Sustainable Lighting
Interview with Holger Mang, Sales Representative of JUNG-LEUCHTEN GmbH
In the lighting industry, everything revolves around the topic of LEDs. The long lifespan, high light output, diverse color options, and high energy efficiency of LED bulbs are simply unbeatable. While the switch has already made significant progress in most areas of the lighting industry, it is just beginning in the more conservative, explosion-prone area. For JUNG-LEUCHTEN GmbH, this represents a great opportunity.
With over 50 years of experience in the industry, JUNG-LEUCHTEN has established itself in a niche that many companies find challenging. "We operate in an area with few competitors, and our customers appreciate that," explains sales engineer Holger Mang. The expertise in lighting paint shops and other sensitive environments has earned the company an excellent reputation, especially in the automotive industry, where customers like BMW, VW, and Mercedes rely on the products.
Switch to LED
Holger Mang, who has been with the company for ten years, describes his role as crucial for the switch to LED technology. "About 13 years ago, we set the course for the switch to LED," Holger Mang recounts. "Until then, fluorescent tubes were the standard. However, our customers' customers, especially in the automotive industry, insisted on equipping new facilities with LED lights." This transition was not only a technical necessity for JUNG-LEUCHTEN but also a valuable opportunity.
Technically Refined Solution
"My main task was to accompany this transition. I visited all our customers and presented our own LED technology. We worked on development for two years, and almost all our lights can be retrofitted to LED. We provide the materials and sell retrofit kits – it's a huge market for us." JUNG-LEUCHTEN has managed to modernize its products not only to meet current standards but also to offer long life and high energy efficiency. "We are talking about an average lifespan of over 50,000 hours, which means huge savings for our customers. Moreover, our products offer nearly 30% more light while cutting the previous energy consumption in half, which is particularly interesting in times of rising energy prices," adds Holger Mang.
Flexibility and Agility
JUNG-LEUCHTEN GmbH is a typical example of a successful family-owned company. Holger Mang emphasizes: "We are a family-run business, and you can tell by our corporate culture." This structure allows for decisions to be made quickly and flexibly, and to address the individual needs of customers. "We make many customizations and then test them directly on site. Where others give up, we keep tinkering until it fits," adds the sales representative. This customer-oriented approach has led to the company regaining many customers who had been previously lost.
Quality and Innovation
The quality of the products is a central concern of the company. "We use only high-quality materials and focus on careful processing," Holger Mang makes clear. This is evident in the durability and reliability of the lights.
Responding to Customer Requests
The ability to cater to individual customer requests is another advantage of the company. "We are relatively small compared to our competitors, which makes us flexible," explains the Sales Manager. This allows JUNG-LEUCHTEN to quickly respond to changes in demand. "We often have projects where we need to meet special requirements, and we can do this well thanks to our structure," he says.
Industry Challenges
However, there are also challenges in the industry. Holger Mang reports difficulties in sourcing electronic components, particularly LED drivers, which often come from the Far East and must be certified.
"We had a difficult time, but we found alternatives and managed to get through this phase well," he says. Another problem is the shortage of skilled workers. "It is difficult to find qualified employees. As long-time employees retire, it poses a big challenge to fill these positions," explains Holger Mang. However, there are also positive aspects: "We have many retirees who support us and pass on their knowledge to the next generation."
Sustainability in Focus
Sustainability is an important issue for JUNG-LEUCHTEN. "We place great emphasis on durable products that help our customers save energy," explains Holger Mang. Switching to LED is a step in this direction, as LED lights are not only more energy-efficient but also need to be replaced only after many years. "This is not only good for the environment but also for our customers' costs," he says.
Future Outlook
JUNG-LEUCHTEN looks to the future with optimism. "We have a solid foundation and are well-positioned to continue to grow in the coming years," explains Holger Mang. "Continuous product development and adaptation to market needs will be crucial to remain competitive."