In this episode, I interviewed Thomas Berden, COO of VAT Group where we discussed VAT’s strategy of staying ahead of the curve, investing in capacities and capabilities, and maintaining a flexible cost model with a 25% temporary workforce. Thomas emphasizes the importance of customer focus, technology innovation, and a decentralized quality organization. He also highlights the challenges of managing a global footprint and the need for resilience and speed in the semiconductor industry.
Listen to the full discussion here:
Connect with the Guest:
Thomas Berden is the Chief Operating Officer at VAT Group. VAT is a hidden Swiss champion in the semiconductor industry, the world’s leading supplier of high-end vacuum valves, with net sales of CHF 942 million in 2024 and a global team of 3,200 people worldwide, with representatives in 29 countries and manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia, and Romania
Thomas leads VAT’s global operations, holding end-to-end responsibility across multiple locations and overseeing a team of over 1,900 people.
With a background in Mechanical Engineering and Economics and a PhD in Laser Technology, built up in the US and Europe, as well as in Japan, where he spent time as an R&D scientist at Mitsubishi Electric, Thomas has built a remarkable career in operational excellence. He has driven transformational change at industry giants like Siemens, Bosch, Hilti, and SKF, gaining expertise in Supply Chain & manufacturing strategy, lean transformation, and supply chain optimization.
At VAT, Thomas has been instrumental in enhancing procurement excellence, industrial engineering, and global quality, reinforcing VAT’s leadership in high-end vacuum solutions for the semiconductor and high-tech industries.
Highlights & Show Notes:
- [02:34] Marking VAT’s 60th anniversary- from vacuum valves to supplying semiconductors globally with 8,000 products and 3,200 employees.
- [04:59] Holding a dominant market share of 70 to 80%, driven by customer focus, innovation, and precision in vacuum technology.
- [07:18] Scaling through early investment and doubling capacity with a new Malaysia plant while maintaining flexibility, strategic sourcing, and zero-defect quality.
- [11:08] Managing a global footprint by assigning strategic focus areas to each location (Switzerland, Malaysia, and Romania).
- [13:36] What makes VAT’s supply chain different from traditional manufacturing industries?
- [14:32] Balancing supply chain resilience with the need for innovation, speed, cost efficiency, and shifting client demands.
- [17:11] Strategies for handling supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
- [19:41] Leadership shaped by a global education in engineering, economics, and laser technology.
- [21:27] Key skills future supply chain leaders need to possess- resilience, industry insight, emerging technology expertise, and understanding of global trade dynamics.
- [23:58] Top qualities beyond technical skills.
- [25:35] Advice to young professionals who want to build a successful career in the semiconductor industry
Quotes from the Episode:
About the Host:
What an insightful conversation with Thomas Berden! I am your host, Fei Yu, Managing Director for Europe and USA at Alcott Global. I have 15+ years of experience.
Alcott Global provides executive search solutions for key positions at all pillars of end-to-end value chains, from general management to overall supply chain operations, including executive and non-executive board roles.
On April 9-10, 2025, we are bringing together 80 C-level executives from multinational companies to connect, collaborate, and innovate on a forum focused on business value creation at Makers & Movers.
Yearly, at the Leaders in Supply Chain Awards, we celebrate and award the Top 30 Leaders in Supply Chain who push for excellence and inspire the future of the industry through exceptional leadership and operational excellence.
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