Walter Pack: Redefining Organizational Success Through Innovation and Autonomy

The RenDanHeYi model, developed by Haier Group CEO Zhang Ruimin in 2005, is revolutionary management philosophy aimed at transforming traditional hierarchical corporate structures into highly adaptive, customer-centric ecosystems. Rooted in the belief that employees (Ren) and their entrepreneurial capabilities should align with customer needs (Dan) to create value, the model emphasizes individual accountability and dynamic organizational roles (HeYi). By dismantling conventional silos, the RenDanHeYi model fosters a network of autonomous micro-enterprises within the larger corporate entity, transforming the organization into a nimble startup factory.

To develop and share the idea of Zero Distance and its broader management philosophy of RenDanHeYi, Haier hosts an annual forum to celebrate the world's most progressive organizations. This September marks the 8th edition of the forum, taking place in Haier’s hometown, Qingdao, on September 20. Working with the Business Ecosystem Alliance and the Management Lab, the Haier Model Institute will release the inaugural listing of the progressive companies which are putting Zero Distance and related ideas into practice.

These organizations are characterized by:

• Zero Distance to customer | Decision what to build is based on insights from the marketplace

• Autonomy | Small teams with full decision-making autonomy enable speed in execution

• Shared Rewards | Everyone in the micro-enterprise participates in its financial success

For the 2024 inaugural ZeroDX awards, Haier approached us to list 50 self-managed organizations that showcase the principles of RenDanHeYi in how they organise their work. Walter Pack is one of the 50 organisations we listed this year.

Introducing Walter Pack

Walter Pack is not just a company; it's a dynamic ecosystem dedicated to pioneering functional decorative parts for the automotive, electronics, and home appliance industries. Established in 1992, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and technology, making it an international benchmark in its field.

Walter Pack operates as a multi-technology group, leveraging complementary capabilities across its various subsidiaries. Headquartered in Bilbao, Spain, with significant operations in Mexico, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services. These include strategic consultancy, design, prototyping, injection molding, and the production of medium series of highly specialized parts. This structure allows Walter Pack to maintain agility and responsiveness across different markets and technological domains​

The company currently boasts a team of over 400 people across the consolidated subsidiaries in Spain and Mexico.

Walter Pack is a prime example of RenDanHeYi in the automotive industry. The company is structured into a network of autonomous teams which service the different technology streams. Walter Pack has a particular focus on R&D and anticipation of customer demands which has enabled its stable evolution over more than 25 years. Their success also translates into superior terms for the entire team as the company offers 30% profit share to its employees.

Organizational Structure

Founded by Miguel Bernar Borda, the company spent the first years growing in a more traditional manner. After reaching the 70-80 people mark and considering the addition of more management layers, the founder started looking for alternative structures in order to protect the spirit of the company and the strong relationships in the teams. As a result in 2007, Walter Pack embarked on the application of the NER approach. In terms of structure, this new approach led to the abolishment of traditional hierarchies and the creation of internal networks of empowered teams divided in the four main technologies developed in the company.

Approach to Clients

Walter Pack’s client-centric approach is rooted in its commitment to innovation and quality. By mastering advanced technologies such as In-Mold Decoration (IMD) and In-Mold Labeling (IML), the company provides creative and high-value solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients. The strategic alliance with Grupo Antolin, one of the largest vehicle interior manufacturers globally, exemplifies Walter Pack's dedication to integrating top-tier technological components and maintaining its position as a leader in the automotive sector​.

This partnership not only enhances Walter Pack's product offerings but also strengthens its ability to meet the evolving demands of the global market. The company’s philosophy of anticipating customer needs and delivering robust solutions ensures long-term relationships and continuous growth alongside its clients.

Innovation at Walter Pack goes beyond technology; it encompasses a holistic approach to design, functionality, and sustainability. The company integrates cutting-edge techniques to create aesthetically pleasing and functional parts, including features like 3D effects, haptics, and dynamic lighting systems. These innovations not only meet the technical specifications but also enhance the user experience by adding sensory dimensions to the products​​.

Moreover, Walter Pack’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in its policies and operations. The company aligns its growth strategies with environmental stewardship and social responsibility, ensuring that its advancements contribute positively to society and the planet​.

Internal Culture: Autonomy and Ownership

At the heart of Walter Pack’s success is its vibrant internal culture, which emphasizes autonomy, ownership, and profit-sharing. The company believes that its employees are its most valuable asset, and this is reflected in its commitment to sustainable human development and equality​​.

Walter Pack operates within the NER Group framework, which fosters a cooperative and participatory work environment. This approach empowers employees by involving them in decision-making processes and promoting a sense of ownership over their work. By sharing 30% of profits in its Spanish subsidiaries and providing a unique model of compensation across all locations, Walter Pack ensures that all team members benefit from the company’s success​.

A true testament to the ethos of Walter Pack is the fact that it has sailed through more than one economic crisis without laying off people. This has enhanced the trust already strengthened by radical transparency and has ensured the commitment of the team. So much so that in a region where having a union is the easiest thing teams can request, the team at Walter Pack operates without the protection of a workers union.

Conclusion

Walter Pack stands as an important example of how modern companies can blend technological prowess with a human-centric approach to business. Its organizational structure supports agility and innovation, its client relationships are built on trust and mutual growth, and its internal culture champions autonomy and aligned interest through profit-sharing. This combination fully aligned with the RenDanHeYi philosophy. It drives the company’s success and sets a standard for automotive industry best practices.