Author: Kloepfel
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…
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…