Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Rohde, Jean Müller GmbH carries a French name. How would you briefly describe the history of your company?

Robert Rohde: Since our founding 126 years ago, we have had no connection to France. Even today, as the technologies and standards are different. Instead, 'Jean' was the nickname of the founder, who at that time was one of the pioneers in electrical engineering. At that time, electricity was generated and distributed regionally. It was the decade that saw the founding of major companies such as AEG or Siemens. Jean Müller's historical contribution was the safe supply of electricity to private households using ceramic screw fuses. Today, we work only with industries and energy suppliers. Thus, our customers include hospitals, rolling mills, chemical parks, energy suppliers, and municipal utilities. Therefore, products from Jean Müller GmbH are found in local network stations and distribution boxes by the roadside, which ensure the safe distribution of energy.

Wirtschaftsforum: How many employees does your company currently employ and what is the revenue?

Robert Rohde: Currently, we employ over 600 employees — nearly 500 of them in Germany. The others work at our locations in India, New Zealand, China, Singapore, Finland, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and Turkey. A particularly significant milestone in 2024 was the opening of a production site in India. Additionally, we have a joint venture in Hungary. The revenue amounts to 140 million EUR.

Wirtschaftsforum: Is Jean Müller GmbH still family-run?

Robert Rohde: The company was family-run for a long time. After an owner unexpectedly passed away in 2017, two employed managing directors — Dipl.-Wirtsch.-Ing. Stefan Gutting and Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Heinz Saure — took over the management. The company is still 100% family-owned.

Wirtschaftsforum: Do you have products that set you apart from the competition?

Robert Rohde: There are very few providers in Europe that cover the complete range. We are the only ones in Germany who develop and produce all products and systems locally. Additionally, upgrading later with us is significantly less complicated than with competitors. Coupled with our more than 100-year expertise in load switching, we enjoy the utmost trust from our customers.

Wirtschaftsforum: Are there any new products that you would like to highlight?

Robert Rohde: In terms of digitalizing the distribution network, I would like to explain a combination of three products. TOKEO is the newest generation of load switch rails, which are combined with PLPlano measurement technology and our PLVario-II measuring system. All three products form the core of an intelligent distribution solution, which we round off with the software solution PLAnaKon. The entire system is fully digitalized and delivered as a ready-to-install solution. For industrial customers and property operators, we offer the SASILplus system, specially tailored to their requirements, with a fully integrated energy data collection system. The components are exchangeable during operation, so that business interruption is minimal in case of a defect.

Wirtschaftsforum: It is said that the crisis of the last four years had very different impacts on the industry and energy suppliers. How have you perceived the turbulence in your company?

Robert Rohde: Indeed, the challenges of geopolitical situations have changed the demand for capacity in the market. Generally, we place the highest priority on always ensuring supply capability. We work countercyclically and therefore invest today in the future to ensure both innovation and supply capability. We have successfully navigated the turbulence of recent years. The last four years have been record years in which we were even able to achieve double-digit growth rates.

Wirtschaftsforum: What strategy are you pursuing for the future?

Robert Rohde: Due to the shortage of skilled workers, we want to continue developing intelligent products and enhance automation. We train in-house and consistently invest in the further education of our employees. The goal is to be able to achieve more output with the existing skilled workforce. In terms of sustainability, climate neutrality, and independence from energy price fluctuations, we have invested in photovoltaic systems on our roofs. Furthermore, we place great value on recyclable products. Our components are very durable, some remaining in operation for up to 50 years. We are technology leaders in many areas and aim to further expand this position.