Where Ideas Find Space
Interview with Fabian Töws, Managing Director of Laer Unternehmensverwaltung GmbH
As a result of increasing urbanization, rising real estate prices, and shrinking land reserves, space is becoming an increasingly valuable resource. Flexible storage, workshop, and office spaces are more in demand than ever. Modern garage and business parks offer innovative solutions. A company that has significantly shaped this development in Germany is Laer Unternehmensverwaltung GmbH from Waltrop.
What began in 2006 with the idea of bringing a concept known in the USA for garage parks to Germany has developed into a success story. Today, Laer Unternehmensverwaltung GmbH, with its brands Formica GmbH and Mega Mietpark, stands for intelligent, secure, and flexible spatial solutions for businesses, craftsmen, and private individuals. "We offer a solution for the lack of space in Germany and create real added value," emphasizes Fabian Töws, Managing Director of Laer Unternehmensverwaltung GmbH. Since January 2025, he has been leading the company together with founder Georg Laer, continuing the success story with new impulses.
From the garage idea to a corporate group
The roots of the corporate group go back to Georg Laer, who took the step into self-employment in 2006. From a customer order, he developed the first concept for
Garage parks in Germany - thus laying the foundation for a market that continues to grow to this day. 'Mr. Laer significantly shaped the concept and actually brought it to Germany,' says Fabian Töws appreciatively. The first own park was created in 2012, and with each new project, the success curve accelerated. Today, the Laer Group operates 15 own facilities with around 2,500 tenants and has planned and implemented over 220 projects - nationwide and in Austria. About 25 employees generate an annual turnover of 25 to 30 million EUR. Two central pillars support the business: Formica GmbH acts as the general contractor for planning and construction services, while Mega Mietpark manages and rents out the own facilities. 'We build both for third parties and for our own portfolio,' explains Fabian Töws. 'What is special is that we have almost all services in-house - from planning to leasing.'
Entrepreneur parks with a system
What once started as a simple garage park has long since developed into a modern entrepreneur park. The facilities offer space for a variety of uses - from storage spaces and workshops to self-storage units. 'Our garages range in size from 25 to 100 m2, workshops also offer office spaces. This creates flexible solutions for start-ups, craftsmen, or online retailers,' explains Fabian Töws. All facilities are accessible 24/7, controlled via app or chip, and secured with video surveillance and alarm systems. 'We place a high emphasis on security - fencing, surveillance, digital access systems are standard for us,' says Fabian Töws. 'We were the first to equip entire parks with a digital access system.' This combination of innovation, functionality, and fair pricing makes the difference: 'Our prices are deliberately affordable,' emphasizes Fabian Töws. 'Of course, we also have to act economically, but we want to enable people to use the facilities - not to squeeze every last cent out of their pockets.' Formica also focuses on efficiency in construction planning. 'From our rental practice, we know which sizes and layouts work,' continues Fabian Töws. 'Therefore, we manage to optimize the use of plots and maximize returns for our customers - often better than others.' Individual adjustments, such as colors or special sizes, are possible. Nevertheless, everything is based on a proven system that guarantees short distances, high quality, and economic efficiency.
Utility-Oriented and Digital
"We don't just build for the sake of building. We act with a focus on utility. If someone wants an expensive facade, we ask: Do you really need that? We offer honest advice – even if it means we earn less," explains Fabian Töws. Digitalization remains a central driver for the future. "Mr. Laer was one of the first to digitize access systems. Today, we consistently develop this further to stay ahead in the future," says the managing director. Moreover, strengthening customer relationships is his focus: "We want to be visible and show that we are the partner with the most experience in the market. Many providers come and go – we bring 20 years of experience and 220 projects to the table."
Like an Ant – Small but Strong
The philosophy of the corporate group is already reflected in the name of Formica GmbH: Formica – Latin for ‘ant’. "The Bible says: Consider the path of the ant and become wise," Fabian Töws recounts. "That is our guiding principle. We are not a giant company, but we move a lot and advance the market." Whether as a construction partner, landlord, or innovator: Laer Unternehmensverwaltung GmbH stands for practical solutions in times of scarce space – and for an attitude that has become rare in the industry: ambitious, yet down-to-earth. "We want to continue to grow, attract new investors, and create real added value with our projects – for our customers and for society," Fabian Töws concludes.