We at ACONEXT are thrilled and proud to announce that we have been awarded as a Top Employer – Germany for the ninth consecutive year! This achievement holds significant importance for us, as it not only acknowledges our ongoing efforts to provide exceptional employee conditions, but also highlights our ability to stand out as a medium-sized German company alongside major players from diverse industries.

On January 25, 2024, our team traveled to Düsseldorf to personally accept our Top Employer award after four years. Under the theme “The Art of Being a Top Employer,” this special evening emphasized creativity, courage, and passion. It focused on how, as a collective, we can positively shape the future of work by daring to innovate, learning from mistakes, thinking outside the box, and celebrating successes.

Explore more from the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwGCWKj0mQI

As a company, we regard this perspective as equally vital for our colleagues as well as for the future of the automotive industry and progress in tech, engineering, and IT. Pleased that ACONEXT has been acknowledged as a Top Employer in Germany on.

The acknowledgment of us being a certified Top Employer in Germany validates our commitment to prioritizing the development and well-being of our employees, enabling us to provide an outstanding working and growth environment.

The Top Employers Institute assesses companies based on their best practices across six overarching HR dimensions and 20 HR areas, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, wellbeing, and diversity & inclusion. David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, highlighted the exceptional performance of the certified Top Employers 2024 and praised their dedicated efforts towards employee development and satisfaction.

The Top Employers Institute is globally renowned for certifying outstanding employee conditions. Through their certification program, they empower companies to evaluate and enhance their employee conditions. This year, over 2,300 Top Employers across 122 countries and regions on five continents were honored. Together, these certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 9 million employees worldwide.

More information can be found at: https://www.top-employers.com/de/about-us/

We also extend our congratulations to all other companies who have earned the Top Employer 2024 certification. It is an honor to be part of this community of outstanding employers, and we look forward to reconnecting at the Certification Celebration DACH 2025.

On behalf of all ACONEXT employees, our colleagues from HR, marketing, engineering and management accepted the award at the official TOP EMPLOYER awards ceremony.
Gold and lots of color, in keeping with the motto "the art of being a top employer"

The ACONEXT networking season 2024 promises an abundance of opportunities if you’re seeking a professional challenge or the perfect career kick-start.

Just like last year, we kick off our networking journey with the company contact fair at the Municipal Vocational School for Vehicle Technology and Electromobility (Städtische Fachschule für Fahrzeugtechnik und Elektromobilität) in Munich. The networking day on February 29 offers aspiring technicians the chance to gain insights into the world of automotive technology and electromobility. ACONEXT develops innovative solutions for the future of mobility and is constantly looking for talented car enthusiasts who want to collaborate with us and renowned premium manufacturers.

The Industrietag at Esslingen University is another highlight on our journey through the 2024 career fair season. Here, students meet companies looking for tomorrow’s workforce. We’ll be there on May 15. At ACONEXT, we offer a variety of job opportunities for graduates looking to start a career in IT and engineering. So, it’s the perfect opportunity to come say hello.

Next up on October 23 is the Aalener IndustriemesseAIM for students. Organized by the University of Aalen, it provides an excellent opportunity for students and companies to connect and exchange career opportunities. At ACONEXT, we’re committed to nurturing young talents like you. We offer exciting opportunities for students and graduates to deploy their skills in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Under the motto “no dress code,” you can experience our open and dynamic company culture on October 25 at the ITCS in Munich. It’s an event aimed at tech enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of conference, job fair, and festival. At ACONEXT, we’re constantly on the lookout for talented IT professionals who share our passion for innovative technologies. As a visitor at the IT job fair, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our team and learn about our current projects. Discover through a personal conversation with one of our Passioneers how we value and foster individual personalities at our company. Stick around for the party after the event. Disclaimer: There’s will be no booth here, just us, in hoodies and jeans!

Another highlight during fall is the MeetIT on November 6 at the University of Heilbronn. If you’re studying IT or are a graduate, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with potential employers early on. At ACONEXT, we offer a variety of career opportunities for IT professionals and are constantly on the lookout for new talents to support our teams.

Last but not least, we look forward to the HOKO at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, also taking place in November (exact date to be announced, most likely November 5). The HOKO is one of Germany’s largest student career fairs, which we’ve been attending as exhibitors for several years now. Under the motto “passion for your career,” we offer you the opportunity to learn about our current job offers and to directly engage with our colleagues. Once you’re part of our team, we provide you with a supportive working environment where you have the opportunity to unleash your full potential and grow personally and professionally.

Whether you’re just starting your career or seeking new challenges, at ACONEXT, you’ll find exciting opportunities to nurture your passion for tech and innovation. Just meet us at one of the 6 career fairs. If there’s a spark between us, you might become part of our mission to shape the future of mobility.

For more information and updates, you can simply use our career fair calendar:

https://aconext.de/en/career/#events

We hope to meet you there!

Your ACONEXT

Our HR colleague Theresa is already skimming through the HOKO Munich catalog.
Say hello to our HR colleagues and experts in southern Germany. We are in Stuttgart, Munich or Heilbronn this year.

After an eventful year 2023 packed with career fairs and networking events, ACONEXT’s HR team looks back with gratitude. From Munich to Stuttgart to Karlsruhe, we shared our passion for innovation and the future of mobility with potential candidates like you. Let’s look back at some of our highlights:

In January 2023, we kicked off the year with a test run of our booth at our office. The new design, crafted with dedication, came to life, eagerly awaiting to be showcased to our numerous fair visitors.

The following month, we officially invited engineers and engineering students to join us at the VDI Nachrichten Recruiting Day at MOC Munich. Our aim was to share our passion for future mobility and digital future with you and to establish new connections.

In March, we officially started the fair season. We were present as exhibitors at the VDI Recruiting Day and at the career fair of the Berufliche Fachschule für Fahrzeugtechnik Munich. As the latter career fair was a great success, we have decided to return to the Fachschule für Fahrzeugtechnik (Vocational School of Vehicle Technology) in 2024. We are already looking forward to meeting you there again!

The month of May began with a visit to the introduction day of the Computer Science Forum at the University of Stuttgart. A special highlight: for the first time, we took some Polaroid snapshots of the IT newcomers. The students could take the photos home and post them in their Instagram-stories. Those who shared their photo in their Instagram-stories also secured their participation in an ongoing ACONEXT raffle.

Following the IT event, we visited the KIT in Karlsruhe. The open-air career fair of the university, without the usual booth, was a completely new experience for our HR colleagues and engineering experts. The conversations were inspiring, the atmosphere energetic. This special event had a real festival atmosphere. We are curious about next steps and innovations within the area of networking events.

In June, we returned to Munich. There we presented ourselves at the IKOM at Campus Garching, Munich, where we were delighted to see many familiar and new faces. The informal atmosphere of the event provided plenty of room for discussions about career opportunities and future visions. The finale at the height of summer was another VDI Nachrichten Recruiting Day in July. This time, interested engineers could meet with us in the Congress Center Liederhalle in Baden-Württemberg’s capital.

After a long summer break, November brought the final networking sprints for ACONEXT’s HR team. With the MeetING career fair at the University of Heilbronn and the HOKO-Munich, we entered the last, but very intense round. We have had the opportunity to meet many impressive talents in fall and look forward to shaping the future with some of you.

The 2023 fair season was a great success, so we want to thank all visitors and organizers very much. Your enthusiasm and support meant a lot to us, and we are excited to see what exciting developments will come from our encounters. If you didn’t have the opportunity to meet us in person last year, just follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn or glimpse at our journal (which, by the way, you’re currently in). Whether to stay informed about important company developments in 2024 or to find out when and where the next opportunity arises to simply say “Hello” to us. We look forward to staying in touch with you, meeting new talents and driving innovations in the automotive sector together.

You can find this year’s career fair dates at: https://aconext.de/en/career/#events

See you soon!

Your ACONEXT

Networking with the engineers and IT experts of tomorrow.
The ACONEXT career event special 2023

Our Past Services

Tailored to meet our clients’ needs, ACONEXT has previously divided our service segment into 3 pillars, ensuring 360° expertise to cover all processes within a product lifecycle

Systems Engineering provided integrated solutions through interdisciplinary methods within development and production. Model Based Engineering ensured serial applications of safety and comfort features thanks to cutting-edge know-how and expertise. PLM & Engineering IT facilitated smooth navigation through the entire digital transformation of products and processes. However, to better address the challenges of the present and future, especially within the automotive industry, we have redefined our competency model.

Our Services Now

In 2023, we bid farewell to the original division of our service segment into 3 pillars, but remained true to our credo “passion for lifecycle.” We are proud to undergo this significant evolution on our journey as an automotive development service provider. Beginning last year, we gradually divided our competencies into two new and clearly defined areas: Digital Future and Future Mobility. These two new service segments are intended to enable us, as a company, to think, plan, and act strategically and visionary. We are grateful for the support of our colleagues and look forward to a shared and exciting future that we can only master as a team.

Future Mobility – Shaping the Future of Mobility

Future Mobility is now! At ACONEXT, we believe that the future of mobility will be exciting, sustainable, and smart. As passionate experts in this field, we work every day to implement the mobility solutions of tomorrow and enable green, safe, and seamless transportation. What matters to us:

Green mobility, sustainability, and smart concepts

Our vision of Future Mobility revolves around the integration of environmentally friendly technologies and innovative transportation concepts. From electric mobility to low-emission propulsion systems, we prioritize sustainable solutions that protect our environment and enhance the quality of life for people.

Autonomous driving and beyond

The mobility of tomorrow will be characterized by autonomous driving and other disruptive technologies. At ACONEXT, we are at the forefront of this development, designing pioneering solutions for self-driving vehicles, digital and traffic safety, and smart traffic infrastructures.

Customized mobility strategies

No two companies are alike, and no city is the same. Therefore, we offer customized Future Mobility strategies tailored to our clients’ needs. We work closely with them to meet the challenges of the future and seize the opportunities of new mobility solutions.

Shaping the future with agility

In a world of rapid change, flexibility is the key to success. With our focus on agility and innovation, we support our clients in navigating the Future Mobility landscape and making their businesses and products future-proof.

ACONEXT, the partner for tomorrow’s digital mobility

With our two interconnected divisions, we are a reliable partner on the path towards Digital Future Mobility. With our deep industry expertise and passion for innovation, we are ready to accompany our clients in shaping a sustainable and intelligent mobility.

Digital Future – Crafting Tomorrow’s Success

Welcome to the forefront of the digital future! At ACONEXT, we are firmly committed to taking a leading role in the ever-changing digital world. Our expertise lies in understanding the complexity of an increasingly fast-paced environment and addressing it with expertise and a “state of the art” mindset. In doing so, we will continue to empower our clients to succeed in the digital age. Here’s what we do:

Shaping the Digital Revolution

The Digital Future signifies a fundamental change in the functioning of industries, communication, and innovation. From smart manufacturing and IoT integration to advanced data analysis and artificial intelligence, the possibilities are virtually limitless. We position ourselves as trusted partners of our clients, helping them utilize digital tools to optimize processes, increase efficiency, and unleash the true potential of their companies and products.

Pioneering Disruptive Technologies

As technology enthusiasts, we are always on the lookout for the latest breakthroughs and disruptive technologies. Our teams of experts are at the top of digital innovation, tirelessly working to bring transformative solutions to life. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology, we enable our clients to revolutionize their products, services, and customer experiences.

Tailored Digital Strategies

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, a one-size-fits-all solution is not enough. Our customized digital strategies are designed to align with the unique business goals and challenges of our clients. We work closely with our clients’ teams to identify opportunities, overcome obstacles, and pave the way for sustainable growth.

Promoting a Culture of Digital Agility

Adaptability is crucial for a digital future. We believe in fostering a culture of digital agility at ACONEXT and within our clients’ companies. We aim to empower our employees and clients to embrace change and continuously think and act innovatively. With a focus on competence development and knowledge exchange, we help all stakeholders develop teams that thrive in a digital environment.

ACONEXT as a Partner for Digital Transformation

ACONEXT is a reliable and dependable partner on a journey towards a digitally transformed future. Our passion for technology, combined with our comprehensive industry knowledge, enables us to guide our clients through every step of the digital transformation process. As a company, we will discover new opportunities, maximize potentials, and achieve sustainable growth to build an even more resilient company that thrives in the Digital Future.

Future Mobility blends automotive engineering expertise seamlessly
Future Mobility: Strongly interconnected, with IT expertise at its core in the automotive sector.

Our engineers enthusiastically and creatively embrace the revolutionary challenges faced by the world of commercial vehicles. The focus is particularly on electrification, driven by a growing awareness of environmental sustainability. ACONEXT is pioneering the development of quieter and more environmentally friendly alternatives to diesel engines.

A key element for the future of commercial vehicle design is the integration of autonomous driving systems. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to increase safety and efficiency in freight transport by minimizing human errors and optimizing traffic. The connectivity of vehicles with infrastructure and each other can lead to intelligent traffic management by utilizing real-time data to optimize routes and avoid congestion.

The construction of mechanical components also faces demanding tasks. Lightweight construction increases energy efficiency, with materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, and composites playing a crucial role. Flexible design allows commercial vehicles to be adapted for various purposes and types of cargo. Modular designs enable the type of vehicle to be changed according to needs, whether for freight transport, waste disposal, or other purposes.

An essential factor for efficiency improvement is aerodynamics. Curved and optimized shapes reduce air resistance, thereby reducing energy consumption and increasing range. The enthusiasm of ACONEXT’s developers is reflected in their strong identification with renowned clients in the Swabian capital. This includes the Daimler Truck AG, with whom they are working on various aspects of the new generation of electric trucks. An outstanding example is Florian, a creative mind at ACONEXT, who not only works on important components but also has a passion for design. A glimpse into his vision provides insight into how the next generation of Daimler Trucks could be shaped.

Florian from ACONEXT shares his passion for design: His vision of the next-gen truck
The future of logistics and transportation: What will it look like?

Our review of the Formula Student 2023 reveals the impressive achievements of the Esslingen racing team, upon which we, as partners and sponsors, can proudly look back. Stallardo 23, the race car emerging from the fusion of combustion and electric motors, symbolizes the team’s innovation and collaboration. May 2023 marked a significant moment when the racing team presented its Stallardo 23 at the official rollout at the Esslingen University of Applied Sciences. Not only was a racing car presented here, but a technological symbiosis that will certainly shape future mobility.

In late summer, the Formula Student East and Alpe Adria became the venues for the team’s outstanding performances. With a 1st place in autocross, an impressive 3rd place in skid, and the well-deserved 1st place overall, Stallardo 23 demonstrated its convincing high-speed qualities.

As a long-standing gold sponsor, ACONEXT has not only provided financial support but also shared knowledge, such as in providing a leadership seminar and a team-building event for the student team. This close collaboration reflects not only a dedication to talent development but also our company’s commitment to creative innovations in the fields of engineering and IT.

The Esslingen racing team demonstrated its understanding of the successful integration of traditional automotive development and cutting-edge electric propulsion in the last season. As a development service provider for automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and the aerospace industry, we are proud to inspire and support the next generation of engineers and developers.

Our focus on the World Creativity and Innovation Day in April 2023 was also dedicated to the Formula Student. It underscores our belief that creativity and innovation are key elements in solving global challenges. Our partnership with the E-Motion Racing Team Aalen e.V., which we also support as a sponsor in the context of the Formula Student Electric, demonstrates this commitment to groundbreaking technologies.

We proudly look back on an outstanding 2023 season and look forward to continuing to advance innovation, teamwork, and talent development in the automotive future.

E-Motion racing team Aalen
The E-Motion racing team Aalen at work

ACONEXT:
Burcin, tell us, how long have you been with us, at which site, and in which area you are working exactly.

 

Burcin Kaya: I’ve been working for ACONEXT in Fellbach near Stuttgart for almost five months now as an intern in the iDrive Performance department. I am currently working at Model Based Engineering.

What exactly are your tasks and what does a typical working day look like?

 

 

My job is to think about the product development. Implementing and deriving desired changes, i.e. making technical drawings. Simultaneously, I document the information on the projects and prepare presentations and present them to my colleagues.

The work atmosphere [...] is characterized by great appreciation and respect for all employees - regardless of age or gender.
Burcin Kaya

What do you find particularly exciting about model-based engineering?

That you can realize your own ideas, implement and visualize them in 3D. It is incredibly exciting to design and develop a component yourself. A fully realized process like this fills you with pride. It is also very exciting to observe the entire development of the component, how some components are assembled and what functions they perform.

Where does your affinity for technology come from?

 

I think it’s a pass-down from father to daughter. Since I was a child, I’ve only been involved in removing and attaching components in cars. Even at school, I was more interested in subjects like math, physics, biology, chemistry, and sports. During my time at secondary school, I even took the elective subject “Technology” instead of “MUM”, where we also had to make technical drawings. I was also very interested in this at the time, which helped my passion for technology to grow. “Mum,” which means home economics, i.e. cooking, sewing, etc., didn’t interest me at all, even though most of the girls took that subject.

How did you find ACONEXT?

 

During my vocational training as a technical product designer specializing in design and development with a focus on mechanical engineering at the media academy here in Stuttgart, I was looking for an internship in a familiar and friendly environment where I could learn a lot of new things at the same time.

Why did you choose ACONEXT, as there are numerous well-known employers with an excellent reputation in the Stuttgart area that you could have joined?

 

 

I chose ACONEXT because I was immediately impressed by the areas that the company operates in. Even as a small child, I followed the development of the automotive industry with great interest. Then I saw the website presentation and the job description, which finally encouraged me in my choice, so I said to myself: “This is the company! That’s where I want to go.” In addition, the first impression I had of ACONEXT differed from other companies: An excellent working atmosphere, individual career development and much more.

Was this impression confirmed during the application process?

Even the first phone call was very pleasant, better than I had expected. All topics were explained to me in detail, and I was able to ask questions. Above all, I was relieved from my “default fear” of working on the job, or rather of the growing responsibility that I somehow had at the time. Of course, I was told that a lot happens here at high speed, that you must bring a lot of knowledge, motivation, ambition and, most importantly, personal responsibility. All in all, it was very pleasant, and I felt very much at ease right from the start.

What expectations did you have for your internship?

 

Perhaps I’ll start with my previous experience: Due to my technical affinity, I had been looking forward to the practical application of the knowledge I had learned at school for some time. I had previously completed a 6-month internship at an architecture office, where I also learned a lot. However, due to the previous company’s focus on architecture, I couldn’t put my technical knowledge into practice as much as I would have liked.

How was ACONEXT different in this regard?

 

ACONEXT not only met, but exceeded my expectations and experience in comparison to my previous employer. In addition to the team-oriented atmosphere and flat hierarchies, I was offered exciting projects, such as the development of a battery shaker device. The technical knowledge I gained during my school education is constantly being refreshed and expanded through new and varied projects.

So, it’s a steep learning curve?

Yes, but not just that. The working atmosphere in the company is characterized by great appreciation and respect for all employees – regardless of age or gender. I think that’s what I value most in ACONEXT: Respect and camaraderie.

And, if something doesn’t work or if I get stuck, there is quick support from colleagues and supervisors. Uncertainties and questions are always taken seriously and answered as best as possible. My own opinion and any suggestions for improvement are always considered and are also implemented after being discussed with colleagues.  Overall, ACONEXT is an employer that I can highly recommend.

What do you wish for yourself regarding your professional future?

 

For my professional future, I hope that I continue to have many successful experiences and that I can draw a lot more lessons from ACONEXT. And that I can continue to work for the company as a design engineer in the Model Based Engineering department after my internship.

One final question Burcin, is there anything you would like to pass on to girls and young women with an affinity for technology?

 

 

Never give up! That’s the be-all and end-all. It doesn’t matter whether you are surrounded by men or have very little to do with members of your own gender. Every young woman, every girl should live and fulfill her own goals and dreams, go her own way, pursue her own interests. Because that’s what has turned me into who I am today. I followed my own path and pursued my goals very independently from my circle of friends.

The interview for ACONEXT was led by Magdalena Zalewski

In a time when automotive engineering faces diverse challenges, low-code, as a groundbreaking technology, provides an answer to linear development processes, time-consuming iterations, and fragmented team collaboration. The tasks engineers face are complex and demanding. Traditional development processes, characterized by linear workflows and time-consuming iterations, impede progress. At ACONEXT, we have recognized that the solution to these challenges lies in low-code automation.

The manual effort, which takes up a significant portion of working hours, complicates coping with skilled labor shortages, shortened development cycles, and product diversification. This is precisely where low-code comes in, providing engineers with a unified visual language through intuitive drag-and-drop editors, helping to overcome common challenges more quickly.

The low-code technology we are already using today is nothing short of a revolutionary approach. Our engineers benefit from an open platform that seamlessly connects all tools in the product development process. Automating manual steps, integrating expert knowledge, and optimizing routines enable our teams and customers to focus on the essentials and develop creative solutions.

By implementing low code at ACONEXT, we have reduced development time for processes or components by up to 75%. Low-code workflows replicate recurring processes and can be effortlessly adapted to various use cases. This provides more time and space for creative solutions and strategic innovations, representing a clearly measurable increase in efficiency.

Our goal at ACONEXT is to consistently pursue the path of efficiency improvement and expand the benefits of low-code to increasingly complex components. With low-code, we see the opportunity to actively shape the future of engineering for our customers and thereby open up new horizons.

Would you like to learn more about how we use low-code at ACONEXT to increase your efficiency? Contact us to discuss innovative solutions in the context of digital development and master your automotive projects together.

Low code DNA
Coding made easy

A detailed look at the versatility of CFD reveals how it drives the development of innovative products and the optimization of complex processes in the automotive sector. The roots of CFD date back to the 1940s when researchers began developing mathematical models to simulate the behavior of liquids and gases. In today’s time, CFD enables advanced simulations specifically tailored to the requirements of the automotive industry. Through the precise application of CFD simulations, engineers can solve complex flow problems and find innovative solutions for vehicle designs and efficiency.

Whether in the design of autonomous vehicles or the optimization of aerodynamic properties, CFD provides precise insights into flow mechanics that are relevant to the automotive and aerospace sectors. ACONEXT harnesses this technology to deliver advanced solutions for vehicle and component development. Simulation allows testing components under realistic conditions while avoiding costly field measurements.

“Turbulent flows mean chaos, unlike our projects, which are characterized by systematic approaches and structured development processes.”

Dirk Heinrich, Head of Numerical Fluid Mechanics | CFD

The cost-effectiveness of CFD is particularly evident in the examination of physical quantities in hard-to-reach areas. Through accurate CFD analyses, we can assist our customers in making informed decisions to maximize the efficiency, safety, and performance of their vehicles. This advanced technology opens new dimensions for designing efficient, safe, and powerful vehicles.

ACONEXT is an experienced partner for innovative engineering services within vehicle development. Our CFD experts not only provide technical support but also give your vehicle projects the crucial boost needed for significant transformations. The path to top-notch vehicle innovations begins right here – explore the possibilities of CFD simulations and shape the future of automotive technology together with ACONEXT.

Whether you are involved in the development of electric vehicles, internal combustion engines, or other vehicle technologies – let’s collaborate to find innovative solutions for your projects. Contact our expert team for an initial discussion on topics related to flow simulation and many other simulation services at: simulation@aconext.de

CFD flow simulation
Dirk Heinrich, Head of Numerical Fluid Mechanics | CFD

Digitalization, globalization, rapidly accelerating communication, and daily technological innovations: As a society and as businesses, we increasingly face larger and more frequent challenges. Shaping the future is anything but simple. In short, we live in a VUCA world, according to various economic experts, journalists, and influencers.

What does VUCA stand for?

VOLATILITY

UNCERTAINTY

COMPLEXITY

AMBIGUITY

Until 2019, many dismissed the abbreviation, originating from the US military and used to describe the post-Cold War multilateral world, as a trendy buzzword. However, the VUCA concept, developed by leadership experts Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus in 1987, is realistic and solution oriented. VUCA aims to analyze difficult situations, problems, and challenges from multiple perspectives and then strategically address them on several levels.

Tackling VUCA:

VISION

UNDERSTANDING

CLARITY

AGILITY

From March 2020, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that we were in a time of very uncertain outcomes. We had to globally adapt to facing challenging scenarios that surpassed anything seen before. Despite the uncertainty, it was our vision to retain our workforce.

As a medium-sized company, ACONEXT also had to face extreme VUCA challenges: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity became part of our daily business and work routine, especially during the initial lockdown. By the end of March 2020, numerous customer orders were halted or postponed. The economic situation, like for all other companies and industries, was challenging. Despite the uncertainty, our vision was to retain our workforce. It was clear from the beginning that we had to consider this as our paramount objective; without exceptions.

The management continued to operate mainly from our premises to be able to respond to all processes, changes, and government decisions with agility. Initially, we allowed our employees to work 100% remotely from home, if possible. This transition was relatively smooth for all of us, since a hybrid work model had already been part of our work culture at all our locations before the pandemic. Consequently, most colleagues were familiar with working digitally and from home. Additionally, we hardly had to invest more than usual in setting up home offices, as we had already cultivated this practice in the past.

We maintained parity in our approach across all employees, regardless of their employment status. As a result, over 80% of our workforce operated remotely. However, management and leadership continued to operate predominantly from our premises to maintain agility in responding to evolving processes, changes, and governmental directives.

We acted on the understanding that following an economic crisis, a new upswing would inevitably follow, and from the necessity of retaining our expertise in-house to prevent a potential shortage of skilled workforce in the near future.

Meeting our workforce with honesty and understanding at all times resulted in the majority feeling supported and secure. Despite implementing measures such as short-time work, which made the situation challenging for everyone, at ACONEXT, we prioritized transparency to minimize uncertainty for our employees. Clarity was key in this regard.

The entire staff received regular updates and were kept informed by the company’s leadership. Within each team, there was a continuous effort to gather feedback on the well-being of individual team members. By consistently approaching our workforce with honesty and understanding, the majority felt well-supported and secure. Moreover, despite the circumstances, we didn’t observe an increase in health-related absences throughout the entire period. For colleagues facing challenges due to the pandemic, we offered close, personal support.

ACONEXT today:

Our prediction that the overall situation would improve proved correct, as ACONEXT began to see a slight upward trend from May 2020 onwards. From October 2020 until mid-2021, we experienced a very solid recovery phase, and since 2022, we have been back in a stable growth phase.

In the face of challenges, we strived not to perceive the situation as a threat, but rather as a chance for growth. The crisis became a shared chance for our workforce, especially within individual teams, to grow even closer together. Thanks to courage, solidarity, and perseverance, we succeeded in overcoming the pandemic and its effects united. Between March 2020 and January 2024, our team grew from just under 300 to now more than 650 employees. We can proudly claim that, thanks to our focus on the people behind our company, we were able to turn a very difficult situation into a success story.

Summer party, Fellbach 2022
B2Run Stuttgart 2023