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Five minutes with ... Michael Kölbl, General Manager Pentamaster Automation Germany GmbH

SemiconductorJul 26, 2024

Five minutes with ... Michael Kölbl, General Manager Pentamaster Automation Germany GmbH

Pentamaster was founded over 30 years ago in Malaysia and – according to Forbes – is one of the “Best Under A Billion” companies in Asia. Just over a year ago, the automation technology specialist decided to establish a sales office in Munich – its first European location. We spoke to Michael Kölbl, General Manager of Pentamaster here in Germany, regarding new technology trends and the first year of operation in Bavaria.

©Pentamaster

Alex Liew, (SVP Sales and Operations), Chuah Choon Bin (CEO and founder), Michael Kölbl

Can you briefly explain your business model? What concerns do customers turn to you with, and how do you assist them?

As a globally active company, our customers include well-known large corporations with headquarters in Germany and the EU. Pentamaster Automation (Germany) GmbH was founded in March 2023 to provide optimal support for this customer base. In addition to customers from the semiconductor industry, since the beginning of this year, we have also had a team member in place who is responsible for developing the solar industry and life science business remits.

One of Pentamaster’s co-founders and CEO, Chuah Choon Bin, explained in an interview with The Edge that, as a technology company, you need to stay ahead of the curve and be at the forefront of key structural technology trends. How do you manage that?

Proximity to our customers is an essential aspect in understanding current and future requirements. Even if the systems are not subsequently installed in the European Union, technical clarifications and purchasing are primarily performed here in Germany. Close contact between our German sales staff and the decision-makers based here is, therefore, a fundamental prerequisite for recognising trends and developments and providing our customers with the best possible support.

And what are the latest technology trends?

The focus is currently on topics relating to power electronics. Industries and countries around the world are pushing to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Power electronics play a key role in facilitating technological progress.

Invest in Bavaria has served as a reliable partner right from the start. When setting up a foreign company in Germany, numerous regulations and requirements must be taken into account. Invest in Bavaria maintains outstanding contacts to the relevant players, which is a significant help. Invest in Bavaria provides support in fostering a network by organising networking events, trade fairs and personal assistance at any time.

Michael Kölbl,

General Manager Pentamaster Automation Germany GmbH                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

According to company reports, the topic of sustainability also plays a major role for you. What does that mean specifically, especially for the location here in Germany?

When selecting our office space, we set our sights on a climate-neutral building from the very start. We offer our employees the opportunity to work from home in order to reduce travelling times. All-electric vehicles and, in exceptional cases, plug-in hybrids are preferred as company vehicles, but attention is also paid to low CO2 emissions when planning business trips (e.g. “train before plane”). In addition, we have favoured a paperless office from the outset.

You have several locations in Asia and also one in the USA. In Europe, you have chosen Germany as your first location. What were the main reasons that ultimately led you to Bavaria?

The appeal of Munich as a location for employees is undisputed. In particular, the high quality of life throughout the city and the wider area is a decisive factor. Recreational areas in the Alps or at the numerous lakes in the Alpine foothills are just a short drive away. It is also home to numerous universities and research and development institutions. The top talent and the most creative minds are at home in the region. It is not without reason that a large number of global corporations have settled in the Munich region, which – incidentally – are also among our customers. Another aspect was Munich Airport in the heart of Europe, as we maintain close contact with our colleagues in Malaysia and short distances from the airport to our branch in Gilching are an advantage.

Can you offer us an outlook – what exciting stories can we expect from you in the future?

Providing our customers with the best possible support is our top priority. In order to identify their needs and respond to future trends in a prompt fashion, it was decided at the beginning of the year to open a research and development centre outside the headquarters in Malaysia. During the award decision, the German location prevailed over locations in the USA, Japan and China.
In the medium term, building a strong service team will be crucial.

And what do you do with your colleagues during a visit to Germany, and what should they not miss under any circumstances?

The immediate surroundings offer a variety of sights. A trip to Andechs Monastery with its local Bavarian specialities is very popular. The proximity to the Alps is also of great interest. For colleagues from Asia, it is an opportunity to see snow, potentially for the first time in their lives. Other popular highlights include “Neuschwanstein Castle” and, of course, the “Oktoberfest”.