Customized Heat

Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Schmitt, you took over as managing director at the beginning of 2024. How did the handover go?

Vera Schmitt: It was a seamless process. I already joined as a Junior Managing Director in 2021. My predecessor Nicole Mickenhagen left on December 31, 2023, after having co-led the company with my father for 25 years. They had jointly developed the company, each holding equal shares. Now, I run it together with my father, who also plans to step back at the end of the year.

Wirtschaftsforum: How would you describe your business model?

Vera Schmitt: We manufacture heating elements here in Lüdenscheid and have specialized in custom solutions for our clients. Our heating elements can be used anywhere in an industrial process where heat is required. This applies not only to the traditional plastics industry but is very diverse: automotive sector, renewable energies, recycling, waste management. We develop individual solutions with our customers. In addition to heating elements, we also provide temperature measuring technology, control, and the appropriate insulation. Everything from a single source. The insulating sleeves are custom-made and have Velcro fasteners so that they can be easily removed during maintenance work.

Wirtschaftsforum: 500 active customers per year - is that a deliberate strategy?

Vera Schmitt: Absolutely. We specifically do not focus on two or three major clients, but try to diversify as much as possible. This keeps us independent and creates stability through diversification. If the plastics industry is experiencing a downturn, we still have customers in other sectors. Due to our broad setup, we have also managed well through the crises of recent years. During supply shortages, we were able to draw from our stock and continued to have short delivery times of two to three weeks. However, we are currently noticing changes in the market. Companies are very cautious with investments and prefer to repair their existing machines. This is directly noticeable for us because, with our small batch sizes, we also supply many spare parts for machine repairs.

Wirtschaftsforum: What unusual projects have you had?

Vera Schmitt: Our range includes wing heating for airplanes to a request from Siberia for a frost-protected railway and energy storage facilities next to wind farms. Often, it's also engineering firms or universities. They say, 'We're currently developing a machine and need a heating solution.' We like to engage in dialog early on.

Wirtschaftsforum: Where do you see your company in the coming years?

Vera Schmitt: We are heavily investing in future technologies such as renewable energy and recycling. We want to continue establishing ourselves in these areas and gain new customers. Our focus is on exciting projects and clients interested in custom solutions. The great thing about our business is: Every product is developed together with the customer.