Twenty years later ZF has 13 plants in North America and is approaching 1 billion dollars in sales. There are many elements, but one is particularly important. Just as important as investment capital, invention and innovation, human capital is the first and most critical asset for a successful business. And thankfully, that is why we are here today. As little as ten years ago, there were 2 kinds of businesses, international and domestic.
Today there are still two kinds of business, international and Internet.
Within a few years, all businesses will be international and on the Internet. Nothing will replace the human contact in the business enterprise. Language and custom are the conduits of communication. To be successful outside of your home country, communication must be in the local language. The most valuable assets at ZF are those employees that can communicate in more than one language.