With Passion, Craftsmanship, and Heart's Blood – Color for Life!
Interview with Nicole Burkhartsmaier, Managing Director of Burkhartsmaier Holding GmbH & Co. KG
From painting and varnishing to industrial coatings to powder coatings and drywall – the Burkhartsmaier Group offers comprehensive solutions for all requirements around color and design. "It is important to us to bring color into life and offer everything from a single source," explains Managing Director Nicole Burkhartsmaier. In the interview, she provides insights into the philosophy and developments of the company, which has been active in painting and varnish technology since 1974.
Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Burkhartsmaier, what makes the Burkhartsmaier Group of Companies special?
Nicole Burkhartsmaier: Our company philosophy 'Everything from one source' is reflected in our broad range of services. We offer not only painting services but also have an industrial paint shop, a powder coating plant, and drywall services. This allows us to provide our customers with a comprehensive solution that covers all aspects of coating and design.
Wirtschaftsforum: How has the company developed since it was founded?
Nicole Burkhartsmaier: My father founded the painting company in 1974. Over the years, the company has grown significantly. The first industrial paint shop was opened in 1987, and powder coating was added in 1997. We have continuously evolved and are proud to be a group of companies with about 120 employees today.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does sustainability play in your company?
Nicole Burkhartsmaier: Sustainability is a central concern for us. We participate in the Bavarian Environmental Pact and rely on environmentally friendly technologies. Our own combined heat and power unit and the use of solar energy are examples of how we reduce our ecological footprint. Moreover, we are increasingly using organic and ecologically compatible materials.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges have you experienced in recent years?
Nicole Burkhartsmaier: The past years have been challenging, particularly due to the coronavirus pandemic and the shortage of skilled workers. During the pandemic, we focused on the renovation sector, as new construction significantly declined. However, the shortage of skilled workers is an ongoing concern, as many experienced employees retire, and it is difficult to find new trainees.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you deal with the shortage of skilled workers?
Nicole Burkhartsmaier: We try to make the profession attractive by creating a family-friendly work environment. In addition, we offer our employees various incentives to keep them in the company long term. This is particularly important to ensure the high quality of our work and to retain the knowledge of our long-standing employees.
Wirtschaftsforum: How important is digitalization for your company?
Nicole Burkhartsmaier: Digitalization is playing an increasingly important role in our company. We have already digitalized many processes in the industry, from order capture to accounting. This modernization allows us to work more efficiently and improve communication. In the crafting sector, we are still pushing forward the digital transformation, as we have many manual processes there. However, we see great potential to save time and further enhance the quality of our services. It is important that we take this step to remain competitive and offer our customers the best possible service.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your future plans for the company?
Nicole Burkhartsmaier: We plan to further expand our capacities in the field of industrial painting and powder coating. Additionally, we are focusing on automation techniques to make our processes more efficient. In the painting sector, we want to continue to promote ecological solutions and offer our customers a healthy indoor climate.
Wirtschaftsforum: What do you wish for the next generation in craftsmanship?
Nicole Burkhartsmaier: I hope that more young people develop an interest in crafts. It's a versatile profession with many possibilities. We need to dispel the prejudices that crafts are less attractive. The craft sector still has a lot of potential and can offer young people a secure future.
Wirtschaftsforum: How important is family tradition in your business?
Nicole Burkhartsmaier: Family tradition is the foundation of our company. My father founded Burkhartsmaier in 1974, and my mother supported him wholeheartedly from the start – that was real teamwork, as good as it gets. I grew up with the company and learned the meaning of cohesion, reliability, and passion from an early age. These values shape me and my work to this day. I feel immensely privileged to now lead the company in its 2nd generation – with respect for what my parents have built and with an eye to the future. It's especially wonderful that my parents are still there when I need them – with advice, action, and their extensive experience. And who knows – my son is just starting school, but maybe the 3rd generation is slowly growing up. It would be nice if one day he feels how fulfilling it is to continue something of your own with heart and responsibility.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is your personal drive in this industry?
Nicole Burkhartsmaier: It's close to my heart to bring color into the world. It's fulfilling to see how our work positively impacts the lives of people. I want our company to not only be economically successful but also contribute to society.