"We look beyond the horizon"
Interview with Sandra Lüngen, Managing Director of HLH BioPharma GmbH
The story of HLH BioPharma GmbH and its managing director Sandra Lüngen is a true entrepreneurial tale as only real life can write: In 2008, the trained wholesale and foreign trade clerk joined the company founded by her father-in-law. Initially just for a 420-EUR job to earn a little extra money alongside her business studies, and later in sales and purchasing. After her father-in-law suddenly passed away in 2014, she took over the responsibility and led the company to new heights. Today, HLH BioPharma is a medium-sized player, especially in the field of probiotic dietary supplements, often one step ahead of the big companies.
"We did quite a few things right back then by keeping up with the times, not only by establishing our online store but also by targeting online pharmacies and generally becoming more visible online," says Sandra Lüngen. In addition, the focus was on successful products in the portfolio and there was a focus on the topic of gut health. "Personal consulting is also very important to me," emphasizes the managing director. "Thus, we offer free consultations over the phone – not only about our own products but also about those from other manufacturers that complement ours effectively." Currently, six of the 27 employees work in consulting.
Keeping the Customer's Needs in Mind
Founded 30 years ago, HLH BioPharma GmbH is an 'old hand' in its field: 'As a small medium-sized enterprise, we have often been pioneers with many products, even before the big corporations,' says Sandra Lüngen confidently. 'For example, we were among the first to include capsule preparations in our portfolio. We always keep the needs of our customers in mind.' The main focuses of the portfolio are on probiotics, vital substances, and phytotherapeutics. 'The most important product area is our probiotic preparations from our Lactobact brand,' says the managing director.
"Indeed, we also offer products for oral and skin health, supplements for good sleep and – very importantly – since September 1, we have a new division for children's health. We look beyond the conventional medical approaches. It is important to us to distribute only purely plant-based products without additives. In this spirit, we have also chosen our slogan 'Together for a healthy future.' For the future of her company, Sandra Lüngen wishes above all for healthy growth: 'We are planning an extension to our existing company building to provide enough space for our growing number of employees. I am very proud of our team. Together, we have made this development possible.'