17.10.2013

Filipov on TV

German television ARD has aired a half hour documentary on Fil Filipov, owner of Atlas cranes and excavators.

Entitled ‘War in the company – The methods of Fil Filipov’ it highlights his management style and his three year battle with the IG Metal union and the numerous law suits - a record 793 - he has faced fighting to restructure the loss making business, which is now back in the black.
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Fil Filipov zipping around the Atlas plant on his Segway

The reporter clearly had free and open access to Filipov, the Atlas factory and its employees, and even if you are not a German speaker it is well worth a look, if you have a half hour to spare.

The programme includes details on his early life and career, including a visit to the restaurant in Chicago where he got his first job on arrival in America - washing dishes. It also includes a visit to the Terex Crane plant in Waverly, Iowa where reporters talk to Leon Deutsch before moving on to Cedar Rapids and a closed Terex plant, where it speaks to ex-employees.
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Checking machines out

The programme introduction says that he describes himself as a benevolent dictator and asks “but what is a dictator without his people on board”? and points out that his aggressive American entrepreneurial style clashes with the German co-determination style.

To see the documentary click here

Oh and the final scene? Filipov inserts ear plugs and says: “I don’t want to listen.”