Author: Kloepfel
With Supplier Summit and Center of Excellence to Sustainable Success Interview with Sascha Kramer, Manager at Kloepfel Consulting Sascha, can you briefly introduce the client? It is an internationally leading manufacturer of household appliances, currently undergoing a major transformation. Within this framework, margins, procurement processes, logistics, and the synergies between departments were to be improved in order to increase overall competitiveness. Why did the client choose to work with Kloepfel? We were selected through a pitch. What was decisive was our negotiation and data expertise, as well as Kloepfel Engineering – our specialists in product cost optimization. The client urgently…
46 Percent Savings in Air Freight A globally operating machinery manufacturer has optimized its freight costs – with remarkable results: air freight costs were reduced by 46 percent without lowering the service level. In this interview, Robert Steinbrück, Senior Logistics Consultant at Kloepfel by EPSA, explains how the project unfolded and what led to its success. 1. Please briefly introduce the company. Our client is a machinery manufacturer headquartered in Germany, with global production, sales, and service locations. 2. Was a potential analysis carried out before the project? If so, how was it conducted? Yes. Before the project started, a…
Manfred Esser, Managing Director of Kloepfel Engineering GmbH, on His Role as a Maker in the Team Manfred Esser, Managing Director of Kloepfel Engineering GmbH, embodies true maker mentality. With technical expertise, a sharp eye for economic efficiency, and a strong sense of pragmatism, he leads his team through the complex challenges of modern engineering. Whether in production optimization, cost analysis, or process development – he combines technical excellence with entrepreneurial thinking. In this interview, he explains why efficiency in engineering is now critical for competitiveness, which megatrends are shaping the industry, and what personally drives him to move forward…
Ports are among the most dangerous workplaces in industry. High accident risks arise during container handling and automated processes – traditional safety measures often reach their limits. The central question: how can safety be increased without compromising efficiency and productivity? Why funding is crucial in port logistics Ports are among the most hazardous industrial environments. Loading and unloading ships, handling containers, and automated transport processes constantly create high-risk situations. In particular, conventional safety measures such as barriers, cameras, or warning signs reach their limits in digitalized facilities. The challenge: how can safety be enhanced without losing efficiency and productivity? The…
Arguments that work. Presentation that convinces. Your personal learning coach: Dr. Stephan Hofstetter Dr. Stephan Hofstetter brings over 25 years of experience in strategy and procurement consulting. After positions at Kearney and as CPO at HUBER+SUHNER, he now supports medium-sized companies as a partner at Kloepfel Consulting on their journey toward future-oriented procurement. His focus is on international project management, strategic procurement development, and practical training formats with clear implementation impact. Why a negotiation presentation? Many strategy discussions start with casual exchanges—and often stay there. Buyers who enter prepared with a clear, structured presentation take control of the conversation smoothly.…
Cash in P&L & Balance Sheet – thanks to Hardness Logic Where is the tied-up cash? Supply chain expert Ingo Glawe explains in an interview how companies can unlock cash from inventories – using hardness logic, which only recognizes confirmed results. Depending on the industry and company, 5 to 20 percent of inventory can typically be reduced, thereby freeing up cash. What is currently the biggest pain point for customers regarding supply chains? The challenge is to maintain responsiveness through intelligent processes rather than high inventory levels. Companies need short lead times to meet demand quickly; at the same time,…
Dear Readers, We live in a time full of risks, but also great opportunities. We draw confidence from technological progress, growing sustainability awareness, and the creative ingenuity of many people. To leverage today’s opportunities for future generations, prosperity, and growth, we need reliable partnerships and committed entrepreneurship. For this reason, the EPSA Group and the Kloepfel Group have joined forces. We share common competencies, specializations, and values, as well as the commitment to measurably increase competitiveness. With the relaunch of our brand – from Kloepfel Group to Kloepfel by EPSA – we are sending a clear signal of this ambition.…
10 to 20 Percent Savings through Volume Bundling In an interview with Kloepfel Magazin, Marc Kloepfel (CEO, Kloepfel Group) and Mario Schmidtgen (Co-Founder & CEO, Synprocure) explain the concept behind the newly established purchasing cooperation Synprocure. Through volume bundling, pre-negotiated price catalogs, and AI, measurable savings of around ten to twenty percent are possible – while ideally complementing Kloepfel’s consulting projects. Marc, Mario – you’ve known each other for quite some time. Marc: Mario was one of the very first employees at Kloepfel Consulting and helped shape our development from the very beginning. Mario: Until two years ago, when I…
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…