Together into the future: ALFING Kessler enters new markets with “MAFA MOVE”
Maschinenfabrik ALFING Kessler GmbH (MAFA)
Maschinenfabrik ALFING Kessler GmbH (MAFA) has stood for precision, quality, and innovative strength for more than 110 years. With over 1,300 employees and annual revenue of €353 million in 2025, the company is among the world’s leading manufacturers of large crankshafts and hardening machines. However, technological change, the EU-wide phase-out of internal combustion engines from 2035, and the transformation of the automotive industry posed existential challenges for this traditional company.
The Challenge – “Embracing Change as an Opportunity”
With the foreseeable decline in the market for crankshafts and hardening machines for passenger cars and trucks a few years ago, it was clear: standing still is not an option. Managing Director Konrad Grimm and his leadership team recognized early on the need to strategically realign the company. The central question was: How can the organization be set in motion, established strengths be leveraged in a targeted way, and new paths be opened up for the business model and value creation?
The Path to a Solution – “MAFA MOVE: Establishing Transformation as a Continuous Process”
Together with INGENION Management Partner GmbH, a comprehensive transformation process was initiated. The MAFA MOVE program stands for a systemic and holistic approach that goes far beyond a classic restructuring. At its core: mobilizing leaders, consistently applying lean principles in processes and the management system, and driving a cultural shift based on trust, responsibility, perseverance, and mature as well as critical reflection and engagement.
MAFA MOVE – “5 Core Building Blocks”
- Mobilizing Leaders & Cascading Objectives
- Lean Leadership & Process Excellence
- Consistency, Perseverance & Trust
- Personal Relationships & Focus on What Is Necessary and Relevant
- Preserving What Works & Implementing New Approaches Experimentally
Results – “Economic Success and Sustainable Change”
- Record revenues
- New markets & products
- Strong corporate culture & attractive employer
- Awards
Management Team – “Voices on the Project & the Collaboration”
“Transformation is a collective effort – transformation is a shared journey – many challenges, but also numerous opportunities and prospects. MAFA is taking this path with clear goals and the strong support of the leadership team and employees. The support from INGENION was a real asset: in a partnership-based process, not only ideas & concepts emerged, but also concrete solutions for MAFA’s future. The company has not only become more resilient in times of crisis, but has been newly positioned as an international innovation leader. MAFA MOVE is a positive example of a successful transformation in industry.”
— Konrad Grimm, Managing Director of Maschinenfabrik ALFING Kessler GmbH