Author: Kloepfel
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underestimate the most today The operation runs, processes are in place, yet every day cash flows out the window due to outdated systems.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…
In just three weeks to a clear roadmap: uncover hidden savings, identify opportunities through AI, and future-proof procurement transformation. Whether it’s procurement costs, supplier risks, AI, or transformation: KLOEPFEL Consulting’s Potential Analysis is the first step toward measurable savings and a future-ready procurement strategy. KLOEPFEL often promises an average savings potential of over 7% – what’s the secret behind this success? The key lies in the combination of experience, data, and methodology. With over 50 analyses per year, KLOEPFEL has robust benchmarks from more than 1,000 projects across various industries. The teams dive deep into categories, scrutinizing not just prices…
Interview with Dr. Marvin Müller Efficient, committed, strategic – this is how Kloepfel negotiates with suppliers. The result of this project: 4.76% savings on a $35.8 million volume, despite a challenging market environment. Marvin, what is your role at Kloepfel – and what defines your negotiation strategy? I lead the Negotiations division at Kloepfel. Our goal is to develop the best possible negotiation strategy for every situation – individually tailored to market conditions, competition, and client objectives. A key difference from traditional procurement negotiations lies in our approach: Instead of relying solely on arguments – such as charts on commodity…
Executive Dinner at MASH Hamburg We cordially invite you to join us for our Executive Dinner on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 6:30 PM, held in the exclusive setting of the Modern American Steak House Hamburg. Theme of the evening: “Family Businesses 4.0 – 50 Theses for the Future Viability of Your Company” Our keynote speaker for the evening is Prof. Dr. Arnold Weissman, a renowned strategist for owner-managed and family-run businesses. As founding partner of the Weissman Group, multi-supervisory board member (e.g., Fressnapf SE), and founder of the F.U.N. family business network, he will share practical insights into how…
Even in 2025, energy remains a major uncertainty – especially for companies without their own energy departments or direct access to the market. Those relying on standard tariffs often pay significantly more than necessary. Yet there are proven alternatives. Michael Ulverich draws on his industrial expertise to develop exactly the kind of solutions where platform capability, control, and supply security are key to economic resilience. Michael Ulverich, former board member at machinery manufacturer König & Bauer, sees energy as a structural challenge with implications far beyond any single industry. His goal: to help SMEs cut electricity costs sustainably through purchasing…
When change is not only structural – but also cultural. Transformation doesn’t begin on paper, but in people’s minds – as clearly demonstrated at a globally leading manufacturer of components. This company, operating independently within an international corporate group, set itself ambitious savings targets at the beginning of 2024. Several million euros were to be achieved through group-wide category management – via negotiations, tenders, relocations, and targeted supplier changes. But despite dedicated efforts, the anticipated breakthrough initially failed to materialize. Between Ambition and Reality: Project Kick-Off The challenge was multifaceted: varying levels of procurement maturity across international sites – from…
Andreas Miltzner, Manager Executive Search, 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-driven solutions – developed by makers, for makers. Andreas Miltzner, Manager Executive Search at Kloepfel Consulting, specializes in targeted placements in one of the most demanding fields: procurement, logistics, and supply chain management. With a clear focus on efficiency and precision, he ensures that companies don’t just receive applications – but personalities who are truly capable of filling complex roles. In this interview, he talks about his…
Strategic Purchasing Instead of Spontaneous Ordering Your Personal Learning Coach: Dr. Stephan Hofstetter Dr. Stephan Hofstetter brings over two decades of experience in procurement and strategic consulting. He spent nearly ten years at A.T. Kearney, most recently as Country Manager Switzerland, and previously served as CPO at HUBER+SUHNER for 7.5 years. Since 2015, he has been a Partner and Managing Director at Kloepfel Consulting, responsible for operations in Switzerland. His focus: future-proofing procurement organizations, developing strategies, and promoting executional strength. He designs practical training programs, coaches procurement leaders one-on-one, and strengthens negotiation skills – always with clear focus, real-world relevance,…
ChatGPT provides answers – but why companies should rely on strategic consulting for the implementation of funding opportunities is explained here. Why smart tools aren’t enough – and why strategic funding advisory becomes a success factor In an increasingly digital world, knowledge is accessible anytime. Tools like ChatGPT deliver instant answers on funding programs, definitions, and regulations. That saves time and creates an initial sense of security. But this impression can be misleading. Because there’s a significant gap between accessing information and successfully unlocking funding. This is precisely where the difference between a pure information provider and a true implementation…
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…