As a growing company and technological leader, technological expertise is crucial to Roth’s success. The newly created role of Chief Technology Officer is therefore a key position. More information is provided directly by the new CTO in the following interview.
Reto Senn, you joined Roth just under six months ago. What is your impression of the company?
Even before joining Roth, I had heard from various sources in the industry that the company is renowned for its high level of expertise and its strong commitment to quality. This perception has been fully confirmed. In the meantime, I have also experienced first-hand the openness with which Roth continuously develops with regards to technology. This is why we have a clear advantage over our fellow market players. We don’t orient ourselves towards benchmarks, we define them. Combined with the lean organization and flat hierarchy, this makes Roth the ideal environment for me as CTO. Additionally, it’s a great pleasure to be part of this young, highly motivated and dynamic team. Last but not least, I am proud to work for a company that produces technical solutions that our industry peers claim are impossible to produce.
What are the main points of Roth’s technical strategy?
As a contract manufacturer, our technical strategy is built on three pillars: process stability, automation and scalability. This also includes ongoing investment in the most advanced manufacturing technologies, as well as end-to-end digitization of our entire production process. Equally important is the continuous development of our employees. We challenge and encourage our team members so that each person has a motivating development goal in sight. For example, an employee operating a machine can, if interested, be trained in programming. For the employee, this represents the next step in their career; for us, it ensures the sustainable strengthening of our technical expertise.
“AI should support our employees – not replace them.”
Why is the role of CTO a key role?
Technology is the key competitive factor for Roth. As a manufacturing company in Switzerland, we cannot remain competitive without deploying the most advanced technologies. The CTO role bridges strategy, innovation and operational implementation. This involves identifying technological trends at an early stage, investing in relevant solutions in a targeted manner and ensuring that technology optimally supports the company’s goals, both today and in the future.
What profound technical changes do you expect in precision parts manufacturing in the coming years?
Automation will clearly continue to increase. In our field, this primarily concerns the loading and unloading of machines and the transitions between workstations. For us as a contract manufacturer, automation presents a particular challenge because we are confronted with a wide variety of constantly new components. Therefore, meaningful automation solutions are those that can be easily adapted to different parts. In addition to automation, the growing use of artificial intelligence will also transform the world of manufacturing.
What significance does artificial intelligence (AI) have for Roth?
We are already using AI in various areas, including the preparation of quotations. At the same time, we continuously explore other areas where AI can further enhance quality and efficiency – including administrative tasks. After all, we strive for maximum productivity and efficiency in the office as well. We follow three clear principles when dealing with AI: Firstly, the use of AI must create clear added value; secondly, it must be pragmatic; and thirdly, it should support employees – not replace them.
“In the interplay between humans, machines and data, solutions arise that provide real value to society.”
What is your technical background?
I began my career with an apprenticeship as a polymechanic. After completing my training, I worked directly at the machine for several years, gaining valuable hands-on experience that continues to benefit me today. Later, I worked as deputy production manager, where I acquired important leadership experience. My core technical competence lies in programming CNC machines. I also have business management knowledge, specifically a strong understanding of business as a whole, which I acquired during my studies in “HF Corporate Processes”.
What fascinates you personally about technology?
I am fascinated by the sheer endless potential of technology. Technology can simplify processes, solve challenges, and create new opportunities. In the interplay between humans, machines and data, solutions arise that provide real value to society. What I find particularly remarkable about working with machine tools is that almost all industrial products are processed by them at some point. My apprenticeship mentor told me on the very first day that without our work, there would practically be no products. I often think back to this statement and am continually reminded of how true it is.
As CTO, will you be in contact with Roth’s customers?
Definitely. Direct communication with our customers worldwide across various industries is very important to me. Our customers are our partners – because only together can we be successful. By talking to them, I learn more about their needs. Only if we understand their requirements, challenges, and future expectations can we align our technologies and processes accordingly and develop sustainable solutions together. Equally important to me is exchanging ideas with our suppliers. We all need to share the same understanding and work together so that, in the end, our customer receives a precision part that fully meets their expectations.