Stationery in Transition – Diversity as Strength
Interview with Felix Bredenkamp, Managing Director and Kai Wysocki, Sales Team Leader of Stanger Produktions- und Vertriebs GmbH
Whether it's stationery, adhesives, or marking sprays – Stanger Produktions- und Vertriebs GmbH from Espelkamp has been a versatile provider in the market for decades. Today, the company is part of the French Technima Group and is in an exciting phase of transition. We talk to CEO Felix Bredenkamp and Sales Director Kai Wysocki about defining developments, integration into the group, digital advances, cultural change, and ambitious growth goals.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Bredenkamp, Mr. Wysocki, Stanger has a long history. What development steps have been particularly formative?
Felix Bredenkamp: In 2005, a fire destroyed the factory, necessitating the construction of a new building at the current location. In 2021, in the midst of the Corona crisis, it was sold to the Technima Group. Despite the transition, we benefit from their experience and structures today and are strategically more clearly and strongly positioned.
Kai Wysocki: Even though I have only been involved since 2024, I clearly feel this change. For me, it was appealing to help shape a company in transformation.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does the structure look like today?
Felix Bredenkamp: Stanger is part of the 'Hobby and Paint' division of the Technima Group along with three other companies in France and Italy. Production is exclusively in Espelkamp. We are working on consolidating the division more closely and leveraging synergies; at the same time, the location remains central for us – also because of personal exchange.
Kai Wysocki: For sales, this integration is also important to specifically open up markets like France and to grow in the long term.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Wysocki, since when have you been part of the company and what changes have you initiated yourself?
Felix Bredenkamp: His entry came at the right time. We were in the midst of organizational and cultural restructuring, and his experience brought fresh impulses.
Kai Wysocki: Since March 2024, I have been with Stanger; previously, I worked in the construction industry. Together with the team, I have restructured sales: clear separation of sales and order processing, expansion of the field service – such as with a contact person for France – and the introduction of a key account manager for retail.
Wirtschaftsforum: Which products define the portfolio today?
Felix Bredenkamp: We cover four areas: stationery, adhesives, aerosols, and art supplies. We are particularly strong in adhesives and marking sprays, which play a key role in the group. A unique feature is our presence in all four categories: a strength that also brings complexity due to the broad product range.
Kai Wysocki: This breadth opens up many target groups but also requires serving numerous channels simultaneously.
Wirtschaftsforum: What specific target groups do you address with this?
Felix Bredenkamp: Our products are present in many channels – from grocery retailers with Edeka or Rewe to technical wholesalers and electronic markets. Particularly exciting are our solutions for the home office area, such as the air duster set. In general, we welcome every customer, regardless of the industry.
Kai Wysocki: The breadth of our target groups is also an advantage for sales, as it allows us to react flexibly to market requirements.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you classify the topic of digitalization?
Felix Bredenkamp: Digitalization is a phased process for us. We have caught up with tools like Microsoft Teams, digital approvals, and centralized systems. Now it's about consolidating the base before we tackle topics like AI.
Kai Wysocki: This also includes reducing the printer landscape, central systems, and more home office. This lays the foundation for modern collaboration.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is the corporate culture at Stanger?
Felix Bredenkamp: In the past, all decisions were made by the owner, today we promote initiative, new ideas, and open exchange. The cultural change is a long-term process, yet team spirit and accountability have already noticeably strengthened.
Kai Wysocki: I experienced this openness right away – it motivates me to get involved and drive new initiatives forward.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your goals for the coming years - and what personally drives you?
Felix Bredenkamp: We aim to increase our turnover from 14 to 20 million EUR in five years – with a strong team, clear strategy, and impulses from the division. Training young talents for new ideas and digital competency is important. I am motivated by working with joy, mastering challenges together and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable – and successful at the same time.
Kai Wysocki: For me, it's the opportunity to strategically develop sales and to be part of this ambitious goal. I am particularly motivated by advancing the team and seeing how we grow step by step.