Christoph Wernz: A Journey of Growth and Discovery with YIZUMl

In the world of engineering and die casting, Christoph Wernz stands as a beacon of knowledge and excellence. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has carved a path through the intricate landscape of machine tool development, supply chain management, and manufacturing excellence. His story is one of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of quality—a story that is deeply intertwined with the growth and success of YIZUMI.

PART01

A Journey of Growth and Discovery

Christoph’s journey began with a master’s degree in engineering from Germany, swiftly transitioning into a research role at the prestigious University of Stuttgart. His early fascination with the dynamic behavior of machine tools laid the groundwork for a career that would see him rise through the ranks of several international machine tool companies. However, it was his tenure in China, establishing a machine tool factory from the ground up, that would prove to be a defining moment in his career.

“The job I liked the most in this career was in 2013-2017, building up a machine tool factory on the green field in Jiangsu province, China," he reminisces. This period not only honed his skills but also ignited a deep appreciation for the challenges and rewards of die casting machines, which he describes as producing "the raw materials, which later machine tools process for finished parts."

PART02

Innovation and Quality:

The YIZUMI Way

At YIZUMI, Christoph has been instrumental in implementing innovative practices and embracing new technologies in quality control of die casting machines. The company focuses on machine quality through rigorous incoming and outgoing inspections, with an aim to develop towards total quality control by adding ingenious quality gates and collecting data for root cause analysis and preventive action.

YIZUMI's die casting machines are benchmarked against world-class brands and ensure high delivery quality and reliability. Christoph emphasizes the importance of constant improvement, driven by trust. "Because business is based on trust and on the international market, you need to perform on the same level or even better as the market leaders in order to gain market shares," he asserts.

PART03

Embracing Digital Transformation

and Sustainability Management

Christoph’s vision extends beyond traditional manufacturing practices. He champions the digital transformation of production lines, utilizing statistical methods to evaluate supplier performance and implementing flow lines for efficient production. “Our small and medium sized machines are produced on a flow line, which makes it easy to implement internal quality gates, to collect and analyze data, and to continuously improve the quality.”

At the same time, environmental sustainability becomes a key issue in the industry. YIZUMI greatly focuses on environmentally friendly assembly. The Chinese government continues to tighten legal restrictions on waste collection and greenhouse gas emissions. For environmental management, he speaks of YIZUMI's efforts, “For the energy consumption, we have almost reached the carbon neutral level in our factory, because on the roofs, large photovoltaic installations produce enough electricity over the year.”

PART04

Navigating Cultural Differences

and Leadership Philosophy

In the global manufacturing industry, leadership is not just about managing tasks—it's about managing people. For Christoph Wernz, this means bridging cultural gaps and fostering an environment that thrives on collaboration and mutual respect.

His leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the recognition of cultural diversity. "No doubt, there are cultural differences. Some make my job even easier, like the working attitude." he acknowledges. One of the cultural aspects that Christoph particularly appreciates is the work ethic he has observed in his Chinese colleagues. "The people here are hardworking," he says. "If extra effort is required to keep the delivery promise to a customer, people will work overtime, even on the weekend. This attitude is a major key to why we are fast in China. "

Christoph will also face challenges, one of which is defining the process in order to achieve the required quality. But He sees every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. "It is allowed to make mistakes," he asserts. "But we need to discuss them openly and avoid them the next time around to ensure constant and fast improvement."

PART05

Mentoring for the Future:

to YIZUMI's Young Engineers

From a R&D manager at EMAG in Germany to the Deputy General Manager in YIZUMI Die Casting Machine Division, Christoph’s career is a tapestry of pivotal moments and successes. He is not just a leader; he is a mentor for the young engineers at YIZUMI. His advice is not just about technical skills but about the broader aspects of career development and personal growth.

Every opportunity is a steppingstone to a successful career. YIZUMI is a fast-growing company with an open culture for job rotation. He encourages young engineers to take advantage of this culture, to explore different roles and responsibilities within the company, and to broaden their skills and perspectives. "To develop your own engineering skills, there are great career chances by rotating within the Division or within the YIZUMI group," Christoph advises. He sees these opportunities as essential for personal and professional growth, allowing engineers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry and to develop a well-rounded skill set.

Christoph Wernz's journey with YIZUMI is more than a tale of profession; it is a narrative of cultural convergence. The fusion of Eastern diligence with Western innovation. His leadership has been a bridge, connecting not just departments but continents, fostering an environment where diversity is not merely tolerated but celebrated as a crucible of creativity.

As we conclude his insights, it is evident that his positive influence on YIZUMI and the die casting machine industry at large is profound and enduring. His leadership has not only propelled the company to new heights of technological advancement and market competitiveness but has also fostered a culture of innovation and excellence that will continue to inspire and drive progress for years to come.