Helping Rheinmetall secure a major contract
Engineering
“Vivid’s work was very appreciated by the project team. Both contractors are now working in our contractor programme, their work is highly appreciated and it’s been excellent having them on board. Plus, our staff are even learning a lot from them.”*
Background
Rheinmetall is a global integrated technology group, based in Düsseldorf but with locations around the world. The company is active in several markets, from being a major supplier to the automotive industry to being a leading provider of international security systems and technology. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Rheinmetall’s developments are working towards a safer and more environmentally friendly future.
The Requirement
Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH – one part of the overall Rheinmetall Defence combine – was looking to take on a contract working closely with two British defence firms. This opportunity, while excellent, required Rheinmetall to work to the standards of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). While this is something the company is very capable of doing, at the time it had no staff with the expertise to work within these standards.
The Challenge
While Rheinmetall’s personnel are more than capable of learning how to work within MoD standards, this is a process that takes time. Staff would have to be sent to specialised training and education programmes, and it is estimated that this would take between six to nine months, by which time the contract opportunity would be long gone. The other option is to opt for freelancers. There are many of these in the defence sector; many former members of the UK armed forces go on to work as specialists and are very familiar with MoD standards. However, sourcing and attracting these contractors requires an extensive network to find people with the right highly technical expertise.
*Frank Hamberg, Technical Manager at Rheinmetall
