Author: Kloepfel
An Interview with Delia Dittrich on Her Charity Workshop in Support of the Cancer Society of North Rhine-Westphalia (Krebsgesellschaft NRW e.V.) Delia Dittrich, an experienced director and presentation coach, combines her professional expertise with personal commitment. In her charity workshop “Presenting with Confidence and Poise,” she helps participants improve their presence in front of an audience. All proceeds from the workshop are donated to the Cancer Society NRW. An interview about the important work of the organization, sources of encouragement in difficult times, and the joy of giving back. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers? My name is…
Insight into the objectives, challenges, and achievements of a comprehensive project to reduce packaging costs Which packaging topics were addressed? The project covered all relevant types of packaging used by a branded food manufacturer. The initial focus was on primary packaging — packaging that comes into direct contact with the product — particularly films and pouches used for items like dried fruit, sugar, or coffee. Some of these packages include zippers or degassing valves, making them resealable or breathable. The analysis also included secondary packaging, mainly shipping cartons for transport and shelf-ready packaging used in retail. These often feature tear-open…
Secure up to 20% grant and 2% interest advantage now Loans of up to €10 million, interest rates 2% below market, up to 100% financing, and repayment grants of up to 20%: With NRW.BANK.Invest Zukunft, your company can now access the funding it needs to drive future investments. Digitize, grow sustainably, drive innovation – and receive real grants from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia? This may sound like a vision of the future, but starting May 19, 2025, it becomes a reality. The new funding program NRW.BANK.Invest Zukunft offers SMEs in NRW the investment boost they’ve been waiting for: reliable…
Train, Reflect, Negotiate Better Your personal learning coach: Dr. Stephan Hofstetter Dr. Stephan Hofstetter brings over 21 years of experience in strategy and procurement consulting – including 9.5 years as Country Manager Switzerland at A.T. Kearney and 7.5 years as CPO at HUBER+SUHNER. Since 2015, he has been a Partner and Managing Director for Switzerland at Kloepfel Consulting. His focus lies in optimizing procurement organizations and developing procurement strategies. He designs and facilitates demanding training programs, coaches procurement leaders, and teaches negotiation skills in a clear, hands-on way with a sharp sensitivity to people and situations. Targeted Negotiation: Develop Strategies…
Frank Wischnewski, Head of Transformation, on his role as a maker within 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. Frank Wischnewski, Head of Transformation at Kloepfel Consulting, is the driving force behind sustainable transformation processes in companies. He develops practical solutions that help organizations optimize their procurement and supply chain functions for efficiency and future readiness. In this interview, he shares his personal “I’ll do it” story and explains what it means to not only advise at Kloepfel…
Inso-Locker Room Talk with VfB Stuttgart We are pleased to invite you to our exclusive Inso-Locker Room Talk on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the prestigious MHP Arena Stuttgart. This special evening will offer rare behind-the-scenes insights into a Bundesliga club, along with engaging discussions featuring professionals from the world of football and insolvency consulting. Our keynote presentation on the topic “Insolvency in Professional Football” will be delivered by Dr. Andreas Kleinschmidt, Partner at White & Case and a renowned insolvency administrator. You can also look forward to a “one-two” conversation with Maurizio Gaudino, former German national…
EPSA Innovation Acquires FI Group’s International Business to Become the Global Leader in Innovation Financing EPSA, a specialist in financial, operational, and environmental performance, is already a key player in innovation financing in France and Europe. With revenues of €82 million in this sector (50% in France, 50% internationally), EPSA Innovation is experiencing rapid organic growth in Spain, Germany, the United States, Brazil, Italy, Belgium, Poland, and Portugal. EPSA has now announced the acquisition of the FI Group, a global specialist and established leader in innovation financing in Spain, Brazil, and Portugal, with a strong presence also in the UK,…
Transformation of a Procurement Department Under High Pressure To stabilize the strategic procurement of an automotive supplier under extreme time and cost pressure and to reposition it for the long term, an experienced interim manager was brought in via Kloepfel Consulting. The task was clear: the existing team needed professional support, guidance, and operational relief. Working alongside an interim head of procurement also appointed by Kloepfel, the manager assumed a key role in the department’s development. Rapid Placement in a Complex Role The interim manager role was designed as a “player-coach” position. This meant not only analyzing and advising but…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made its way into procurement—not as a futuristic concept, but as a practical solution to urgent challenges. Procurement now faces a crucial question: Where does AI deliver the most value? The answer: Where quick wins and measurable impact can be achieved. AI in Procurement: Practical Applications with Real Benefits 1. Cost Structure Analysis: More Transparency, Better Negotiations Procurement decisions rely heavily on cost insights. AI dissects product costs down to the key cost drivers, analyzes raw material pricing, and simulates different cost structures. This enables precise target pricing, benchmark setting, and more effective procurement strategies. 2.…
Three Case Studies With savings of 7.3 million euros and a savings rate of 21.8 percent, KLOEPFEL Consulting demonstrated the enormous potential of Technical Sourcing in 2024. This was achieved while maintaining or even improving quality. The successes span across various industries such as construction supplies, automotive, household appliances, aerospace, and mechanical engineering. Three impressive case studies illustrate the effectiveness of the applied methods: Case Study: Technical Sourcing for a Global Leader in Measurement and Control Technology Initial Situation The company manufactures high-precision measuring instruments for various industrial applications. A key component of these products are recurring mechanically processed parts.…
Those who want to do the climate a favor can even receive a grant for it. Now is the right time to act. Invest, Become More Efficient, Secure Funding Companies investing in energy-efficient technologies, process optimization, or decarbonization face a crucial opportunity. With the Federal Funding for Energy and Resource Efficiency in Industry (EEW), the government supports businesses in becoming more sustainable while receiving substantial grants. The EEW Funding – What’s Behind It? The Federal Funding for Energy and Resource Efficiency in Industry is the central program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), which supports…
Successful negotiations are key to better terms, stable supply chains, and long-term partnerships. But negotiation skills are not a matter of chance – they can be strategically developed! Our hands-on training “Successful Negotiations with Suppliers” teaches you proven strategies and techniques to help you negotiate with confidence. Over the course of two intensive training days, you will learn how to define your negotiation goals, identify negotiation styles, and apply the best tactics for your counterpart. Take this opportunity to strengthen your negotiation power, connect with other professionals, and gain immediately applicable methods. Date: May 6–7, 2025, 9:00 AM – 5:00…
EPSA Germany has been awarded the kununu Top Company seal for 2025. Find out what makes the company stand out as an employer and why it is among the best in Germany. EPSA Germany has been awarded the kununu Top Company Seal for 2025. This award is based on honest reviews from employees and represents a work environment characterized by trust, appreciation, and development. As a result, EPSA is one of the highest-rated employers in Germany. The kununu Seal is one of the most meaningful employer awards in the German-speaking world. It is awarded solely based on the reviews of…
Where engineering meets procurement, unexpected savings emerge In times of global crises, unstable supply chains, and rising production costs, technical sourcing is becoming a strategic lever for companies. Especially in industrial sectors—ranging from mechanical engineering and automotive suppliers to aerospace—procurement departments are under pressure. They must reduce costs while simultaneously ensuring quality and supply security. The unique Technical Sourcing approach by KLOEPFEL Consulting offers tangible solutions with measurable savings and a win-win strategy for all stakeholders. KLOEPFEL Consulting has systematically developed this concept and refers to it as the “Success Triangle”: Price improvements in strategic procurement Cost engineering for analyzing…
AI as an Opportunity for SMEs Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the economy and offers significant opportunities, especially for German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, highlighted three crucial insights in his recent analyses that will shape the future. These insights pertain to investments in AI, decreasing costs for its use, and the exponential development of intelligence itself. In this article, you will learn more about these trends and their significance for the economy, particularly for medium-sized businesses. 1. More Money = Smarter AI According to Altman, the performance of AI is largely dependent on…
Karsten Pawlofsky, Manager at Kloepfel Consulting, on his role as a true maker within the team At the Kloepfel Group, we are the place for makers. THE MAKER’S PLACE stands for pragmatic procurement consulting and results-oriented solutions – developed by makers, for makers. Karsten Pawlofsky, Procurement Manager and Seminar Leader at Kloepfel Consulting, is responsible for Kloepfel-Training. Together with his team, he organizes customized training sessions that help companies optimize their procurement strategies and support the targeted development of their employees. His focus lies in hands-on negotiation training, on-the-job coaching, and potential analyses. In this interview, he shares his “I’ll…
How to start the transformation A conversation with Frank Wischnewski, Head of Transformation at Kloepfel Group, about obstacles, opportunities, and tips for taking the first steps. Frank, why is it high time to transform procurement? Frank Wischnewski: The past few years have clearly shown how vulnerable global supply chains can be. At the same time, demands for efficiency, resilience, and sustainability are increasing. Companies that still view procurement only as an operational function are missing out on huge potential. Many procurement departments work with outdated processes, which costs time, money, and energy. Now is exactly the right time to position…
Executive Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf We are pleased to invite you to our Executive Dinner on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the exclusive River Salon at the Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf. The evening will focus on the topic: “Family Business 4.0 – 50 Theses for Securing the Future of Your Company.” Our guest speaker, Prof. Dr. Arnold Weissman, a leading strategist for owner-managed and family-run businesses, will share his invaluable insights and experience. As founding partner of the Weissman Group, member of multiple advisory boards (including Fressnapf SE), and founder of the F.U.N. family business network,…