Windows with the Best Reputation

The roots of the company Ungruh date back to 1962. Managing director Phil Ungruh recounts: "My great-grandfather founded the company as a wooden shoe firm. Later, my grandfather joined, but he soon realized that wooden shoes had no future." It was then that the company switched to window construction. Today, with him and his brother, the third generation is in management. The company is deeply rooted in the region, reports Phil Ungruh: "We focus on Ibbenbüren. Our projects are mostly within a maximum radius of 50 kilometers – including in Münster or Osnabrück, but mainly in the region." Everything is manufactured in-house, using high-quality components from renowned partners. "We have our own quality control. That is important to us because we want to know what we are delivering," emphasizes Phil Ungruh. Despite all care, sometimes something may not fit. Then the window experts are immediately on site. "We stand by our products," stresses Phil Ungruh. Several master craftsmen are employed in the business. Phil Ungruh himself is a master glazier and carpenter, his brother is a business economist in the crafts sector.

Consultation with Substance – for End Customers and Professionals

Alongside new constructions, the business with old buildings has grown significantly. "The renovation of existing buildings is becoming increasingly important. We replace many windows in older houses – especially in connection with thermal insulation and funding," reports Phil Ungruh. The consulting approach goes far beyond just choosing the right window. "We talk to customers about funding opportunities, bring in energy consultants, and help with implementation. It’s not just about the product, it’s about the best solution." The client structure is diverse: developers, architects, construction companies, but also many private customers rely on windows from Ungruh. "Often end customers come directly to us. We then go to them, measure and advise on colors, glass, and layout. This individual care is a big part of our work," explains the managing director. Whether B2B or B2C, the company's standards are high: "Our goal is for each customer to get exactly what they envisioned – or even more."

Challenging market situation, but stable prospects

The general market situation in the construction industry remains tense. "Especially the construction of single-family homes has dropped significantly," says Phil Ungruh. Rising construction costs and high land prices directly affect demand. "Many people simply can no longer afford to build a house." At the same time, new opportunities are emerging in the areas of renovation and existing properties. "Renovations of old buildings, energy-efficient window replacements and large projects are running at a stable level; that compensates for a lot," says Phil Ungruh. Despite uncertainties, the company looks to the future with confidence. The order situation is already good. "We notice that things are picking up again," reports the managing director. As for growth, he remains realistic: "The post-Corona period was extreme. At times we were fully booked by the middle of the year. We are not reaching those numbers just now, also because of the high construction costs. But in the long term, we expect healthy growth." With the new generation, fresh ideas are also entering the company. Among other things, a CRM system has been introduced – a change for everyone, but a necessary one, says Phil Ungruh, adding: "We want to stay modern, even though we are deeply rooted in the tradition of craftsmanship." Further projects such as digital measurement, new crane systems, or the expansion of office spaces are in the planning stages or are already being implemented.

Success through quality and word-of-mouth

The company employs around 50 staff, many of them long-term. "We have colleagues who have been with us for over 30 years. That's incredibly valuable," Phil Ungruh believes. He describes the atmosphere in the company as familial: "We are open-minded, even about personal issues. We pay well, offer additional benefits and treat each other respectfully." Nonetheless, the shortage of skilled workers is palpable. Therefore, the company trains its own workforce. "Next year, we're taking on two apprentices, one for the office, one for the crafts. It's important to us that they get to know the business from the ground up," says Phil Ungruh. He attributes the family business's many years of success to several factors: "Our expertise is an important point. Both my father, my grandfather, and I have a master's degree; our employees are extremely qualified. Furthermore, we are very well-known in the region. When people talk about window construction, they often say 'Ungruh'. Recommendations and word-of-mouth play a central role at Ungruh, he makes clear: "We do good work, it gets around and it's our best advertising." The goals for the coming years: stability, further development, and strengthening the regional presence. "We want to expand our catchment area slightly and become more visible in Münster and Osnabrück. However, our core will remain here in the region," says Phil Ungruh. For him, window construction is not just a job, but part of his biography. "I grew up with the company and have seen the dedication it requires, but also the joy it brings. Continuing the family business makes me proud."