Fresh Wind for Business
Interview with Anke Lübbers, HR & Business Development at Lübbers LTA GmbH & Co. KG
Lübbers LTA from Lingen is a specialist in ventilation systems – from hospitals to fitness studios to the food industry. The family-owned company, established 30 years ago, employs 40 staff and covers the entire process: from planning and installation to ongoing maintenance. A generational change is now underway.
Anke Lübbers, 28, and her sister Katja, 32, are preparing to take over the family business. Since September 2023, Anke, together with her mother Waltraud, has been in charge of the commercial sector, while Katja leads the technical department together with father Hermann. "We are in the process of handing over – it's lengthy, both emotionally and legally," said Hermann Lübbers. Hermann Lübbers founded the company in 1994 with the support of his wife Waltraud, a trained banker. What started small on the family's property is now spread over two locations in Lingen – with about 20 employees each in administration and in assembly and production.
From the Family Home to a Modern Location
The business model is deliberately focused: Lübbers LTA plans and installs ventilation systems only – from the initial inspection to ongoing maintenance. "We're kind of a hybrid between industry and craft," explains the junior boss. "We are not the typical sanitary, heating, and air conditioning company, but really only do the ventilation part." This specialization pays off: The customer base ranges from the food industry to hotels and gyms, to public facilities like the Emsland Arena in Lingen.
People at the Center
Even though the update of the ERP system is currently using up all resources, at Lübbers LTA, people are at the center. "We pay very close attention to ensuring that the customer has the same contact person from start to finish," explains Anke Lübbers, revealing the secret to their success. With low turnover, this is feasible in multi-year projects. Her father Hermann is still actively accessible to customers. Internally, there is a flat hierarchy: "We use first names with each other." She describes the company spirit as a mix of traditional family business and startup character. "It's important to me that the colleagues enjoy coming to work – you spend so much time here." For the near future, Anke Lübbers has clear priorities: "First of all, I’ll be glad if by the end of the year the ERP system is functioning reasonably well." This is followed by the successful company handover, which also means job security for the 40 employees. Long-term planning has become difficult: "You never know what politics, economics, and other external conditions will bring." She describes her motivation as intrinsic: "It is a matter of heartfelt concern for me to continue the company with the best of my knowledge and conscience."