Challenges and opportunities

Mr Kraibühler, you have been Blickle's Chief Sales Officer (CSO) since the beginning of 2024. What exactly are your responsibilities?

Manuel Kraibühler: As CSO, I am responsible for all of Blickle's global sales activities. This includes managing a team of around 300 sales employees in both Rosenfeld and our 20 foreign subsidiaries on five continents. My main task is to develop and implement the global sales strategy and the associated marketing measures together with the management. We set sales and marketing targets, identify new market opportunities and coordinate global activities to generate further growth.

Currently, there are a number of global challenges in a constantly changing economic environment. How is Blickle affected by this?

Manuel Kraibühler: It is true that we also face uncertainties such as trade conflicts and political tensions that could impact our business. To remain independent of these, we rely on our flexibility and adaptability. Three strategic approaches are particularly important to us: geographic and product diversification, and investment in technology and innovation. Through geographic diversification, we spread our presence across many markets to minimise the risk associated with dependence on one market or region. We achieve this by entering new markets such as Japan and Colombia. In addition, we have a very broad product portfolio that is used in a wide range of industries, from intralogistics and conveyor technology to mechanical engineering. This diversification at product level makes us less susceptible to fluctuations in individual industries. At the same time, we continue to invest heavily in technology and innovation, particularly in digitalisation and automation in the production environment and in sales processes.

Blickle is already established as a world market leader. Where do you still see further potential for growth and innovation in the coming years?

Manuel Kraibühler: It is true that we already have a leading position in the world market, but that doesn't mean we're resting on our laurels. On the contrary, we see it as motivation to prove ourselves to our customers every day. In fact, I see enormous opportunities in the years to come. Our biggest challenge and opportunity at the same time is to make the transition from a European to a global company. I see growth potential in North America and Asia in particular, in addition to the expansion of the European markets. These markets are crucial to our future expansion and we plan to significantly expand our presence in these regions with products ‘Made in Germany’. Another central aspect of our future direction is the advance of digitalisation. The use of artificial intelligence plays an important role here. However, this has no influence on the personal contact with our customers, which continues to be a priority for us as a family-run company. Through our worldwide sales network, we offer our customers a point of contact wherever they are, providing expert support in selecting the right wheel or the right castor.

Thank you for the interview, Mr Kraibühler, and good luck in your role as CSO!