The transformation playbook: operational efficiency at scale

How do you photograph millions of people each year while keeping production lean, costs under control, and turnaround times short?

In the second instalment of Glen Nelson's interview with Magnus Bagge, CEO of Exakta Photo, the focus shifts to the operational decisions that helped transform the business into one of Europe's leading photography companies.

The difference between growth and scale

A key theme throughout the discussion is the difference between growth and scale. As Magnus explains, many businesses grow by adding more people, more equipment, and more administration as volume increases. Scaling, however, is about building systems and processes that allow the business to handle significantly more volume without a proportional increase in resources.

For Exakta Photo, that transformation accelerated in 2020 through market consolidation, the implementation of scalable software, and a strong focus on automation and operational efficiency.

Small efficiencies, big results

Perhaps the most striking example is Exakta Photo's production facility in Sweden. From a single centralised location, the team manages print production and packaging for approximately 1.5 to 1.6 million subjects across Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

Despite this volume, the facility operates with just four full-time staff members for most of the year, supported by a single temporary employee during the busiest part of the season. This level of efficiency has been achieved through automated packaging systems, streamlined workflows, and a relentless focus on removing unnecessary manual processes.

The conversation also explores Magnus's philosophy on profitability and business control. While many businesses focus on increasing sales, Magnus argues that controlling costs is often the more powerful lever. By continually improving workflows and eliminating small inefficiencies across the organisation, Exakta has built a business that is both highly scalable and well positioned for future growth.

It's a fascinating insight into what operational excellence looks like in practice and a reminder that sustainable growth is often driven by systems, not simply volume.

Watch the second interview segment below, where Magnus shares more about the systems, processes, and decisions that helped Exakta scale efficiently while maintaining tight control over costs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU6_gSczUn4

• Watch Part 1: In the first part of the four-part interview series, Glen Nelson sits down with Magnus Bagge, CEO of Exakta Photo AB, to discuss how the business has evolved over the past two decades and the lessons learned along the way.

• Watch Part 3: Magnus tackles one of the biggest challenges facing photography businesses today – the fear of change. From evolving customer expectations and faster delivery demands to the financial realities of modernising operations, he shares practical advice for businesses looking to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.
  

• Watch Part 4: In the final instalment, Magnus shares his thoughts on the future of the photography industry, including the role of AI, industry consolidation, and what these changes could mean for photography businesses in the years ahead.