Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc study tour meets Henkel Thailand
11/05/2018

You may not have heard about it but you certainly have used their products, actually most probably you are using at least one right now.
On the second day we have been invited by the President of Henkel Thailand – a truly global company employing 120 nationalities in over 200 sites worldwide and a yearly turnover of €20bn. The office is located in the central world building directly in the city centre of Bangkok with a view comparable to high-class hotel.
After a warm welcome by the President Erik Edelmann and his Supply Chain Management team we gained a unique insight to Henkel’s company structure and operations.
Henkel has 3 main business areas – adhesives technology, laundry and home care and beauty care.
The two latter ones cover brands like Persil and Schwarzkopf and contribute roughly 50% to the business. The former one, adhesive technology consequently, with nearly €10bn turnover, is what really surprised us. Adhesives – used to stick items together, what is so special?
On the one hand side, the variety of applications. From wings of certain aircraft types to the electric components of your smartphone or the packaging of your beverages and food, Henkel’s adhesives can be found everywhere. On the other hand, the technical requirements of certain adhesives, some need to be as strong as possible, enable humidity protection, allow electric conductivity or improving the refrigeration. The world as we know it today wouldn’t be the same without the products from the world number one adhesives producer.
However, it is not only Henkel’s products and financial results which impressed us but also its sustainable mind-set throughout its global supply chain by considering the entire life-cycle not only from the product itself but also their machines and packaging. Additionally, Henkel’s social engagement such as supporting the education of rural living children in Asian countries or financing teachers of police border control schools show their CSR role model.
After an enjoyable afternoon with plenty of delicious food and cold drinks there is only one thing left to say: thank you very much Henkel Thailand for the unique insights, open discussions and especially for the great hospitality from Eric and his team. Hopefully see you soon!
Written by Kai Wendt and Anton Grebener
Categories & Tags:
Leave a comment on this post:
You might also like…
Sign up to our ‘Making your research open access’ webinar – 9 February
Do you know your green from your gold? What are publisher deals, and how can they help you? My paper acknowledges UKRI funding, do I need to do anything special? What does an author accepted ...
How the Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc improved my career outlook
Hear from Harrison Jnr Ilodiwe, Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc, on his student experience at Cranfield. Why did you choose to study the Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc at Cranfield ...
Engineering problem to solve? Let Knovel help you find a solution
Did you know that Knovel provides you with more than just eBooks? Knovel is a key database for many engineering, mechanical and materials courses here at Cranfield University, and contains content from an extensive range ...
Working on your group project? We can help!
When undertaking a group project, typically you'll need to investigate a topic, decide on a methodology for your investigation, gather and collate information and data, share your findings with each other, and then formally report ...
Words matter – a conversational Integrated Vehicle Health Management lexicon
There are many well established barriers to successful digital transformation which prevent full realisation of desired benefits. It is generally recognised that only 30% of digital transformation efforts deliver these results. One of the ...
Library support for new research students
Welcome! We are very excited to welcome you to Cranfield, and we are looking forward to supporting you throughout your research degree. We are always happy to help you – all you need to do ...