Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Bossert, Mr. Hummes, Ms. Girschewski, what can you tell us about the origins of Koch-Chemie?

Vincent Bossert: The origin of the company is also its future: Satisfying customer desires and customer satisfaction. Hans Koch founded the company over 55 years ago because he was dissatisfied with the vehicle care products that the market offered. He developed and produced the products that were important to him and built the company. From a small medium-sized company it has become an international player with a global annual turnover in the high double-digit million EUR range. With the support of our shareholder, we have been able to maintain our growth rates in the double-digit percentage range, and customer feedback shows us that we are succeeding in meeting customer needs.

Jens Hummes: In addition to over 120 employees in Germany, more than 20 are employed at our subsidiary in Atlanta. Our overseas business accounts for over 50%. We are experiencing very positive market feedback. One of the first sentences I heard in the company is: "We stand by what our products can do" – the products do exactly what we promise. This makes it easier for our customers to work and they can increase their process speeds. We give them the opportunity to improve their business and make it more successful. That's what we want. 

European Business: What product sectors does your portfolio cover?

Nadine Girschewski: Our two main areas are wash chemistry and vehicle detailing chemistry. The former involves traditional chemistry for car wash technology and hall cleaning. In the field of vehicle detailing chemistry, our customers are not only the actual vehicle detailers but also car dealerships and OEMs. Here, we offer, for example, polishes as well as optimized complementary accessories to our entire range of chemical products such as brushes, dosing units, or spray options. We see ourselves as a system provider of product, product accessories, and service, giving our customers the knowledge they need to optimally apply the products. That's why we also offer theoretical and practical support and knowledge transfer for the optimal use of our entire product range with our Competence Center in Unna and our technical experts on-site. 

Wirtschaftsforum: Are there any new developments or topics that are currently engaging you in the product area?

Vincent Bossert: With our experience in surface treatment, we can not only be very successful in the automotive sector, but also now offer the right portfolio in the marine sector – there too with the goal of preservation and maintaining value thus sustainability. Leisure transport vehicles represent substantial assets, often the second highest investments in life after the house. These should be maintained in value and in an excellent technical condition.

Wirtschaftsforum: In your opinion, what are the reasons for the success of Koch-Chemie?

Nadine Girschewski: I think it is our attention to detail, which Hans Koch already introduced into product development. It runs through all areas and is anchored in the minds of the employees. In this sense, everyone works hand in hand.

Wirtschaftsforum: How would you describe your corporate culture?

Vincent Bossert: We foster a mid-sized, family-like collaboration. Responsibility, transparency, and performance are important to face the challenges of the markets. Responsibility is lived by us and is a constant learning process. I would like to draw a connection to politics: The economy complains too much about politics. When things get tough, they immediately call for politics. Every company in Germany is strong enough to assert itself in the world. We can be very successful regardless of the political landscape as long as we remain democratic. Let’s just do our job and stop constantly complaining. 

European Business Forum: Let's take a look into the future. What is your vision for the company?

Jens Hummes: Our goal is very clear to grow. We want to expand our presence in Germany, Europe, and worldwide. Koch-Chemie will be present on all continents, with a product portfolio that continues to excite the market. Because thrilling our customers is our claim. We fight for this every day.