New set up

Last year was an eventful one for HDM, a leading German provider of design- and trend-oriented interior design with decorative wood products. At the beginning of January 2016, the company management submitted an application to the district court for the introduction of a restructuring process for its self-administration. Following the presentation of the restructuring plan and its approval, the measures to optimise and newly established the company HDM were implemented. For this purpose, the position of chief restructuring officer was set up at management level. Along with further advisors and colleagues, who were freed up to cover this project, the whole process was implemented and successfully completed in just eight months.
HDM serves the market area DIY, specialist trade, property and industrial business both at home and abroad. Losses in margin in the main sales areas in Germany and the pursuant cost structure, made a change inevitable.
As a result, rationalisation measures were implemented in all three plants in Germany. Lean management structures were put into place, service areas were outsourced and cost reduction programmes were put into practice. Furthermore, the German sales reps working in the field were replaced by travelling plant employees. HDM established that these service employees are highly qualified and have long years of experience, which means they are extremely competent and the best people to serve the needs of the customers. New positions were created for various market areas at home and abroad. In the future, even more positions will become available at HDM for sales employees.
The product range has also been revised. Thus, various products are currently in the introductory phase.
In the coated mouldings (UMAs) sector, there are, for example, more profiles for the skirting board range. A new feature is the possibility to attach the skirting boards with a clip system, giving a whole new alternative to sticking or attaching the skirting boards with dowels. The invention of the so-called click skirting system over 50 years ago, as well as the coating technique used for mouldings is attributed to the founder of HDM, Arnold Dammers.
In addition, HDM has also launched a new panel range on to the market. Using the concept name, "Best of White", new dimensions, designs and styles are available, with a new special trendy white surface, which can also be painted.