Growing out of the crisis: Why innovation is better than reduction

Europe is under economic pressure. The signs are mounting: many countries are sliding into recession, investments are falling and in many places the answer to uncertain times is austerity: Saving. Even though Rejlek as a group of companies has been economically stable for decades and continues to focus on healthy growth, we are also aware of the changes in the European economic area.

Austerity programmes, budget cuts and the scaling back of developments may seem understandable at first glance – but this is precisely where the problem lies. In this article, we show why innovation is better than reduction and how the chance of sustainable progress can be preserved.

Less investment – higher unit prices

The simple equation is: if you invest less, you produce less. And if you produce less, you pay more per unit. This applies to small series as well as large-scale production. So when companies consider cost-cutting as the first and most important measure, they unknowingly make their own products more expensive – and at the same time weaken the competitiveness of their locations.

In addition, there is another profound effect: if research and development is cut back, innovation falls by the wayside. Instead of focussing on progress, the status quo is managed. A standstill that is particularly dangerous in an international comparison. While other countries are consistently working on new technologies, processes and products, Europe is in danger of being left behind – in the very place where it has historically excelled with inventiveness, expertise and the courage to break new ground.

Our strength lies in innovation

Europe is not rich in natural resources. But it is rich in brains, ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. This is precisely where our capital lies – and it must be utilised in a targeted manner. Not through restraint, but through foresight. Not by managing, but by shaping. More than ever, we need the will to invest: In new processes, in digitalisation, in resource-saving production and forward-looking technologies.

But innovation today means more than just new products or technologies. In a time of economic contraction, one thing is needed above all: sustainable process innovations. It’s not about redoing everything – it’s about doing the right thing. This is exactly where Rejlek comes in: We make targeted investments in the further development of our existing strengths – through specialisation, clever automation and consistent lean management. Our aim is to achieve the highest quality with ever fewer resources. This is how we create freedom – not only in production, but also in thinking. Freedom to develop new competences and remain flexible at the same time. Because only those who manage their own capacities intelligently remain independent and can grow sustainably – without manoeuvring themselves into new dependencies or shortages.

This attitude characterises not only our products, but also our way of thinking. Since our beginnings as a small workshop, we have not only continuously expanded our expertise and our team, but also our production methods, industry access and technologies. Whether through the further development of highly specialised processes such as LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) processing, the production of complex prototypes or the continuous further development of our production lines – Rejlek stands for progress with substance.

A good example of this is our Rejlek Multi Line, which shows how targeted automation can set new standards in precision, efficiency and reproducibility. The continuous expansion of our expertise in special automation allows us to implement even the most complex customer requirements flexibly and efficiently.

Taking responsibility – shaping the future

In a world characterised by uncertainty, it is easy to slam on the brakes. But this is precisely when people, companies and decision-makers need to take bold action. People who recognise that change is not just a risk, but above all an opportunity.

We at Rejlek are aware that economic success can only be secured in the long term if it is based on innovative strength, trust and reliability. And that is precisely why we see the current challenges not as a brake, but as a driver. As an impetus to question the status quo, improve processes, realise new ideas – and grow out of the crisis at full speed.

An appeal to all those who want to shape the future

We would like this blog post to be understood as an appeal: to our colleagues in the industry, to customers, partners and decision-makers. Let’s work together to ensure that Europe remains a location that stands for quality, innovation and future-orientated thinking. Not through savings, but through targeted investment. Not through fear, but through courage.

Because only those who set the right course today can pick up speed tomorrow. Rejlek is ready – for a future in which progress is once again seen as an opportunity.