"We are striving to work even more closely together internationally, not only within our region, but also within the global marketing organization. Cooperation among each other has always been very important to us. But now, we are using our strengths better than ever," says Regina, who, as a Digital Media Specialist, manages both the way ebm‑papst presents itself to employees internally and externally to applicants or through sponsoring. Together with HR, she works on the company's image appearance for internal communication and events, but also to the outside at job fairs, for example. Her biggest project at the moment is setting up a new store in the USA for ebm‑papst corporate fashion as well as office and promotional items.

Since the reorganization, Regina has been an integral part of the Brand Management team, representing North America. She attends online meetings with her colleagues from other locations and discusses current projects. Regina shares: "For me, the meeting always starts as early as 6 a.m. due to the time difference, but it's definitely worth it. The German sites were not always in such close contact with us. It's great that we are now working more closely with them and the other locations worldwide." But the way we work together has also evolved. In the past, the team in the US was often only informed by their German colleagues about what had been decided. There was little expectation of independent input or involvement. Now, the local team can make much more from their projects. For example, when the team in Germany was creating new brochures, Regina was directly consulted for her opinion on whether they were suitable for the North American market. This enabled her to make a direct contribution to using the brochures in a more targeted way internationally.

However, the exchange not only promotes joint topics, but also helps with site-specific projects: "The team from China shared their ideas for the design of the new ONE Shanghai headquarters. As we were renovating a building in Farmington at the time, the ideas from our Chinese colleagues came in handy," Regina explains. It was enlightening for the team in the USA to see how the colleagues in China approached the project and used the corporate colors and logo. This also included approaches that Regina and her colleagues hadn't even thought of before.

Another example was the Global Marketing and Communications Meeting in September 2023. "As part of the ebm‑papst marathon, marketing and communications managers from around the world came together. I was very pleased to get to know some of my colleagues personally and work on various topics with them. This has significantly strengthened our collaboration."

However, close collaboration is not the only aspect of international interaction. When colleagues at different locations encourage each other to improve their skills, everyone takes a step forward. This is also demonstrated by a very specific change in the team: as part of the restructuring, tasks were changed and expanded. Sandra from Germany came to the USA as the new head of department. Right from the very beginning, she felt it was important for the team to take part in training and further education. This opportunity has made a lasting difference to Regina's work: "Before Sandra's involvement, I simply did the tasks that were due. She encouraged me to take part in training and I was able to find my role in the department. My shift in focus to brand management came at around the same time when the German marketing teams were expanded to incorporate international tasks. It's been a great experience so far and I'm looking forward to the positive impact I can bring to the company!" But Regina is not the only one to benefit.

Regina and her colleagues in Farmington are among the first in many aspects of collaboration. However, she also knows where there is still potential: "We can only grow if we question our processes and routines. This is an ongoing effort." The department discusses its next steps at regular intervals. The current goal at her location is to expand internal communication. The employees in production and the warehouse should be able to be informed just as quickly as the employees in the offices. Because, Regina explains: "This is the only way we can work together across departments and strengthen our connection".

The next big project for Regina and her colleagues is already in the initial stages. Here, too, it will be mainly the German and US locations that will be working closely together again: The US careers website is getting an update and the new employer branding design is being launched at the same time. This process has already been successfully finalized in Germany. The exchange of experience and the resulting challenges will also help to ensure that the project is rolled out quickly and smoothly in the USA.