A Firework of Possibilities
Interview with Thomas Schreiber, Managing Director of WECO Pyrotechnische Fabrik GmbH
In a market characterized by constant changes and challenges, WECO Pyrotechnische Fabrik GmbH stands out as the only rocket producer in Europe. With a long tradition and a clear focus on innovation, the company has established itself as the market leader in the fireworks sector.
The last few years have been particularly challenging for the fireworks industry. "We had stable revenues up to the Corona years, which presented us with enormous difficulties," reports Managing Director Thomas Schreiber. The production bans during the pandemic not only endangered the economic stability of the company but also led to a massive reduction in the number of employees. "Before Corona, we once had 500 employees, today there are only 220," he explains.
From Darkness into Light
To cope with the crisis, WECO acted proactively. "We had to take ourselves into the bridging aids to survive," says Thomas Schreiber. Through intensive political lobbying, the company was finally able to receive the necessary support to get through the difficult time. "After the crisis years, we have experienced our best years," he adds – a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the company.
Rising Star
WECO Pyrotechnische Fabrik GmbH was founded by Hermann Weber in Eitorf in September 1948, initially starting with the production of sparklers. 'In 1954, we expanded our product range and specialized in large-scale, small-scale, and stage fireworks,' recalls Thomas Schreiber, the current managing director. Over the decades, WECO has developed into one of the leading fireworks companies in Europe. 'We are proud to be the only rocket producer on the continent with significant in-house manufacturing capabilities,' adds Thomas Schreiber. At the locations in Eitorf and Kiel, about 15% of total sales are achieved through in-house production.
Sparks of Innovation
A key feature of WECO is its constant readiness to innovate. Thomas Schreiber emphasizes: 'Every year, we introduce between 30 and 50 new products to the market.' This innovative strength is crucial for success in the highly competitive market. 'Customers expect new products, and we work closely with our long-term partners in China to develop these,' he explains. The product range includes New Year's Eve rockets, fireworks batteries, and stage fireworks. 'Over 90% of our revenue is generated from the sale of New Year's Eve fireworks,' says Thomas Schreiber. The demand for high-quality and impactful products continues unabated, which is also reflected in the sales figures. 'The industry now generates approximately 200 million EUR,' he adds.
Sustainability in the Spotlight
"We take environmental issues seriously and have done a lot to minimize our impact," explains Thomas Schreiber. To address concerns, WECO commissioned an independent study showing that particulate emissions from fireworks are significantly lower than often assumed. "We produce less than 2,000 tons of particulate matter, which compared to the frequently mentioned 5,000 tons is a significant reduction," he says.
Safety that Doesn't Fizzle Out
The company is also actively fighting against the misuse of fireworks. "We want to clarify that fireworks should not be a tool for illegal activities," emphasizes Thomas Schreiber. The planned awareness campaigns are intended to increase awareness of responsible handling of fireworks.
Quality that Packs a Punch
Quality assurance is another important aspect for WECO. Thomas Schreiber reports on an intensive quality inspection process that takes place both in Germany and in the production facilities in China. "We have three own offices in China with 16 permanent staff for local quality assurance," he explains. Thanks to these strict controls, WECO is able to show a complaint rate of only 500 cases out of over a billion individual items sold. "Most complaints are trivial issues, often caused by improper handling," says Thomas Schreiber.
Future Outlook: A Firework of Possibilities
WECO is optimistic about the future. "The conditions for another good year are in place. We have sold well, and our in-house production is running smoothly," says Thomas Schreiber. Still, there is uncertainty about how the market will react. "We will only know on December 31st how the year really went," he adds.
Cohesion that Sparks
The corporate culture at WECO is characterized by strong cohesion and a familial working environment. "We have a flat hierarchy and like to celebrate together," reports Thomas Schreiber. Employees are treated well, and social benefits have been further expanded after the coronavirus pandemic. "We are an important employer in the region and contribute significantly to the business tax," he says proudly.