How Schaidt Turned Insolvency Into an E-mobility Comeback
When its last audio-electronics contracts vanished, Schaidt Innovations filed for insolvency. Instead of closing the plant, we ran a fast business-model innovation sprint that created a new plan to build electric-vehicle charging stations. The strategy convinced Webasto to acquire the site and keep 170 jobs.

Schaidt Innovations GmbH is an electronics parts supplier for the automotive industry. The company has been a leader in technological innovation in this field, with a focus on highly specialized industrial engineering, circuit board assembly and custom logistics for high-tech parts. Schaidt was part of Harman International, a global leader in connected car technology and personal audio innovation. As of January 1, 2017, Schaidt was acquired by Webasto SE, among the largest auto part suppliers in the world. Almost 170 of its workers will remain in their jobs following the sale and restructuring.
The Challenge
Like many companies in the hard industrials sector, Schaidt Innovations GmbH has come under increased pressure from global competition. Technology has become more accessible and more easily replicable, and labor costs in developing markets are substantially lower than in countries like Germany, where unions are strong, and higher standard and cost of living as well as longstanding legal and social norms demand comparatively high pay, benefits and worker protections. Against this backdrop, the Schaidt team, in collaboration with the BMI Lab, BGW Management Advisory Group and Rasenberger Toschek, had the unique challenge of leading a business model innovation process amid insolvency and acquisition.
Our Approach
A business model innovation process – known as transformation as restructuring under the innovation guidance of the BMI Lab -- was conducted to generate new ideas with the goal of attracting investors to take over and continue Schaidt Innovations as a stable and profitable company.
Impact
Thanks to the systematic approach of BMI's Business Model Navigator, the Schaidt team was able to analyze the operation's core strengths and market advantages. This led to a focused business plan that successfully secured new investment, allowing Schaidt to emerge from insolvency well-positioned, and well-financed, for the future.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Wecht
Key Learnings & Next Steps
In all, the integration of digital services and analogproduction holds serious potential for the future of Schaidt Innovations underits new parent, Webasto SE. This first-of-its-kind undertaking was essential inensuring the continued viability of the company and employment opportunitiesfor as many of its workers as possible. Conducting a transformation asrestructuring process means the company, now out of insolvency, can immediatelyput its best foot forward, putting its core strengths to use in innovative newways.