In an era of business takeovers and acquisitions, a company that is run by the fourth generation of the same family is a rarity. At KARL BUBENHOFER AG in Gossau in Switzerland, Stephanie Bubenhofer (development), Christoph Bubenhofer (production and finance) and Andreas Bubenhofer (sales and marketing) are simultaneously taking on responsibility for the operational management of the company.
From January 2017, KARL BUBENHOFER AG will be managed jointly by the siblings Andreas, Christoph and Stephanie Bubenhofer. The members of the youngest generation of the Bubenhofer family believe that their main task is to continue developing the core competencies of KARL BUBENHOFER AG in the fields of construction paints, plaster, facade insulation, industrial paints and powder coatings.
"Our family firm can look back over a successful 100-year history which forms the basis for our corporate image, our business activities and the values and standards that have developed from them. Both now and in future, this will enable us to provide our customers with coating solutions based on our experience and expertise which will withstand future challenges. Our key strategy for success is to continue exploiting the synergies between innovative products, traditional high quality standards and comprehensive service packages," explains Stephanie Bubenhofer.
She studied interdisciplinary sciences (with a major in chemistry and physics) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) and completed a doctorate in chemical engineering on the subject of nanotechnology. At KARL BUBENHOFER AG she will be responsible for the development of new products and technologies.
Christoph Bubenhofer will head the production team. He believes that the main difficulty which the company faces is maintaining its competitiveness. "Switzerland as a business location undoubtedly presents us with a challenge when compared with other countries in Europe. This makes us all the more proud to be one of the few remaining coating manufacturers that produces its own products in Switzerland.
As the fourth generation of the family takes over the operational management of the company, we have made a clear commitment to Switzerland as a production location. Our high standards of quality, adherence to deadlines and closeness to our customers will remain strong arguments in favour of our products in future," explains Christoph Bubenhofer. He studied mechanical engineering at the ETHZ and worked for several years for an international company.
Andreas Bubenhofer, who has a degree in electrical engineering also from the ETHZ, is taking on the role of head of sales and marketing. He will focus on expanding into new markets and market segments. "Our goal is consistent, healthy growth across all our markets. Our strengths have always been our excellent customer relationships and innovative solutions. We will make use of these skills in future to overcome the challenges presented by a changing economic environment and stagnating markets and this will enable us to remain competitive."
The fourth generation of the Bubenhofer family that is now at the helm of KARL BUBENHOFER AG has not only extensive knowledge and experience to offer, but also clear business objectives. Former managing director Erich Bubenhofer, who will continue to act as chairman of the supervisory board, is very pleased about this. "In contrast to other companies, KARL BUBENHOFER AG has never had a succession problem. With Andreas, Christoph and Stephanie managing our family business, I know that it is in safe hands. After almost 110 years, the KABE ship remains on a safe and clearly defined course that will lead it towards a successful future," he says.
For further information: www.kabe-farben.ch
KARL BUBENHOFER AG company in MyIpcm Directory of industrial coatings and surface treatments technologies suppliers: KARL BUBENHOFER AG