Thomas Fricke is the founder of Fricke Business Solutions and has over 30 years of industry experience in the automotive and mechanical and plant engineering sectors. As a mechanical engineer and business economist, he has in-depth technical and commercial knowledge. His previous roles include Global QM Manager for a renowned group and today he works successfully as an interim manager, senior QM manager, supplier manager, lead auditor, instructor, trainer and tester.

Focus & Specializations

  • Audits & certifications: Conducting internal and external audits as lead auditor (VDA 6.x (3/5/8), AIAG-CQI, IATF 16949, ISO 9001, MMOG, CoP & Product Safety, ISO 27001)
  • Quality & supplier management: introduction of quality, supplier and energy management systems, management of supplier development projects (national & international), negotiation of quality and supply contracts
  • Process & cost optimization: Efficient design of the entire value chain, development and improvement of KPI systems, application of common Q methods (CIP/CI, 5S, FMEA, APQP/RGA, PPAP/PPF, 8D, CSR etc.)
  • Technical expertise: Optimization of manufacturing and machining processes in machining, casting, forging, forming & joining technology, injection moulding technology, ceramics, plastics, sintering, electro & friction technology
  • Interim management: assumption of management functions in quality, production and purchasing (QMB, PSCR, CoP representative, technical management, purchasing)

Training & Coaching

Thomas Fricke is a certified lead auditor and trainer (VDA-QMC/AIAG) and conducts training courses in the areas of automotive core tools (APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, PPAP, RGA/MLA), ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.x (3/5/8), MMOG and other quality and supplier development topics. He also moderates workshops such as CIP/APQP/FMEA/8D and provides practical solutions for process and quality optimization.

Languages

  • German
  • English (business fluent)
  • French (basic)

Thanks to his extensive experience, his versatility in technical and commercial topics and his expertise in audits and process optimization, Thomas Fricke is a valued contact for companies that want to sustainably develop their quality assurance and delivery processes.