Innovations on the Roof
Interview with Christoph Nielacny, Managing Director of Fleck GmbH
The roof accessory industry is experiencing continuous change, shaped by technological innovations and a growing awareness of sustainability. Companies like Fleck GmbH, which offers high-quality solutions for pitched and flat roofs as well as solar applications, are setting standards in the industry. With a broad product portfolio and a clear focus on environmentally friendly materials and processes, Fleck demonstrates how tradition and progress can go hand in hand.
Fleck GmbH, a company with a long tradition headquartered in Datteln, has stood for quality in the roofing accessories sector for 65 years. Under the leadership of managing director Christoph Nielacny, who took over the position in 2019, the company develops innovative solutions for pitched and flat roofs as well as for the solar accessories segment.
New Products
Fleck GmbH was founded in 1957 by Oskar Fleck, who laid the foundation for today's company with the production of hard PVC vents. Currently, Fleck employs 80 staff at two locations in Datteln and Oer-Erkenschwick and is active not only in the German market but also in Austria and the Benelux countries.
"In light of the deteriorating market situation, particularly in new housing construction due to rising interest rates, we have strategically repositioned ourselves," explains Christoph Nielacny. "The pitched roof sector has declined due to low demand, which is why we have tapped into new business areas. For the past 1.5 years, we have been offering a sustainable lead replacement called ECO FORM, made from old car windshields, which has been certified as sustainable by the Central Association of the German Roofing Trade and the Dutch Climate Institute."
In contrast, the market for solar applications is growing, and Fleck is experiencing increasing demand in this area. In the flat roof sector, the focus is on refurbishment and renovation, with new products introduced in recent years that were presented at the Dach + Holz trade fair. Among the innovative products are a forced ventilator with rotor, which ventilates moisture-laden flat roofs, and the swan neck with flap element, which allows for elegant installation of rigid conduits. The 4-in-1 ventilation system has been expanded to include the large variant 4-in-1 Max, which is suitable for large diameters from DN 150 to 250 and can be combined with all common plastic roofing membranes. Fleck is increasingly focusing on its own training programs to combat the shortage of skilled workers, and has introduced Lean Production to continuously improve processes. With the support of an external consultant, employer branding has been developed since March to create a strong brand that emphasizes future security and innovative strength and offers an appreciative work environment.