PALFINGER the world´s leading provider of innovative crane and lifting solutions has established its Global Business Services (GBS) Center in Sofia, Bulgaria... By bringing together tasks and processes that were previously handled locally, the center serves PALFINGER units from Sales, Procurement and Finance to Human Resources as well as Master Data and Reporting.
Driving standardization
"We expect GBS to deliver significant synergy effects while driving standardization, automation and process innovation“, explains PALFINGER CFO Felix Strohbichler. This will create the best conditions for significantly increasing efficiency and effectiveness by providing high-quality centralized services to all units in the EMEA region.. "Sofia has successfully focused on establishing a high-quality infrastructure and offers a huge, skilled, and innovative workforce", says Strohbichler on the decision for the Bulgarian capital.
Successful experience
"The expansion of PALFINGER's presence in Bulgaria with yet another business direction is a logical continuation of the successful experience with the local market for more than 20 years. It is a good example for the sustainable investment policies of Austrian companies operating in Bulgaria", comments Andrea Wicke, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Bulgaria. Located in Tenevo and Cherven Bryag two plants serve the company´s international production network effectively. “We are proud that Austrian companies are increasing their investments and expanding their businesses in Bulgaria. Austria ranks second in foreign direct investment, with over 300 Austrian companies operating in the country – among them world-leading companies and excellent employers such as Palfinger", remarks Philippe Kupfer, Austrian Commercial Counsellor and Head of ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA.
Pro-active thinkers and problem-solvers
“What makes us unique on the GBS market in Sofia and Bulgaria is that we will cover every single back-office activity of PALFINGER", Viktor Karadjov, PALFINGER GBS Center Lead, points out. He adds: "Starting from the classical finance positions through Procurement, Sales, Human Resources, we also have SAP second level support, QA testers, master data and even engineers that design and develop our cranes. That gives an unprecedented opportunity for every employee in our GBS environment for a first-hand overview of all company processes." As of October, 41 employees have been hired. Until the end of 2021, their number shall increase to about 60. "We are looking for the positive, knowledgeable, energetic, committed, and proactive thinker and problem-solvers with a desire to learn and grow", Karadjov says.
