Wachenfeld’s spectrum is broadranging. Just over a third of its work is in the construction of building facing with air space. Exclusive projects, such as villas or other high-class real estate, make up the same share of the business. About one fifth of the company’s work is in overhanging staircase systems.
“The staircase systems are our own product,” Managing Director Michael Wachenfeld highlights. “We hold a European patent on the systems, which were developed by my father.” Wachenfeld also gets about 5% of its business from trade and another 5% in the restoration of solid constructions with masonry. Wachenfeld has an export rate of 30 to 40%, and the vast majority of that comes from overhanging staircases.
Globalization has helped Wachenfeld evolve, especially since the early 1990s. “We were able to source materials in China and India instead of just from Europe,” says Walter Wachenfeld, who heads the company with his son. “We were able to move our projects overseas, as well, though our focus is still on the EU.”
A few references for staircases include the jeweler Cartier in London, the Construction Bank of China in Beijing and the Gorbunov Palace of Culture in Moscow. Wachenfeld has completed facades in England, Ireland and southern France, among other locations. “Our staircases tend to be for wealthy private individuals, while our facades are for commercial clients, such as banks and hotels,” Walter Wachenfeld says.
Wachenfeld has its head office in Volksmarsen-Külte, where a team of 40 employees maintains operations. There is also a business for tombstones in the neighbourhood, and Wachenfeld Naturstein – Fassadenbau is the subsidiary in Berlin. In addition, there is a purchasing office in China, Handelsges. Chinastones. The headquarters generates just under five million EUR in turnover, and the other three locations earn almost an additional three million EUR.
Wachenfeld’s success lies in several different factors. “Our range is very broad,” the younger managing director points out. “It has always been important to us to have several pillars to build upon.” The company also has its own show rooms where customers can see the products. In addition, Wachenfeld has a high equity ratio, which is becoming increasingly important today.
Wachenfeld has growth in its future. “We want to invest in our production areas,” Michael Wachenfeld begins the list. “The exclusive projects division in particular is set for expansion.” The company would like to increase its already high precision in the field of staircases and interiors for villas and other top-notch property. International business is also due to increase.
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