Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022 had direct repercussions for various sectors – including automotive and sun shading – that are relevant to both company divisions. These sectors have been affected – sometimes significantly – by the war, the associated disruption to logistics and supply chains, and not least by the huge rise in energy and material costs. “We have grown strongly in recent years and have certainly also benefitted from the effects of the pandemic, particularly in the sun shading sector”, explains Angelique Renkhoff-Mücke, CEO of WAREMA Renkhoff SE. “Our task now is to identify and perform the right measures for this phase of uncertainty. This includes key investments that will help us to maintain our power in the future.” In the Plastics & Engineering division, for example, the company has invested in expanding clean room spaces and in numerous automation solutions. The further development of the Wertheim-Bettingen and Marktheidenfeld locations has been intensified for the sun shading side of the company, including the expansion of production facilities. Securing the energy supply was also extremely important. “As a manufacturing company, we need a constant supply of energy. We have therefore also developed gas supply alternatives that can be implemented at short notice to ensure continuous production”, explains Renkhoff-Mücke. The concept has proved successful: “The great dedication of our colleagues and our forward planning have played a major role in the fact that, despite these difficult circumstances and the resulting cost burden, 2022 has been another successful year”, she says.

Difficult to predict construction sector development in 2023
2023 also got off to an uncertain start with unforeseen developments. “At the moment, we expect to see a consolidation of the sun shading market with weaker demand than in previous years”, says Angelique Renkhoff-Mücke, cautious in her outlook. “We are watching the market situation very closely and have already identified areas of potential that we will be targeting.” Topics such as energy renovation will be key focal points. Digitalisation will continue in many areas of Warema and its links with specialised retailers will be strengthened. This will be aided by the opening of the new “Sun Academy” training and experience centre, which will offer state-of-the-art training and digital learning content for specialised partners.

In addition to these targeted, long-term investments, Angelique Renkhoff-Mücke also points out that the current circumstances make cautious, far-sighted action extremely important: “Right now, it is even more essential that we respond flexibly to developments and become even more efficient to maintain our success. But even in times like these, our broad, solid foundation with various focal points and the experiences we have gained from previous challenges give us the stability we need to set ourselves up for the future.”

Sustainability: a key factor for the future
Increasing individual sustainability will be a core topic in the coming years, and the topic has become an integral part of the company’s principles. For example, Warema has set itself ambitious goals to significantly reduce its own emissions by 2030. It is taking part in the Science-Based Targets Initiative to establish the structure required to achieve these goals. Setting up its own sustainability management and defining specific areas of activity will help with this. Furthermore, it aims to maximise ergonomics and sustainability in current building projects such as the new fabric warehouse and receiving area at its headquarters in Marktheidenfeld.

The company’s own sustainability report provides an insight into measures that have been planned and already implemented. Angelique Renkhoff-Mücke explains: “From 2025, companies will be required to publish sustainability reports. We want to get started now by showing the path we want to take. We have set ourselves significant targets and there’s certainly room for improvement in many areas, but we are taking these steps with great deliberation and know that the topic of sustainability cannot be ignored. We are taking responsibility right now and will continue to do so in future.”

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