipment supplier in 1981. Until September 2013, Kuhlencord, who has an excellent command of both English and French, helped shaping particularly the business unit for poultry equipment in managerial positions, and as managing director for three decades.
Kuhlencord showed his good understanding of the customers‘ needs and his diplomatic skills from the very beginning of his time with Big Dutchman: as sales manager for the Arab countries and as supervisor of a large poultry house project in the Middle East.
When the former subsidiary in Germany was transformed into a family-owned and -managed company in 1985, this transformation also proved a great chance for Kuhlencord. During the following phase of reorganization, Kuhlencord set up a new sales structure for both the pig and poultry equipment business units. The general system he devised, including the formation of a sales support team, is still in existence today.
Since withdrawing from his position as managing director, Kuhlencord has been acting as consultant to the company, and continues to assist old and new colleagues in expanding the markets in Africa and the Middle East.
“When you began your job here, 125 people worked at the office in Calveslage,” remembered Bernd Meerpohl, member of the Board of Management of the Big Dutchman AG, when celebrating Bernd Kuhlencord in a recent private event. Today, Big Dutchman has 800 employees in Germany, and more than 2,700 worldwide. “Our good market position today has largely come about thanks to your tireless support. You have left your mark on this company like nearly no other,” said Meerpohl, offering his thanks to Kuhlencord.
Management and colleagues would like to convey their congratulations and wish Bernd Kuhlencord all the best and much success in his future endeavours for Big Dutchman.