On an excursion to Italy News | People | 02.07.2025

Interview with Dagmar Steinhart

What does 'local sales' actually mean?
Dagmar Steinhart, Team Assistant Export and an Assistant Sales Manager, experienced it firsthand on an excursion to Italy with the company's Managing Director, Dr Christof M. Stotko, and the Sales Manager, Florian Bäumler:
 

Dagmar, what were your impressions of the trip we took together to Italy?
The reality on the ground makes my colleagues' comments about on-site appointments being exhausting seem accurate. There are long car journeys to customer appointments and large plants, not to mention lots of discussions. It was exhausting, especially in 35-degree heat. 

However, I was impressed by the technical facilities and the friendly atmosphere during the discussions and tours. Unfortunately, the rolling mill was at a standstill, but even just the dimensions are impressive. We then visited a mesh welding plant — the level of automation was impressive. 

The colleague Kyra Ferrari from Italy had organised the appointment at FERALPI. How does she manage in this environment as a woman?
Very well. Kyra clearly has a good relationship with the employees on site. She knows how to create a friendly atmosphere during discussions. You feel in good hands when you are around her. People behave very openly. 

The FERALPI team was happy to introduce us to the technology. They are proud of their solutions. You don't need to speak Italian to understand it.

You and Kyra then visited ESSEPIEFFE s.r.l. (our partner in Italy). What did you think of them? What impression did you get from the company?
I remember the atmosphere being particularly warm.

They have a good team. I liked the fact that young colleagues like Davide are waiting in the wings, representing a new generation. It's important to have a future.