ROTWILD Insights: Wolfgang Mages

More than 30 years ago, Wolfgang Mages quit his job as a police officer and switched to the bike industry. Here, the 61-year-old worked for various brands in sales, field service and quality management. Since September 2020 Wolfgang is part of the ROTWILD family and ensures that all ROTWILD products meet our high standards of function and quality.

How did you come to ROTWILD?

That was pure coincidence. I have been working in the bike industry for a long time. When I discovered the job advertisement on the ROTWILD website last year, I applied. For me it was time for new challenges and the position matched my expectations and qualifications 100 percent.

Who do you work particularly closely with?

As a quality manager, these are primarily my colleagues from production and product management. I coordinate very closely with our service team on all technical support issues.

In order to identify sources of error during production, it is important that Wolfgang not only gives the instructions but also personally assists the bicycle mechanics during assembly.

What tasks are part of your work at ROTWILD?

My job is divided into two areas. One is technical support and the other is quality management. This results in various activities. In support, I handle service requests and complaints in Dieburg. I also support our dealers with all technical questions.

In quality management, the tasks are more extensive. I create the assembly instructions and monitor the entire production. Error analysis and subsequently the development of effective processes to avoid possible assembly errors play an important role. In addition, I regularly prepare quality reports and inspect the components delivered by our suppliers for assembly. I also handle all complaints about new wheels. Since I have an overall view of the assembly process, I can quickly track down possible production errors. This is where our short distances have a positive effect, both for our dealers and for the end customer.

The components delivered for assembly are also checked. For example, the dimensional accuracy of the recesses on the battery housing, which will later accommodate the pushbutton foil for switching on and off.

ROTWILD bikes are manufactured in Germany at two locations, Dieburg and Kleinblittersdorf in Saarland. What does a "normal" working day look like for you?

That depends entirely on which location I'm working at. I'm at our production site in Saarland for two or three days every two weeks or so. The rest of the time I work in Dieburg.
When I'm at our production facility in Saarland, my day starts at 6:00 am. During assembly, I assist the bicycle mechanics with technical questions and assess any quality problems or defects in parts that arise. But I also check all the bikes before they disappear into the box. In Dieburg, I also check the assembly, process service requests and complaints. I write assembly instructions, checklists, reports and evaluate protocols from the last production.

What are the special challenges in your job?

In principle, I am the interface to all other areas. I have to manage quality assurance in such a way that everyone is satisfied: production, sales and, above all, the customer.

And how do you manage that?

The most important thing for me is to identify the cause of a fault in order to be able to remedy it. To do this, it's important that I acquire as much knowledge as possible from all areas that influence the quality of our bikes. This is the only way I can understand the way my colleagues work and put it into the right context. It is important that I first get a good overview when problems arise. After all, problems are easier to solve with patience and calm than with hectic and actionism.

A three-point inside micrometer is used to check whether the seat tube diameter of the supplied frame fits exactly.

Why is consistent quality management so important for a handcrafted, high-quality product?

There are two main reasons for me here. First, thorough quality management guarantees the safety of the product. This is enormously important for technical products like our e-bikes. No less important is the fact that we save our customers a lot of trouble through good and consistent quality management. In the end, not only the customer is more satisfied, but we have less work with possible complaints and thus do not cause unnecessary additional costs.

What are the most curious problems that have occurred in production?

I had the funny case that a fitter wanted to paint over a visible light blue rim tape, which was clamped on the outside between the rim and tire, with a black sharpie to cover up the unclean assembly. That was certainly one of the highlights.

I would imagine that neat cable routing would be a particular challenge with the fully integrated design, no?

That is true, however, this is first a requirement for the engineers during frame development. They must design the cable routing so that it is tradable in production. There's no doubt that a fully integrated cable routing system doesn't just look good. It also contributes to the proper functioning of a bike.

To ensure that the cable outlet not only looks good, but is also permanently protected from dust and dirt, the seal must be carefully installed.

What qualifications should an employee have for quality management?

Of course, you first need to have the relevant expertise from the area in which you want to work. Training or continuing education in quality management is also very helpful. This gives you the tools you need to manage the processes efficiently. Patience, perseverance and the ability to compromise certainly won't hurt either. A quality manager should also be a good listener and not be afraid to take consistent action.

Do you have any tips for someone who would also like to work in the bike industry?

I think internships are a great way to get to know the industry and the job. Anyone can do that during vacation or vacation time. What you should bring along in any case is an enthusiasm for biking and the products.

You are an absolute insider when it comes to bike technology. What development trends do you see in the E-MTB market in the coming years?

The greatest potential certainly lies in the integration of the drive and the battery. In terms of weight savings, there will probably be a lot more movement here in the next few years. Because the lighter the E-MTBs become, the more natural the riding experience.

About your personal bike preferences: Downhill or Uphill?

Straight ahead and otherwise prefer uphill.

Fully or Hardtail?

Road bike and then Fully.

E-bike or conventional?

I like to be on both.

Your favorite bike from the ROTWILD collection?

Our road bike "Beast of the green hell", but unfortunately that is no longer available.

Fascination for the extraordinary: The ROTWILD R.S2 "Beast of the Green Hell" was a cooperation with Mercedes-AMG limited to 50 units. The racing bike combined the best of the world of racing technology on four and on two wheels.

Why?

Because it is visually a highlight and beautiful road bikes have always thrilled me.

Do you have a favorite area for biking?

That is definitely the Zillertal. I have friends there from my time as a ski instructor.

How many kilometers do you sit in the saddle per year?

About 1.500.