Precision in Marzahn

Carlotta Baumann runs Finetech – a specialist in high-precision placement and assembly systems

“Hello, Carlotta here,” is what the author of this article first hears from the phone. A little excited maybe, but full of energy and presence. It is seldom that one starts talking with a CEO in this way. Normally, emails are sent back and forth, assistants are involved. Carlotta Baumann gave me a quick call to arrange the interview.

During our conversation later on, one thing became clear to me early on: She does many things differently than other bosses of globally operating companies with 230 employees. She often bikes to work from the rough northern part of the Friedrichshain district, where “at least there are still a few punk dive bars” around, all the way to CleanTech Park Marzahn. This is where Finetech GmbH & Co. KG produces high-precision placement and assembly systems that can be found worldwide, in research laboratories and manufacturing plants for microelectronic products. A good two years ago, Baumann, who comes from a family of entrepreneurs, took over management shortly after she had been made owner. Baumann expects a lot of herself and her staff. “I am a team player,” says the 36-year-old. This was a change for some. The company’s growth was, too. She played a key role in moving forward with an office in Bangkok, for example.

These offices, like the ones in the US, China and Japan, focus on sales and customer support. Manufacturing is done at the Marzahn branch with around 190 employees. Devices that can place chips on a carrier substrate with an accuracy of 0.3 micrometres. That is around 200 times finer than the diameter of a human hair.

“Our biggest strength is modularity,” explains Baumann. Whatever the requirement of the customer, additional process steps can be taken as well as additional components and software solutions that go with them. “We work with many renowned companies, and see trends and innovation years before they become commercially available,” she says. “It’s exciting and a lot of fun.” The manager also benefits from her training. She has an electrical engineering degree from Technische Universität Berlin with a focus on microsystems technology. During her bachelor’s course, she was one of very few women. She was the only one in her master’s course. “I’ve never had a problem with that,” she says. To be sure, her current position as manager and owner of a business in a highly technical environment is unusual. “I for one see standing out from the crowd as an advantage.”

However, getting more women to pursue STEM careers would be welcome. Baumann likes to share her enthusiasm and uses social networks like LinkedIn to do so. “Anybody can contact me and then we can talk,” she says, inviting everyone. “Or come visit.”

The company moved to the Marzahn district shortly after Finetech was founded 31 years ago. It remained loyal to the district when it still had a rather infamous reputation. Today, the location scores points because it is easy to get to for clients, employees, and potential new recruits, who are highly sought-after. “On top, there are many other exciting companies here, a lot of green areas, and opportunities for sports and leisure,” says Baumann. Her dream is a volleyball tournament for all the companies at CleanTech Park. Maybe next year. She is currently training for the touch rugby championships. This is a slightly gentler version of the sport, without the so-called tackling. After an injury playing the rougher rugby, Baumann switched to the softer style. “You don’t always have to give everything your all,” she says — and doesn’t sound particularly convincing.

Ralf Nestler for POTENZIAL

• Finetech – Finetech GmbH & Co. KG