Professional Partner for Military Logistics
Interview with Martin Rohde, Managing Director of CONDOK GmbH
In an increasingly unstable world order, issues of security and defense capability are gaining importance. Germany too finds itself compelled to rearm in view of the current world situation — the Bundeswehr is to be made 'combat-ready' again. CONDOK GmbH from Kiel has successfully established itself as a defense technical system house in the field of military logistics.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Rohde, CONDOK GmbH has undergone a remarkable development since its foundation. Could you briefly outline this?
Martin Rohde: I founded the company in 2002 together with a then-colleague after we had worked together for many years on defense projects in another company. Due to some poor decisions, the company had gone into bankruptcy in 2001; in 2002, we had the opportunity to refound what was still a promising, competitive company through a management buy-out. Since then, we have grown with the demands of military logistics and have evolved from a technical-logistical service provider to an armament systems company that serves the Bundeswehr and the defense industry.
Wirtschaftsforum: What did the CONDOK portfolio look like before, and what does it look like today?
Martin Rohde: Previously, we focused mainly on technical documentation, manuals, for instance for radios or vehicles, and spare parts catalogs; later, topics such as master data maintenance, IT security, or occupational safety were added. The Bundeswehr, as an operator of technical systems, has to implement more and more stringent legal regulations; at the same time, there are not many service providers that have the necessary know-how and sufficient experience in military logistics. This is our advantage in the market. We were never afraid to face new challenges, we have continuously expanded our services and thus have earned an excellent reputation in this niche market. Moreover, we have moved from documenting to designing and now also to manufacturing and maintaining, thus developing into a mid-sized system provider for many systems of the Bundeswehr. We take over the technical and logistical support of systems that have been in use in the Bundeswehr for 30 or 40 years. These systems undergo continuous technical changes to maintain readiness and to meet the growing technical and military requirements.
Wirtschaftsforum: Given this background, what are the pillars of the portfolio?
Martin Rohde: Central themes are technical documentation, spare parts management, development, production, Technical-Logistical Management, Product Lifecycle Management, and Technical Safety. In production, for example, we manufacture devices and installation kits that are installed in cabins or containers. As a system house, we focus on the development and realization of devices for retrofitting and conversion measures; it is always crucial to observe the specific legal and military guidelines and standards. The competition in the field of military logistics is manageable, and with our offerings, we are one of the largest companies in Germany that covers such a wide range. Know-how, quality, reliability, and efficiency have become trademarks appreciated by customers.
Wirtschaftsforum: Which customers does CONDOK target with its services?
Martin Rohde: In addition to the Bundeswehr, which plays a central role, we work for renowned defense companies such as Diehl Defence, Airbus or TKMS (Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems), but also for civilian companies like Liebherr, which in turn work for the Bundeswehr and supply, for example, cranes to them. As an interface between the Bundeswehr and the industry, we bring our many years of experience in the development and provision of mobile systems, as well as our extensive knowledge of the specific and complex military logistics. In the future, we will also use this know-how internationally and gradually make our solutions accessible to our NATO partners. Special rules also apply in this area; in particular, we are subject to the export control regulations of the BAFA.
Wirtschaftsforum: If you had to summarize the CONDOK services in a slogan, what would it be?
Martin Rohde: We make technology mobile. That means, we install technology according to military and legal requirements in mobile systems such as containers and vehicles; a highly complex task field.
Wirtschaftsforum: How large is CONDOK today to set accents in this specialized market?
Martin Rohde: We have been growing steadily. Over the past years, between 30 and 40 new employees have joined the team each year, so today we employ about 350 people. This exponential growth has necessitated an adjustment of the organizational structures. Today, we operate with structures that are suited to a medium-sized system house. Many employees, by the way, are former Bundeswehr soldiers who want to continue working in defense.
Wirtschaftsforum: As a military technical systems house, CONDOK operates in an industry that is currently very much in the focus of world political events. What are your plans for the future?
Martin Rohde: Last year, we acquired a new property here at the location, on which the construction of a 2,000 m2 production hall is planned. Our goal is moderate, healthy growth in line with our values. Appreciation and trust are central elements of our culture. We know where we come from and where we want to go.