Building an AI start-up to optimise production processes at Premium Food Group
The transformation of food production through an in-house AI start-up
Salenet AG is an IT service provider that develops customised software solutions for companies of all sizes in East Westphalia. Using state-of-the-art technology and user-centred design, its customers achieve their ambitious business goals. Salenet supported Premium Food Group, one of the most significant players in the European food industry, in establishing an internal AI start-up in order to take on a pioneering role in digital transformation.
The goal was clearly defined: combining technological excellence with practical industrial application in order to take production efficiency and animal welfare to a new level. Through the strategic collaboration with CTG Consulting, the critical key positions – an AI architect and an AI developer – were filled promptly despite a highly competitive market. This success enabled the establishment of an on-site competence centre that today delivers measurable efficiency gains and innovative standards in process reliability.
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Objective of the mandate
- Positions sought:
- AI Architect (m/f/d): Strategic leadership level, responsible for the system architecture and the AI roadmap.
- AI Developer (m/f/d): Operational level, translating the concepts into concrete applications in close coordination with production.
- Background of the search: Strategic growth through the establishment of a new in-house competence centre ("AI start-up").
- Requirements: In-depth knowledge of machine learning and industrial process optimisation.
- Soft skills: strong communication skills at the interface between the tech team and the production team.
- Willingness to work on site (onsite).
- Particular challenges: A shortage market for AI experts; location-bound to a rural region; high demands on practical implementability.
- Timeframe: The searches were successfully completed within a few months.
Search process and outcome
- Preliminary analysis
Preliminary analysis of the candidate market and the framework conditions for a transparent assessment of the upcoming search and honest expectation management. - Screening
Targeted screening to identify suitable specialists. - Approach
Multi-channel direct approach to candidates with a focus on AI, machine learning and industrial process optimisation. - Selection process
Close support of the selection process and regular coordination with the hiring manager to precisely match technical expertise, location requirements and personal fit. - Employer branding
Highlighting the unique opportunity to combine animal welfare and production efficiency with state-of-the-art technology. - Outcome
The placed candidates brought an ideal mix of academic background (Master's/PhD in computer science/AI) and a passion for real, physical optimisation processes.
Search process in numbers and outcome
Why Salenet chose CTG Consulting
Salenet chose CTG Consulting because of our deep expertise in filling roles at the interface between IT excellence and industrial manufacturing. We were able to credibly convey to candidates that working at Salenet is not purely a "coding task", but a valuable mission to improve animal welfare. Our ability to find candidates who combine a "hands-on mentality" with academic depth was the deciding factor.
Through our close collaboration with PALTRON, we were able to win the decisive specialists to turn our vision of AI-supported process optimisation into reality.
Key learnings & success factors:
- Purpose beats location: Even in a difficult market environment, top talent can be won when the task (animal welfare, innovation) has high social relevance.
- Onsite as a USP: Working directly on site, close to the production line, was positioned not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for genuine "engineering".
- Close collaboration: The short feedback loops between CTG Consulting and the specialist departments at Salenet were crucial to the speed of the process.
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