Author: Kloepfel

Nik Gugger on political responsibility, cultural misunderstandings – and how he became a key figure in the agreement Niklaus-Samuel “Nik” Gugger is a Swiss National Councilor and social entrepreneur with Indian roots. In this interview, he discusses his role as the “unofficial ambassador of Switzerland” in the free trade agreement with India, cultural pitfalls in international negotiations, and an AI-based tool that prepares European decision-makers for Indian business culture. 1. Mr. Gugger, you are a politician, entrepreneur, author – and until recently also a restaurateur. What drives you? I draw my energy from an inner conviction: that humans are more…

Discover which investments – from machinery and digitalization to decarbonization – currently receive the highest subsidies and how your company can make the most of these opportunities. Investing with a Tailwind Many investments in Germany are specifically subsidized. Companies that take advantage of these opportunities secure not only financial grants but also strategic benefits. In this article, we present the 5 most important subsidized investments for companies, from modern production to digitalization and sustainable projects. Knowing these funding areas allows companies to make more targeted investment decisions and maximize grant funding. Funding Focus 1: Machinery and Equipment for Modern Production…

Success Study of a Household Goods Manufacturer Company Profile Established household goods manufacturer 2,500 employees Annual revenue of approx. €450 million Result: Through a targeted transformation in procurement, the client was able to develop purchasing from a pure cost factor into a strategic value generator: €10 million savings, ≥ 3% cumulative EBIT leverage, < 9 months break-even. The starting point for the transformation roadmap was a four-week maturity analysis of the six pillars of strategic procurement. Strategy Findings No documented procurement strategy, category or supplier strategies Focus on short-term price optimization instead of value creation Global sourcing processes are non-transparent…

Digitalization is radically transforming procurement. In many companies, manual processes still hinder efficiency. But automation opens enormous potential – faster workflows, leaner inventory, and more resilient supply chains. We spoke with Tobias Schreiner, Partner Manager of Slimstock Germany, about how companies can make the leap into the future. 1. How does Slimstock turn purchasers into “superstars”? Our goal is to support purchasing teams so they can focus on what really matters: strategic decisions and the targeted management of inventory, service levels, and supplier collaboration. With our solution Slim4, we automate many daily routine tasks while providing maximum transparency across the…

Your Personal Learning Coach: Dr. Stephan Hofstetter Dr. Stephan Hofstetter has over 25 years of experience in strategy and procurement consulting. His career includes 9.5 years at Kearney, most recently as Country Manager Switzerland, and 7.5 years as Chief Procurement Officer at HUBER+SUHNER. Since 2015, he has been a Partner in the DACH region and Managing Director Switzerland at Kloepfel Consulting. His focus: future-proofing procurement organizations, strengthening implementation competence, and successfully leading international projects to optimize procurement costs. Structured Tenders – The Underestimated Lever Many medium-sized companies still procure larger needs without systematic tenders – often due to time pressure…

Robert Steinbrück, Senior Logistics Consultant,on his role as a maker in the team At Kloepfel Group, we are the place for makers. THE MAKER’S PLACE stands for pragmatic procurement consulting and results-driven solutions, developed by makers for makers. Robert Steinbrück, Senior Logistics Consultant at Kloepfel Consulting, is an expert in international freight projects and leads his team in optimizing global transport costs. His focus: tailored freight analyses, smart tenders, and measurable savings – without compromising on quality or stability. In this interview, he shares his “I-do-it” story, current challenges in the logistics market, and why companies should rely on strong…

Your personal learning coach: Dr. Stephan Hofstetter Stephan Hofstetter has over 20 years of experience in strategy and procurement consulting. His career path includes 9.5 years at Kearney – most recently as Country Manager Switzerland – and 7.5 years as Chief Procurement Officer at HUBER+SUHNER. Since 2015, he has been Partner and Managing Director at Kloepfel Consulting Switzerland. His focus: positioning procurement organizations for the future, evolving strategies, and strengthening operational implementation capabilities. With a clear perspective, deep practical experience, and a fine sense for people and dynamics, he develops hands-on training formats and supports procurement leaders on their path…

Why the “Growth Booster” is also an Innovation Booster   Getting more out of innovation: leveraging the research allowance & 2025 tax reform in your company With the “Growth Booster” adopted in summer 2025, the German government has not only initiated a tax reform, but also sent a strong economic policy signal. At its core are tax incentives for investment, digital infrastructure, and the long-term viability of businesses. A key focus is the significantly expanded tax incentive for research and development (R&D) via the Forschungszulage – a central instrument to strengthen innovation in Germany. Companies investing in new technologies, processes, services,…

Sandra Blanco, Consultant in Potential Analysis, on her Role as a Maker in the Team At the Kloepfel Group, we are the place for makers. THE MAKER’S PLACE stands for pragmatic procurement consulting and results-driven solutions – developed by makers, for makers. Sandra Blanco, Consultant at Kloepfel Consulting, combines strategic thinking with a sharp eye for efficiency in one of the most complex disciplines: procurement. With a clear focus on process optimization, she identifies concrete leverage points that create real value—analytically, precisely, and always with a results-oriented mindset. In this interview, she talks about the challenges of modern procurement and…

10 Levers for up to 20 Percent Savings – from Print to Agencies to Media Tender print requirements regularly – leverage savings of up to 15 percent  After the turbulence of recent years, the paper market has stabilized, making it easier to retender print jobs and allowing printing companies to submit reliable quotes. Significant savings—typically 5 to 15 percent, and occasionally more—are possible, especially for complex products with high production depth (e.g., large catalogs with index tab die-cutting, special bindings, or film lamination). Knowledge of the market and technical expertise help find the right printer with the right machinery and…

From Maturity Analysis to a Transformation Roadmap In a time when margins are shrinking and supply chains are becoming more complex, a professional maturity analysis in procurement can work wonders. Frank Wischnewski, Head of Transformation at Kloepfel Consulting, explains in an interview how such an analysis can reveal untapped procurement potential within just four weeks. It also provides a clear roadmap for transforming procurement from a reactive order processor into a strategic value driver. The result: 7.5 to 18 percent more EBIT – often faster than you might expect. What exactly does Kloepfel mean by a maturity analysis – and…

Recommendations for Affected Companies Starting August 1, 2025, extensive tariffs on goods from the European Union could take effect in the United States. While the final list is still under negotiation, the measure is expected to cover nearly all product categories- fundamentally changing the framework for transatlantic trade. Kloepfel Consulting, a specialist in procurement and supply chains, highlights the risks for global trade and provides recommendations for German companies. “For domestic companies with customers or subsidiaries in the U.S., it’s not just competitiveness that’s at stake. Equally critical: the entire procurement, supply, and logistics planning process is coming under pressure,”…

Dr. Marvin Müller, Head of Negotiations, on his role as a maker in the team At the Kloepfel Group, we are the place for doers. THE MAKER’S PLACE stands for pragmatic procurement consulting and results-oriented solutions, developed by doers for doers. Dr. Marvin Müller, Head of Negotiations at Kloepfel Consulting, optimizes purchasing conditions with his team through tailored negotiation strategies, targeted preparation and execution of negotiations, and the identification of effective levers to boost results. His department also offers customized training programs for buyers, enabling them to take their negotiation skills to the next level. In this interview, he talks…

Frank Wischnewski, Head of Transformation at the KLOEPFEL Group, shares insights into a successful transformation project focusing on digitalization, process optimization, and strategy development. About the Company The client is a beverage manufacturer operating in both branded and private-label segments, with a procurement volume of approximately €120 to €140 million. Raw materials and packaging are partly sourced from sensitive, temperature-controlled supply chains. What were the main reasons for deciding to transform procurement, and what goals were set? The goal was to develop a modern procurement function that not only reduces costs but also actively contributes to value creation.…

Free Pre-Check for Your Investment List. Still wasting energy or already investing? Why modern meat processing companies make the difference today When energy becomes a cost driver What meat processors underestimate the most today The operation runs, processes are in place, yet every day cash flows out the window due to outdated systems. In many businesses, it’s not raw materials or wages that offer the greatest long-term savings potential, but energy: cooling, heating, water, electricity. Those who don’t focus on efficiency pay twice—once on the bill, and once in competitiveness. Modernizing today isn’t just about legal requirements or climate targets.…

Why anger, frustration, or nervousness often jeopardize results – and how professionals keep a cool head An interview with Dr. Marvin Müller, Head of Negotiations at Kloepfel Consulting. Emotions at the Negotiation Table How do you handle strong emotions like anger, frustration, or nervousness in yourself or your counterpart? Are there techniques to defuse tension? Emotions are a key factor in negotiations. To avoid nervousness, frustration, or anger, thorough preparation and defining clear limits are essential. Emotional reactions such as anger or defiance often lead to irrational decisions that harm both sides. To ease tensions, I recommend consciously taking a…

Practical Training: Cost Drivers and Market Prices Your Personal Learning Coach: Dr. Stephan Hofstetter Dr. Stephan Hofstetter has more than 20 years of experience in procurement and strategic consulting. His career includes 9.5 years at A.T. Kearney, most recently as Country Manager Switzerland, and 7.5 years as Chief Procurement Officer at HUBER+SUHNER. Since 2015, he has been Partner and Managing Director at Kloepfel Consulting, responsible for the Swiss market. His focus lies on future-proofing procurement organizations, developing strategies, and strengthening operational execution capabilities. He designs hands-on training sessions, individually coaches procurement executives, and sharpens negotiation skills – with a clear…

Kloepfel Group named “Best Management Consultants” for the tenth consecutive year Since 2014, the award “Best Management Consultants” by brand eins and Statista has highlighted the growing importance of specialized consulting firms for the economy. Consulting firms with a strong focus and outstanding expertise for specific needs are increasingly considered by clients during selection and are gaining greater recognition. This is reflected in the Kloepfel Group being named “Best Management Consultants 2025” – for the tenth year in a row. The company’s achievements in the category “Procurement / Supply Chain Management” were particularly recognized. Marc Kloepfel, CEO of the Kloepfel…