With its ‘GRIP2’ strategy, the Materna Group is setting itself new ambitious targets: by 2027, the Dortmund-based IT service provider aims to achieve a turnover of one billion euros and establish itself as the undisputed market leader in the application of AI in public administration and private enterprises. GRIP2 replaces the “Mission 2025” strategy announced in 2020, as its targets are already being achieved ahead of schedule: The doubling of turnover to 700 million euros and the doubling of the number of employees to 5,000 will be successfully achieved as early as 2024.
“I am very proud that we at Materna have achieved such impressive successes together in such a short space of time. My heartfelt thanks go to all our dedicated staff who have made this achievement possible,” says Materna CEO Martin Wibbe. The group has made impressive progress in recent years, with turnover growing from 355 million euros in 2020 to a projected figure of more than 650 million euros in 2023. This corresponds to an average annual growth rate of over 20 per cent. The number of employees has risen to around 4,250 and is on track to double by 2025, as targeted. Nearshoring capacity has already been doubled. This has enabled Materna to optimise the use of international resources and shorten delivery times for even greater efficiency.
“We are achieving these successes whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction, a unique atmosphere in our family-run business and top marks for employee satisfaction,” adds Wibbe. “We have impressively demonstrated our capacity for growth. Now, with AI technology, we are setting new standards in our strategy. The aim is further strong growth, focused on content and clear positioning in the AI sector.”
Staff, AI expertise and group synergies are key drivers of growth
With GRIP2, the Materna Group is focusing on five key priorities. These aim to make the most of promising market opportunities through continuous innovation, the expansion into new markets and the effective utilisation of synergies within the Materna Group.
Growth: Materna aims to continue growing at a rate above the market average and to achieve a turnover of one billion euros and a workforce of 7,500 by 2027. The goal is to become one of the top three German IT consultancies in terms of turnover.
Retention: The Materna Group is placing greater emphasis on retaining and developing staff, including professional development and targeted talent promotion.
Innovation: As an AI market leader, Materna is strengthening its innovative capacity by testing new AI technologies and expanding its technological expertise.
Processes (process optimisation): Materna is modernising its internal structures and processes. This includes an integrated platform for all group members to manage growth effectively.
Profit (profit-oriented management): Increased turnover and cost-conscious management enable sustainable growth.
This strategic realignment is being undertaken at this early stage to maintain a focus on growth despite geopolitical uncertainties, the challenging economic situation in Germany and the shortage of skilled workers. “Although we still face challenges in our processes and structures, this does not detract from our ambitions. We remain committed to growing faster than the market,” emphasises Wibbe.
Substantial investment in staff, infrastructure and acquisitions secures the future
Materna has taken significant steps to secure its long-term viability. This year alone, the group invested a total of around 60 million euros in the acquisition of the HR specialist projekt0708, expanding its workforce, training and development programmes, building up its sales team, and modernising its sites. Targeted measures such as the office redesign in Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich, as well as the construction of the new headquarters in Dortmund, not only foster a corporate culture centred on interaction and networking, but also enhance staff flexibility. The ability to respond flexibly to individual preferences, combined with high employer appeal, gives Materna a valuable competitive advantage.
The rapid growth in staff numbers this year is a clear sign that investment in staff is paying off. 2023 will be a new record year, with an increase of around 750 staff members. As early as 2022, the IT service provider was able to increase its workforce by a record total of 500.
Strategic acquisitions and a diversified portfolio in key focus areas ensure resilience
The group has positioned itself well through targeted strengthening via strategic acquisitions, partnerships and the launch of a new brand in the cyber security sector. With solutions across nine key focus areas, Materna addresses current challenges in almost every sector. Wibbe emphasises: “This diverse portfolio sets us apart and makes us resilient.”
Particularly noteworthy is the success in the field of AI, where Materna is already generating significant revenue from real-world projects with renowned partners. Partnerships with Aleph Alpha, Microsoft (OpenAI) and the establishment of the Materna AI Factory underline the company’s innovative strength. This is where the Group’s expertise is pooled, with all departments and specialists involved. The Factory already provides a comprehensive toolkit for AI solutions, including assistance systems, intelligent administrative portals and specialist procedures for public authorities.
Materna AI Factory: A model for the efficient utilisation of group synergies
To establish itself as a market leader, Materna aims to rapidly expand its technological expertise and range of AI offerings. Alongside overarching digital megatrends such as cloud transformation and cyber security, another trend relevant to Materna is emerging: Customer challenges are becoming increasingly complex and therefore require a skilful combination of solutions and capabilities. “It will therefore be crucial for us to make the most of the synergies within the group,” says Wibbe.
The Materna AI Factory is leading the way by bringing together various departmental and company-driven projects and initiatives. Examples include the development of generative AI for public administration in the public sector and for ServiceNow, a platform for IT service management; AI-supported software development within the Industries division; and AI-supported regulatory documentation, initiated by Materna Virtual Solution. Numerous internal projects focusing on the use of AI are also underway. The AI Factory is intended to serve as a model for cross-group collaboration at Materna, including in other areas of technology.
