INTERVIEW WITH ERICH FISCHER, HEAD OF THE PURCHASING

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING FOR KUHN RIKON?
Since February 2017.

WHAT DOES YOUR AREA OF WORK INVOLVE?
I’m head of the purchasing department, and primarily involved in sourcing. Naturally, I also support my work colleagues in their projects or wherever they need help.

WHICH PARTICULAR CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE WITH REGARD TO PRICES, QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY?
Compared to competitors who operate on a considerably larger scale, it’s a constant challenge to negotiate competitive prices for comparatively small quantities. And as a Swiss manufacturer catering to the premium sector, we don’t want to make any compromises when it comes to quality.

As we are unable to manufacture everything ourselves here in Rikon, and the shopping habits of our customers now focus strongly on the internet and online shopping, immediate availability is another big challenge we face.

WHICH SUPPLIER COUNTRIES HAVE MADE MOST PROGRESS IN RECENT YEARS, OR ARE MORE COMPETITIVE THAN OTHER COUNTRIES?
There’s only one answer here – China! It’s unbelievable to see how China has progressed with regard to automation and quality. The state is a driving force behind this, and acts with great resolution – it will close down companies without further ado if environmental requirements are not met, or take over companies in Eastern Europe by the dozen, only to close them down or turn them into subsidiaries for Chinese products. As a result, we are often unable to source cheaper alternatives in Europe.

AS A PROFESSIONAL, DO YOU HAVE ANY GENERAL ADVICE FOR CONSUMERS ON SUSTAINABLE AND CLEVER WAYS TO SHOP?
Compare global, buy local! If you want to be able to go shopping in your home town tomorrow, you need to support your local retailers today – otherwise they’ll disappear forever. And if you’re buying something big, always ask for a “special discount” – because normally there’ll always be some leeway when it comes to the price.

OTHER THAN SHOPPING TOURS, YOU ALSO PARTICULARTLY ENJOY MOTORBIKE TOURS. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE TOUR SO FAR, AND WHERE DO YOU DREAM OF GOING?
In 2000, my wife and I followed the Huckleberry Finn Trail from Chicago to St. Louis. From there, we went to Dodge City via Kansas City, then up to the Badlands in the Black Hills. After a detour to Devils Tower (WY), we went on to Las Vegas, and finally ended our tour in San Francisco. The Pan Americana from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego!

DO YOU COOK FOR YOURSELVES WHEN YOU'RE ON THE RAD, OR PREFER DINING OUT?
Sorry, but we don’t have the Duromatic with us when we’re on the road ... so we enjoy eating local cuisine in restaurants instead.

WHAT DO YOU MOST LIKE COOKING, AND WHICH KUHN RIKON PRODUCT DO YOU USE?
Occasionally I’ll make a risotto in the Duromatic. And rather than using a peeler, I use the new Black Peak knife – I love it!