"We look forward with confidence to the future"
Interview with Timo Fechtig, Managing Director of Fechtig Group
Although the construction industry and hence the heating and plumbing sector are currently undergoing a significant market correction, the four companies of the Fechtig Group, which mainly focus on planning and implementation of heating, ventilation, and plumbing works, cannot complain about a lack of orders. Timo Fechtig, the managing director, reveals in the interview what this sustained success is based on, why the shortage of skilled workers is currently not an issue for him, and why continuing the family tradition as an entrepreneur is the least motivation for his activity.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Fechtig, the past three years have been quite turbulent in the heating business amidst an energy crisis and unclear political decisions – how have you experienced this period?
Timo Fechtig: Overall, relatively relaxed – mainly, however, because our companies are primarily engaged in the industrial context, public construction measures, and larger residential building projects, which remained largely untouched by the complex web of subsidies. In the smaller renovation business, there has been practically a standstill since mid-2024, as many homeowners prefer to wait for further developments – and until the new federal government sets a clear directional course, this is likely to remain the case.
Wirtschaftsforum: As someone who deals with the energy transition on a daily basis at the grassroots level – what would you like to request from the new federal government?
Timo Fechtig: The biggest problem is the ongoing uncertainty: nobody can reliably say what should be done when and how – and this affects not just the heating and sanitation sector, but also the entire automotive industry, on which millions of jobs in Germany depend. Therefore, I wish at least for our industry not only a clearly structured program with clear cornerstones but also reliable continuity, so that there is planning security for all market participants.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you assess the current market situation in the heating and sanitation business and in your companies?
Timo Fechtig: We ourselves, even against the backdrop of the difficult overall economic development, have not experienced any significant decline in projects in recent years, and for 2025 our order books are already 80% full at the end of January. However, the general economic uncertainty has hit many smaller colleagues and competitors hard, which I do not want to overlook.
Wirtschaftsforum: How does your perspective change in this context?
Timo Fechtig: I took up my profession 20 years ago, then furthered my education to become a master craftsman and business economist. Since 2014, I have been in management positions in our companies, and during all this time, the economic situation for our entire industry has generally been on the rise. The current correction we are experiencing comes from a very comfortable high point, after years of continuous upward momentum. Certainly, our company will experience some cuts in the near future, but we are in close contact with planners and builders and will have enough work for our employees in the coming years – it's very possible that urgently needed housing programs from the new federal government will also soon contribute to a more positive development for the entire industry.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does the shortage of skilled workers play for your company?
Timo Fechtig: Honestly, it's not significant at the moment. Just today, I discussed our staffing situation with my team at a project management meeting, and we are very satisfied with the number and skills of our employees – not least because we strongly focus on training and further education. 10 of our 40 technicians are currently undergoing their training with us, and we hope to attract more dedicated trainees in the coming years. For this purpose, we have also set up our own training program and run our own training workshop. The extensive competencies of our staff are the central basis for our continued success: in recent years we surely could have taken on a few more contracts than we actually did, but doing so would likely have compromised the quality of our work, which we did not want: This iron-clad promise of quality and our reliable adherence to schedules are also appreciated by our clients, even if we do not always make the cheapest offer – yet once we set a price, it remains fixed!
Wirtschaftsforum: What is your personal motivation to continue this success story?
Timo Fechtig: Naturally, I want to continue what my father and grandfather built – but frankly, that's my least motivation. In my position, I am able to provide a secure job for 90 people, on which they and their families can rely, with a job that they also enjoy. I often think of the words of my grandfather, who used to make it clear to me as a little boy: 'Without the guys and girls in the office and on the construction site, we would have no work either!' This attitude has greatly shaped me – and I am pleased to be able to continue to embody it today.