More than Just a Facade
Interview with Valentin App and Magnus App, Managing Partners of Rupert App GmbH & Co.
Nothing here is off-the-peg. Because every facade is unique. Rupert App GmbH & Co. in Leutkirch makes almost anything possible in terms of construction with metal and glass facades. What the family business builds with its 240 employees is impressive. You can see for yourself, for example, by looking at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin.
The company foundation was initially under a bad sign: Just four weeks after Rupert App opened his locksmith shop in 1939, he had to close it again due to the outbreak of World War II. It was not until 1945 that the master blacksmith could resume his work. In the 1950s, he entered the window construction business due to demand. His grandson Magnus App, who today manages the company together with his brother Valentin as managing partners, explains: 'During this time, the first hygiene regulations were also introduced in our region in the Allgäu. Therefore, every dairy had to switch from wood to metal for their windows, gates, and doors.'
The close cooperation with architects led to referrals and ever new projects - the company expanded significantly. In the meantime, Roland App and his brother Engelbert App, father and uncle of the current CEOs, had taken over the company in the second generation. They achieved a milestone of the family business - the construction of the new Federal Chancellery in Berlin.
"Since my grandfather, my father, and my uncle were all master craftsmen, training was a central element from the beginning. This allowed the company to grow," explains Magnus App. Today, the company employs about 240 people. In 2024, it generated a revenue of 78 million EUR. Three years ago, Magnus App and his brother fully took over the company - and were able to start with a prominent construction project. For the expansion of the Federal Chancellery, App was also awarded the contract.
Problem-solver with many skills
With its skills in steel, metal, and element facade construction, the company covers the entire spectrum of metal construction in the facade sector. The technical office, with 40 technicians and engineers, creates the factory and assembly planning. Production takes place in three factories in Leutkirch. "The fact that we cover the entire value chain from planning and products to assembly is our USP," emphasizes Magnus App. He views his company as a problem solver. "We can only produce very little off-the-shelf. Every project is different, both in terms of desires and architecture which change over time," says the managing director, who, like his brother, is also still involved in the operational business. However, the customized manufacturing can also be problematic, which became apparent over a year ago in light of the insolvency of Signa Holding.
"We had received the order for the Passauer Straße project in Berlin from Signa and production was already in full swing. All the material had been specifically designed for this unique building with its unique facade and could not have been used anywhere else," reports Magnus App. Fortunately, a new investor was found who stuck to the original plans. Today, the project is nearing completion.
Optimizing Carbon Footprint
Making construction more sustainable is a topic that deeply concerns the company App, yet as the CEO explains, their influence is limited:
"The manner of construction is dictated by the architect. However, we see it as our duty to advise our clients regarding alternative materials like 100% recycled aluminum or climate-neutral manufactured glass." They are also working on continually improving their own carbon footprint. "We can't afford to change everything at once. Next, we will focus on heating generation in our plant 2, built in 1982 which still uses oil heating, and we will further expand photovoltaic installations," says Magnus App. For him, sustainability goes even further: "It also involves raising awareness among employees, for example, saving travel, establishing the corresponding mindset, and making waste visible.
Attracting and Retaining Employees
"What sets us apart is the trust in our technical competence and our reliability," says Magnus App, who also emphasizes the importance of communication in project business alongside problem-solving skills. "It certainly also speaks for us that we are a family-owned company," he is convinced. By Easter 2027, the company, which is among the top ten German metal construction firms, is already fully booked. Therefore, the issue of skilled workforce recruitment and retention becomes even more important, emphasizes Magnus App. The company provides training in all areas. The largest training area, with up to five apprentices annually, is in metal construction specializing in construction technology. Other apprenticeships include technical system planner, facade construction engineer, and industrial clerks. Furthermore, new skilled workers will be hired. Magnus App explains why this is necessary: "We are confronted with demographic change. Many employees from the boomer years will retire in the foreseeable future. Over the next five to ten years, it will therefore be our task to build up employees who can take over the knowledge." Whether in architecturally demanding buildings or complex specialty solutions - Rupert App GmbH & Co. convinces as an experienced, reliable and quality-conscious partner in construction, seamlessly combining planning competence and craftsmanship excellence.