A leading global technology provider for modern baking processes
MIWE Michael Wenz GmbH has been a leading manufacturer of bakery technology, both in terms of technology and on the international stage, for decades. As an innovative, family-run medium-sized enterprise with a strong commitment to quality, MIWE not only develops baking ovens for artisan bakeries, the catering industry and industrial production environments, but also plays a key role in shaping modern baking processes across the entire value chain.
With a globally established network of suppliers, service providers, subsidiaries and service partners, MIWE has a globally oriented, professionally organised procurement structure that places high demands on contracts, supplier and supply chain management, and international legal relationships.
Strengthening contractual structures in international procurement
At the start of 2021, it became clear that MIWE’s dynamic and steadily growing international business was creating a constant need for qualified expertise in commercial law within Strategic Procurement. However, as is the case with many fast-growing medium-sized companies, there was no in-house legal department.
The organically developed contractual landscape had given rise to heterogeneous structures that could lead to delays in day-to-day operations. At the same time, MIWE wanted to avoid having to engage external counsel on a case-by-case basis for every minor issue, not least for reasons of cost discipline and organisational efficiency. The SCM division management therefore sought to develop the contractual framework professionally: in a structured manner, with the capacity to operate internationally, and with strategic foresight.
Integrated legal support for strategic procurement
The Maxfeld team subsequently took on the role of an external, closely integrated legal department specifically for MIWE’s procurement function. The aim was to go beyond ad hoc advice and structurally strengthen operational processes through continuous, easily accessible legal support.
Since then, the advice has been closely aligned with the procurement processes: readily available, immediately accessible and deliberately practice-oriented. This enables legal issues to be addressed before they give rise to risks or slow down processes.
In terms of content, the ongoing advice covers all topics relevant to modern industrial procurement:
- Supplier terms and conditions, liability, warranty
- Acceptance and testing processes
- Delays in delivery, contractual penalties
- Development and project contracts, including IP rights, protection of know-how and confidentiality
- International contract structures (choice of law, Incoterms, logistics, enforceability, outsourcing)
- Compliance and supply chain obligations (supplier codes, audit and documentation requirements)
- Ongoing training for the strategic procurement teams responsible for contract negotiations
The collaboration follows MIWE’s internal priorities: matters are coordinated by Mr Rüdiger Steinfelder, Head of Global Procurement, whilst day-to-day legal support remains flexible and immediately available. The guiding principle is always to find pragmatic solutions that can be implemented quickly and ensure the high operational effectiveness of MIWE’s procurement function.
Standardised contract structures and greater legal certainty in global procurement
In parallel with the ongoing consultancy, MIWE’s entire contract landscape has been systematically structured, modernised and standardised.
The result:
- robust, consistent standard contracts that are precisely tailored to MIWE’s needs
- clearly defined templates and guidelines
- a noticeable acceleration of contract-related process steps in supplier management
- a reduction in potential risks in national and international contractual business
Thanks to its close integration into day-to-day operations, MIWE now receives early, strategically valuable legal advice that minimises risks and visibly strengthens the professionalism of its procurement function. Particularly in the areas of IP, project management and compliance, MIWE now has a structure that is both legally sound and user-friendly.
The combination of standardisation and immediately available expertise sustainably boosts the efficiency of the procurement function and provides reassurance for all staff working with contracts.
