Ready for New Construction – Turnkey Excavations
Interview with Michael Kreppold, Managing Director of Konrad Kreppold GmbH
The construction and demolition industry faces numerous challenges, particularly with respect to sustainability and recycling. Konrad Kreppold GmbH has successfully positioned itself in this dynamic environment. In an interview with Wirtschaftsforum, Managing Director Michael Kreppold, who represents the 3rd generation in the family business, discusses recent developments, company history, and future visions.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Kreppold, can you briefly introduce us to the history of Konrad Kreppold GmbH?
Michael Kreppold: My grandfather founded the company in 1962 and was one of the first to start with demolition. While many competitors focused on pure transportation services, we early dared to step into controlled demolition. My father and uncle then developed the company by specializing in mechanical demolition, particularly in bridge construction. A significant step was the construction of our new business premises in 2010, which gave us the opportunity to operate a high-quality recycling plant.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the main services offered by Konrad Kreppold GmbH?
Michael Kreppold: We offer a comprehensive range of services in demolition and recycling. This includes pollutant reports, asbestos remediation, controlled demolition of buildings, and the processing of construction debris in our recycling plant. Our goal is to cover the entire value chain so that the builder can start new construction immediately after our work is completed. Thus, we can provide the builder with a turnkey excavation site.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does your recycling strategy look like?
Michael Kreppold: Our recycling strategy is designed to reintroduce as many materials as possible back into the resource cycle. Currently, we recycle about 98% of mineral construction waste. We use a stationary recycling plant, which allows us to produce high-quality materials that go back into concrete production. What sets us apart from other companies is the quality of our recycled materials.
While many recyclers often choose the easier route and recycle materials below their value, we focus on high-quality processing. Our processes are optimized such that a large portion of the recycled materials is suitable not only for road construction but also for concrete production. This ensures that our products meet the highest standards and can be sustainably used in the construction industry. Our commitment to quality and sustainability is the key to our success and makes us a preferred partner for concrete plants and developers.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges do you see in the industry?
Michael Kreppold: One of the biggest challenges is the shortage of skilled workers. Despite the high demand for qualified workers, many young people are not adequately informed about the opportunities in the construction and demolition industry. We therefore place a strong emphasis on training and have already taken on twelve apprentices in various professions. It is important to show young people that these professions are not only future-proof but also well-paid.
Wirtschaftsforum: How does your company respond to the current developments in the construction industry?
Michael Kreppold: We closely monitor developments and adjust our strategies accordingly. We have expanded our range of services in recent years to meet market requirements.
Furthermore, we have established our own asbestos crews who can remediate all types of asbestos-containing materials. This is particularly important because every second household is contaminated with asbestos in some form. This allows us to handle all required steps in the demolition process internally.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does digitalization play in your company?
Michael Kreppold: Digitalization plays an increasingly important role in our company. Our machines are equipped with cutting-edge technology that enables precise control and planning. This allows us to work more efficiently and further improve the quality of our services. Additionally, we use social media to showcase our projects and the diversity of our work.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your plans for the future?
Michael Kreppold: We would like to continue investing in the training of young talent and expand our range of services. One possible consideration is to also become active in structural engineering, as we already work closely with concrete plants. Furthermore, we want to increase our recycling rate and develop innovative solutions in demolition.