Solvent-based paints, high-solid and hydro paints, UV paints – Lankwitzer Lackfabrik stands out with a comprehensive product portfolio that is based on seven solid pillars: paints for wheels, the automotive industry, railway vehicles, the cosmetics industry, tubes, agriculture, construction and earthmoving equipment, and industrial purposes in general.
These different types of coating for different surfaces such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium and plastic are the result of a business philosophy driven by intense research and development.
“We are widely recognized for our high-tech products developed according to individual requirements,” explains Managing Director Vivian Rokeach. “We have earned an excellent reputation for innovative high-performance products for agricultural and construction equipment, automotive parts and accessories, transportation vehicles, and numerous other products. It is thanks to our intense research and development department and our skilled employees that we are in the position to launch a wide variety of coatings tailored to the demanding requirements of many industrial applications.”
Today, Lankwitzer Lackfabrik has 320 employees and generates annual revenues of 55 million EUR – a figure that is set to increase in the future. The company’s roots date back to 1952 when Norbert and Mina Rokeach founded the company in Berlin-Linckwitz.
In 1974, Dr. Leo Rokeach followed in his father’s footsteps. Under his management the company saw substantial growth – at home and abroad. In 1978, Lankwitzer Lackfabrik first started exporting to the Soviet Union. From that moment on, the company has put a strong focus on foreign markets.
In the 1990s, Lankwitzer Lackfabrik concentrated on Eastern Europe mainly and started establishing sales networks in Poland, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Later, the company seized business opportunities in Asia, opening a sales office in China in 2002 and a production site in Beijing in 2010.
One year later, a production site in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was established. The ongoing growth spurt was underpinned by the acquisition of Osterwieck Lacke GmbH in 1992 and Schiemann-Industrielacke GmbH in 2000.
“A constant organic growth and targeted acquisitions enabled us to constantly broaden our product and customer range,” stresses Ms. Rokeach. “Against this backdrop, we cannot stress enough the importance of the Schiemann acquisition. It definitely strengthened our competence in the area of UV technologies and opened up important new business opportunities.”
UV paints are crucial elements of the product range as they offer numerous advantages such as excellent mechanical qualities and corrosion protection. The paints are free of solvents, which makes them an environmentally friendly solution.
Wheel paints come as another important product group. They generally consist of three different layers: priming powders, basecoats and transparent coatings. The paints are facing challenging demands here as rims are exposed to the harshest conditions. They are defined by aesthetic properties, corrosion hardness, oil resistance and cleaning resistance. They protect surfaces from dirt and simply improve the look and life of wheels.
Gobal players such as Daimler-Chrysler, Audi, VW, Opel, Fiat, Renault, BBS, Bosch, Ronal, Uniwheel and Deutsche Bahn rely on paints manufactured and developed by Lankwitzer Lackfabrik. The company is a first tier supplier of the automotive industry and sells directly to OEMs in Germany and abroad.
Exports account for 70% of sales. Eastern Europe, Asia and the United States are core markets. Further internationalization has top priority for Lankwitzer Lackfabrik. “We rely on a broad customer range and aim to sell more to existing customers,” says Managing Director Dr. Leo Rokeach. “At the moment, we are facing increasing market demand. Against this backdrop, highly qualified employees who are capable of pushing forward new developments are essential. Fortunately, due to excellent employees, innovative products and services, the company’s future looks bright, and only a serious euro crisis could have a negative impact on our export-driven business.”