"From client-consultant to a lasting partnership with Robert Walters."

For any organisation, expanding operations overseas is a significant milestone—but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Beyond the complexities of establishing a presence in a foreign market, companies must also navigate the critical task of building a talented workforce. Such was the case for German-based Schmoll Asia Pacific when they set out to establish an extension office in Penang, Malaysia, in 2023.

As a subsidiary of Schmoll Maschinen GmbH, a global leader in high-precision machinery for the printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing industry, Schmoll Asia Pacific specialises in providing advanced drilling, routing, and imaging solutions to enhance the production of electronic components across the Asia Pacific region.

“We wanted to set up a sales and services operation in Penang,” explains Thomas Kuhn, chief technology officer at the company’s headquarters. He adds that the new office aims to support upcoming clients in the Northern Region of Malaysia.

To address the recruitment needs for their new office, Schmoll Asia Pacific turned to Robert Walters’ Northern Region team, led by Lee Ling. At the time, the company sought to fill key roles in the supply chain, HR, finance, service, and sales operations.

From the outset, Robert Walters collaborated closely with Schmoll Asia Pacific, maintaining transparency and addressing challenges as they arose. Although the recruitment process faced an initial setback when a service engineer candidate accepted a counteroffer from their current employer, the remaining positions were filled smoothly. With Robert Walters’ expertise, the company successfully hired seven personnel to support its Penang operations.

When Thomas returned home in late 2023, recruitment efforts continued seamlessly despite being managed remotely. He maintained close coordination with Lee Ling, who handled interactions with local candidates in Malaysia.

"The partnership transcended professionalism, creating a sense of closeness and trust."

“Apart from recruitment, when I relocated to Penang to take on the role of general manager, they went above and beyond by offering advice and connecting us with local resources to help us settle in,” Thomas shares. He notes that beyond their professional service, he and his colleagues “feel the closeness working with Robert Walters.”

What began as a client-consultant relationship has since evolved into a strong business partnership and friendship. “We are now great business partners,” Thomas shares, adding that the recruited talents were not only highly skilled but also genuinely satisfied in their roles. “Should there be more hiring needs, we will definitely reach out to Robert Walters Northern Region again.”