The Future Needs Heritage
Interview with Dr. Michael Seibold, Managing Director of Hauff-Technik GmbH & Co. KG
Whether in a private home, public or business facilities – the infrastructure of a building is its lifeline, and particularly the electrical infrastructure is the key to modern society. Hauff-Technik GmbH & Co. KG from Hermaringen is one of the leading European manufacturers of sealing systems for cables, pipes, and building entries. The company focuses on genuine customer benefits and measurable added value, and is thus on an international growth trajectory.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Dr. Seibold, as an expert in sealing systems and network infrastructure – what services do you offer?
Dr. Michael Seibold: We cover the entire infrastructure of a building. This includes cable and pipe penetrations, building entries and exits, fiber optic systems, and infrastructure for electromobility and foundation pipes. We have many years of experience and a high level of expertise, so we are also able to develop custom solutions for our customers.
Wirtschaftsforum: What distinguishes Hauff-Technik from other providers?
Dr. Michael Seibold: The difference at the product level is that we are able to produce in lot sizes from number 1, but also in mass production. In doing so, we deliver both standardized products and individually manufactured solutions to our customers. Resulting combined deliveries are consolidated through our state-of-the-art logistics center and delivered as a complete package. Thus we remain not only economic but also ecological. A look behind the scenes shows it's the attitude we live by each day. A key to our success is: Embrace change. It is important not just to understand change, but to participate and actively shape it. That keeps us flexible and able to adapt to new things at any time. With our products, we contribute to change, advancing the energy and mobility transition. Above all, however, we generate real benefits for our customers with our solutions, a measurable added value. However, I am sure that emotional reasons are also decisive for our customers when choosing Hauff-Technik. We conduct business from person to person. People trust us, our employees, and our brand. We have earned this trust over the years through reliable performance.
Wirtschaftsforum: You talk about energy and mobility transitions. What role does the theme of sustainability overall play for your company?
Dr. Michael Seibold: The theme of sustainability has become very important in our lives over the past few years. The expectations of our customers and partners towards the company have also grown in this regard. We are aware of our responsibility and therefore incorporate the idea of sustainability into our daily operations. Our goal is to offer our customers durable products, which are now partly made from recyclates. We've installed a photovoltaic system and use the waste heat from our machines to heat the building. We have also switched our fleet to hybrid and some electric vehicles. One of our clearly articulated corporate goals is to produce in a climate-neutral way by 2026. To bring the sustainability idea into the company, sustainability projects take place regularly, where we also raise awareness among employees and give them tips and tricks on how to make their everyday life sustainable.
Wirtschaftsforum: To what extent is digitalization a driver for changes and innovations at Hauff-Technik?
Digitalization significantly influences us. It enables us to significantly simplify internal processes. Nowadays, various digital accesses into a company are needed, as customers want it to be as easy as possible.
Wirtschaftsforum: Do you focus on Germany or are you internationally oriented?
Dr. Michael Seibold: auff-Technik has been operating internationally since 1978. Initially primarily based on trade partnerships, and now personally on site through our competent field service. Around 90% of our business is in the DACH region. In addition, we have branches in Switzerland, the Middle East, and England. Currently, we are making the jump to the USA.
Wirtschaftsforum: Hauff-Technik will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year. What were important development steps along the way?
Dr. Michael Seibold: Our founder Werner Hauff was a true inventor. The first 20 years were spent as a contract manufacturing company, after which we entered the field of building sealing and installations. Mr. Hauff developed a system, the patented Hauff cable entry, which today is synonymous with the entire technology. Since 1986 we have been operating under the roof of the medium-sized INDUS AG. This has also enabled our internationalization. About ten years ago, we expanded our facilities once more, creating capacities for further growth. We are now a whole group, comprising Hauff-Technik SWISS, Hauff-Technik MIDDLE EAST, Hauff-Technik UK, and Hauff-Technik GRIDCOM - our 'fiber optics daughter'. It represents an important step in our brand scaling. Over the decades, we have developed from a small component manufacturer into an infrastructure specialist with over 500 employees.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your plans for the coming months?
Dr. Michael Seibold: We want to continue to grow and expand our international market position. Our newest subsidiary is in England and despite Brexit, we see a lot of potential here. The country is on the move and growing again. We are also preparing to enter the US market. We want to strengthen our position in the fiber optics area and offer installations there as well. In addition, we are returning to our roots by creating an additional location in Heidenheim, the city where the company founder's first ideas originated, where we can focus on the internationalization of the Hauff-Technik Group and products in the fiber optics area.