People at ALPLA: Interview with Andreas Kiso

Hello Andreas, it's great that you're taking the time to talk to us. Let's get straight to it - how would you explain your job as a Multiplant Manager?

As a Multiplant Manager, I have operational responsibility for several production sites in Germany with the aim of developing my employees and thus the entire organization while constantly improving performance in line with targets.

This is your second time at ALPLA. From your perspective, how has the company developed between the 1990s and today?

ALPLA from the 90s has little in common with the current ALPLA. In the past, the main drivers of growth and development were a good feel for business and the rapid, pragmatic implementation of the necessary investments. 

Today, we have to be set up very differently and are on the transition from a medium-sized company to a global player with corresponding structures set up by the Board, like in a corporate group. The company is managed according to financial KPIs.  Overall, we have naturally lost some speed in projects due to the various decision-making bodies. 

Is there a favorite project that you have implemented at ALPLA?

Since returning to ALPLA in 2019 as Plant Manager in Berlin, I would like to mention the entire change process. This included the closure of a profit center due to economic reasons and a reorganization including new plant management. Unfortunately, a terrible fire at the plant in 2022 initially put a stop to the further development of the great team in Berlin, but the path is being successfully continued with the construction of the new state-of-the-art building that has been started.

Triathlon is your passion. What were your greatest successes as an active athlete?

At the beginning of my active time, at the end of the 90s, we were able to move up with the team from the regional league to the 2nd national league. Funnily enough, I was able to dominate the actual league with the same (now over 50-year-old) guys in the last two years. 

I was able to win several competitions at different distances. However, I am particularly proud of my age group victories at the Ironman 70.3 (half Ironman distance) in 2018 on Rügen and in 2023 in Almere/Netherlands, as well as 3rd place in 2017 at the Ironman in Italy, 4th place at the Ironman European Championships 2008 in Frankfurt and 13th place at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in 2018.

So you also competed in the famous Ironman in Hawaii. What was your best performance there? 

I qualified three times and was then able to take part in the Hawaii Myth twice on this fantastic island. In 2018, I crossed the finish line after 9 hours and 37 minutes.

The Olympic Games are taking place in Paris in a couple of days. Are you also a "TV sports fan" and will you be watching the Olympic triathlon, for example? And if you are watching the games on TV - what sports are you interested in apart from the triathlon?

As far as time permits, I will be there passively as much as possible. In addition to triathlon, I'm particularly interested in some of the athletics disciplines and the cycling competitions, the team sports and some of the cool new sports like beach volleyball and climbing.

Do you have time for other hobbies besides triathlon? Which ones?

Since I've been back at ALPLA, I've significantly reduced the amount of training I do. As I also ended my "career" last year, I try to stay fit by running and biking regularly. I haven't had enough time for golf yet. 😉 I also want to get back into cooking more actively and try out new things at the weekend while relaxing at the same time. My family has been waiting a long time for me to do this.

Back to ALPLA for a moment. What does the slogan "Family of Pioneers" mean to you?

For me personally, it is more than remarkable and essential to work for a family-run and innovative company that has a clear vision for the future. I associate Pioneer with two things: how ALPLA has managed to achieve and maintain market leadership in our core technology EBM since Alwin Lehner and how new business areas are currently being sought and developed alongside our core technologies.

And anyone can be a Pioneer at ALPLA in their own right - ALPLA offers all competent and committed employees great opportunities for further development.

And how would you explain ALPLA to a stranger in three words?

#Innovative, #future-oriented, #hidden champion

Thank you very much for your time!