‘Both our divisions are impacted by a tense market situation, which is why it was important to respond to precisely these challenges early on and actively implement appropriate countermeasures. The main priority here was to optimise costs and increase our efficiency,’ says CEO Angelique Renkhoff-Mücke. ‘These measures helped us to achieve a really solid result for 2023, especially considering the difficult overall situation,’ says Renkhoff-Mücke with satisfaction, though she adds a note of caution: ‘The year 2024 is not going to be easy and will demand more of us than ever before.’

Investing in the future and sustainability despite the difficult market situation

These cost-saving measures, however, still leave room for planned investments in the future. Important work went ahead on constructing a new material warehouse and goods receiving area at the company headquarters in Marktheidenfeld in order to meet ever-increasing capacity requirements. In addition to being much more spacious, the new building was constructed with important environmental aspects in mind. It is not only designed to meet high energy efficiency standards but also equipped with a vertical photovoltaic system and features a ‘living’ facade. In this way, the company is addressing its own sustainability goals, which it also presented in a voluntary sustainability report in 2023. ‘Social engagement, the values of a family-run company and taking responsibility have been part of WAREMA’s DNA since the day we were founded. Climate change, the scarcity of resources and energy shortages, however, made it clear to us that we too have to do more from an economic and ecological perspective,’ says Renkhoff-Mücke, casting a self-critical eye over her voluntary targets. In response, the company signed up to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and intends to implement numerous measures, including significantly reducing energy consumption without compensation measures – in other words, by making ‘real savings’, as Renkhoff-Mücke stresses.

‘Look ahead and trust in our own strengths’

Another core target focuses on long-term job security and development. ‘Our main focus right now is on retaining jobs so that we can overcome these difficult times with our current team,’ says the CEO, adding: ‘At the same time, it’s important to keep an eye on the future and the period of economic recovery.’ According to Renkhoff-Mücke, skills shortages and a lack of young talent are ‘the biggest long-term challenges’ that companies will have to face. This is why attending job fairs, supporting in-house upskilling and taking on trainees as permanent employees continue to be important measures to prepare for the future.

Renkhoff-Mücke summarises the situation as follows: ‘We know that these are difficult times and that we have to stick together if we want to emerge from this slump in good shape. But we are in a strong position, we are looking to the future together and trusting in our own strengths so that we can be fighting fit again once this crisis is over.’

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