Norbert Franchi Takes Over as CEO of SolidLine.
- Co-founder and predecessor Theodor Huber retires
- Further expansion of SolidWorks business planned
Neckarsulm/Walluf, 5 November 2013 – Co-founder and long-time CEO of SolidLine AG, Theodor Huber, left the company in October as announced earlier this year. He is succeeded by Norbert Franchi, who has served in management positions at Bechtle since 2007
and boasts over 40 years of experience in information and communications technology. After leaving his first position as a salesman with Kienzle Datensysteme, Mr Franchi worked for several years at Siemens Nixdorf, followed by the Deutsche Telekom Group. He subsequently joined the British Telecom Group and Pan Dacom Networking AG before coming to Bechtle. Initially employed as the managing director of the Bechtle IT System House Rhein-Main in Darmstadt, Germany, the 60-year-old Black Forest native took over Bechtle’s Software Division in 2011. He will continue to exercise this function in addition to his new responsibilities as CEO.
Largest SolidWorks Partner in Germany.
SolidLine, acquired in 2011, is one of three Bechtle AG subsidiaries specialising in CAD applications. Together with Solidpro GmbH and Solid Solutions, acquired in 2010 and 2011, respectively, it forms the largest system house partner for software manufacturer SolidWorks. These acquisitions have enabled Bechtle to logically expand its portfolio and position itself as a full-service IT provider, offering ERP software, CAD programs, operating systems and the accompanying services in addition to hardware. The portfolio also includes the complete outsourcing of IT operations to Bechtle Managed Services.
17 Successful Years in the CAD Market.
SolidLine has been providing PDM, CAD, CAM, ERP integration, analysis and simulation solutions since 1996. Together with its own subsidiaries—HCV Data Management GmbH in Germany, specialised in SAP integration and PDM, and Solid Solutions AG in Switzerland—SolidLine counts a total of 13 offices and training centres. It equips customers with customised solutions for the entire product development process, from the initial draft to the manufacturing stage. In addition to software products and implementation, SolidLine also offers consulting and training services.
Plans to Realise Full Potential.
Norbert Franchi aims to capitalise on SolidLine’s membership in the Bechtle Group by focusing on the rising demand for comprehensive IT solutions. “CAD is a major component of the product development cycle. Together with Bechtle, SolidLine can help customers speed up the product development cycle and reduce development costs by providing a one-stop shop for integrated solutions. Along with CAD and PDM products, Bechtle PLM further expands the comprehensiveness of the Bechtle Group’s products and solutions,” states the new SolidLine CEO. Bechtle PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) provides customers with an extensive software solution that links business processes, product development and manufacturing, as well as IT hardware and infrastructure.
Theodor Huber Leaves SolidLine.
As planned, Theodor Huber stepped down from his position as CEO in October. The 65-year-old businessman emphasised that he would nevertheless remain closely affiliated with the company he co-founded. “SolidLine is in a great position today.
I have full confidence in the members of the Executive and Supervisory Boards, who will now control the fate of the company’s fortunes,” affirms Mr Huber. Following its foundation in 1996, SolidLine became SolidWorks’ first sales partner in Germany. It has since grown into a highly successful business, garnering six prizes at the SolidWorks partner conference this past year, including an award for concluding the largest SolidWorks deal worldwide. It was also named the number one SolidWorks reseller in Europe.