Scroll down

Hey, meet
Nico

Between Data, Dialogue, and New Perspectives – Nico Shares His International AKG Experience

Interview with Nico from the Design Team

Smiling man in a navy polo shirt stands outdoors in front of green trees.

Nico, as part of your work at AKG, you spent several weeks at our locations in the U.S. and Mexico. How did your journey begin?

It all started with a mix of excitement and curiosity. When I arrived in Mebane, I was warmly welcomed and even had my own small office, which made settling in much easier.

After the first conversations and a tour of the production area, I quickly got involved in preparing a major kickoff meeting with the management team. It was impressive to see the production scale at our U.S. facility – and how processes can differ from those in Hofgeismar.

A man smiles at a standing desk with two monitors and a laptop in a modern office setting.

You also conducted several training sessions there. What were they about?

One of my main tasks was to introduce a tool called Heatcher, which helps us use data from SAP more efficiently. In the U.S., the tool was still relatively new, so I demonstrated how we use it in Hofgeismar and what benefits it offers. The interest was great, and we immediately scheduled follow-up meetings.

At the same time, I shared our change management process and discussed how some of our methods could be adapted to local workflows. It was a great example of how international collaboration creates value.

A person stands on a wooden dock by a clear lake with trees reflected in the water on a sunny day.

How would you describe the differences between working in Germany and in the U.S.?

In Germany, processes are usually very structured and clearly defined. In the U.S., work tends to be more pragmatic, flexible, and often based on direct communication. That was new to me at first, but also very enriching. We held workshops comparing our approaches to series launches and design changes – and those discussions helped us understand each other better and develop joint solutions.

An old, rusted car with no tires sits abandoned in a forest clearing.

After the U.S., you continued your journey to Mexico. What was that experience like?

Mexico was another completely different experience. I was welcomed very warmly, even though communication sometimes required a bit of creativity! (laughs)
I was really impressed by the commitment and teamwork there. SAP was still fairly new at the site, so I supported the local team in setting up processes and improving system use. Besides work, I had the chance to get to know the culture and people – which was incredibly rewarding on a personal level.

Large I ♥ NY sign with holiday garland in an airport terminal, people walking in the background.

What did you take away from your time abroad?

Above all, I learned how important communication is – especially across borders. Many challenges can be solved simply by talking openly and sharing experiences. I also realized how valuable it is to see things from different perspectives. Every site has its own strengths, and that’s what makes AKG such a strong global network: we learn from each other and grow together.

Large decorative skull with gold details on display in a well-lit park at night, surrounded by trees.

Finally – what would you say to colleagues who are thinking about working abroad?

Go for it! Working internationally is a fantastic opportunity that AKG offers. You grow both professionally and personally, gain new perspectives, and experience real teamwork that goes beyond borders. My time abroad showed me that collaboration at AKG doesn’t stop at national lines – it’s where the real adventure begins.

Twelve people stand smiling in a well-lit room, posing together in front of a gray wall.

Conclusion

Nico’s journey shows what makes working at AKG so special: international projects, cultural exchange, and professional development – all driven by teamwork and curiosity. Whether in Hofgeismar, Mebane (USA) or Mexico, AKG stands for one shared goal: innovative thermal management solutions powered by strong connections around the world.

A man stands smiling in a festive, brightly decorated hall with wooden beams and colorful banners overhead.

Meet the rest

A woman in a suit with her arms crossed.

Meet Angelique

Smiling man in glasses and a light blue shirt stands with arms crossed by a glass wall, outdoors.

Meet Alec

Woman in a blazer and jeans stands smiling with arms crossed in a hallway with wooden floors.

Meet Lisa

Frequently asked Questions

In our FAQ section, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about applying, starting and working at AKG. To help you quickly find what you are interested in, we have sorted all the information clearly into categories.

Hey, meet Nico