Building for the Future: Opportunities through Social Change

Interview with Dipl.-Ing. Norma Bopp-Strecker, Managing Director of Hochbau Detert GmbH & Co. KG

Dipl.-Ing. Norma Bopp-Strecker, Managing Director of Hochbau Detert GmbH & Co. KG

In today's construction industry, characterized by challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers and rising costs, Hochbau Detert GmbH & Co. KG stands out due to its innovative approach and strong market presence. In conversation with Dipl.-Ing. Norma Bopp-Strecker, the managing director, it becomes clear how the company acts successfully despite adverse circumstances and continues to develop continuously.

Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Bopp-Strecker, how did you come to join Hochbau Detert?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: Hochbau Detert GmbH is a traditional family business, which we took over in 2005. My late husband and I were fresh out of university at the time and wanted to start our own business. We came to the company through a friendly contact with the founding family, which had no successor.

Wirtschaftsforum: What were the challenges in taking over?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: One of the biggest challenges was that as young civil engineers, we entered an established company that had been in the market for a long time. Many customers did not know us, and it was important to gain their trust. However, we managed to retain the customers and successfully develop the business further.

Wirtschaftsforum: How has the company developed since the takeover?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: When we took over the company, we had twelve employees and a turnover of about 2.5 million EUR. Today, we employ nearly 50 people and generate a turnover of about twelve million EUR. We have expanded our portfolio and now offer not only the construction of classic single-family houses but also multi-family homes and industrial as well as commercial buildings.

Hochbau Detert GmbH & Co. KG Modern Multi-Family Houses — Modern Multi-Family Houses: A New Living Space for Community and Quality of Life

Wirtschaftsforum: What makes Hochbau Detert GmbH so special?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: We operate as a general contractor and offer a comprehensive range of services. This means that we have many trades in-house, such as masons, concrete constructors, carpenters, and roofers. As a result, we can offer our clients a complete package from a single source, which significantly improves communication and efficiency at the construction site.

Wirtschaftsforum: How important is digitalization to you?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: Digitalization is a central theme for us. We have invested heavily in digital technologies in recent years to optimize our processes. This covers not just planning but also the execution of construction projects. We work closely with institutes to develop innovative solutions.

Wirtschaftsforum: What role does sustainability play in your company?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: We have become certified and rely on environmentally friendly materials and construction methods. The use of wood as a building material is also significant, as we have our own carpentry shop. We want to ensure that we act responsibly not just economically, but ecologically as well.

Hochbau Detert GmbH & Co. KG Production Hall — This project for Brüninghaus GmbH & Co. KG in Versmold involved an unusual approach: The construction of a new production hall was carried out over an existing hall, followed by the demolition of the old hall

Wirtschaftsforum: How do you deal with the shortage of skilled workers?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: The shortage of skilled workers is a major challenge in the construction industry. We actively train and attend education fairs to attract young talents. Additionally, we place great importance on the satisfaction of our employees to retain them long-term with our company.

Wirtschaftsforum: Which projects are particularly important to you?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: A key project was the construction of a large administrative building with a social wing and hall near Bielefeld. This project not only strengthened us financially but also broadened our portfolio towards more complex construction endeavours. It was a turning point for us, showing that we can also handle bigger challenges.

Wirtschaftsforum: How do you see the future of the construction industry?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: The future of the construction industry is heavily influenced by societal changes. Demographic change and the trend towards single households lead to an increasing need for housing. At the same time, we have to face the challenges posed by climate change and find sustainable solutions. I am optimistic that we, as an industry, can master these challenges if we collaborate and pursue innovative approaches.

Hochbau Detert GmbH & Co. KG New Construction Lucky Bike — Sustainability meets modern design: The new business premises of Lucky Bike in Bielefeld, elegantly clad in wood

Wirtschaftsforum: What do you wish for from politics?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: I hope for more support from politics, especially in terms of housing construction. The current building regulations and requirements make construction more expensive, which deters many investors. We need clear frameworks to be economically and ecologically successful.

Wirtschaftsforum: Finally, what is personally important to you?

Norma Bopp-Strecker: It is important to me to be an integrative part of society. I am involved in various voluntary positions and want to actively contribute to the development of our city. In addition, open and honest communication within the company and with our customers is very important to me. We are a family business, and this is reflected in our values.