Author: Kloepfel
Shipping Center with Nine Halls The Otto Group has opened a new logistics center in the small Polish town of Iłowa. According to the retail group’s press release, the foundation stone for the facility was laid nearly two and a half years ago. The site is described as one of the most modern and largest logistics hubs in Europe, according to the Otto Group. Regarding the investment amount, the group only hints in its press release at a mid-three-digit million euro sum. Michael Otto, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Otto Group, said during the opening: “The Otto Group…
Around $4 Billion for Ships from China Hapag-Lloyd is purchasing 24 new container ships from China. The Hamburg-based shipping company has signed contracts with two Chinese shipyards for the orders. According to Hapag-Lloyd’s announcement on Wednesday, the new vessels will have a total capacity of 312,000 TEU. Some of the ships will be used to expand capacity in existing services, while others will replace older units in Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet. Dual-Fuel Liquefied Natural Gas Engines All the new ships will feature low-emission high-pressure dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines, according to the logistics group’s press release. Additionally, Hapag-Lloyd states that the…
Integrated Supply Chain Solution for Industry The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has won one of the prestigious Supply Chain Excellence Awards (SCEA). The rail logistics company received the award jointly with Transporeon, a transport management platform, in the category “The Digital Transformation Award.” According to RCG’s press release, the two companies collaborated on a project that created a seamless integration of multimodal transportation into a single platform. This innovation is described by RCG as unparalleled across Europe. The SCEA ceremony took place on October 28, 2024, in London. Representatives from both companies were present to accept the award, according…
The collaboration between TESVOLT AG and EPSA Deutschland GmbH embodies a shared vision: promoting green energy solutions that empower people worldwide to use energy independently and sustainably. As a leading provider of battery storage systems for commercial and industrial applications, TESVOLT prioritizes quality and innovation. With tailored storage solutions, TESVOLT meets diverse needs—ranging from smaller applications to large-scale megawatt projects. Thanks to EPSA’s expertise, innovative projects have been efficiently promoted and implemented, making this partnership a strong example of success. www.epsa-deutschland.de
The Key KPIs Every Buyer Should Track In procurement, it is crucial not only to claim one’s performance but to substantiate it with concrete figures. This is also highlighted by the 2024 Buyer Salary Report based on 1,394 participants. When comprehensive procurement controlling is in place, buyers tend to earn higher salaries on average. A thorough controlling system enhances motivation, professionalism, and the visibility or position of procurement within the company. Key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the company’s overarching goals are essential for performance measurement. Continuous monitoring of these KPIs enables procurement departments to increase efficiency, achieve cost…
A Practical Guide Annual negotiations and price discussions are among the most important appointments on a buyer’s calendar. They provide an opportunity to reflect on the past year and set the course for the future. But how can these conversations be truly successful? Here are our twelve practical tips: Tip 1: Choosing the Right Time Many companies use year-end meetings to review the business year and set new goals for the coming year. However, it can sometimes be more effective to negotiate at the start of the new year, particularly in industries where market conditions change rapidly or for companies…
How the experienced interim manager Torsten Althaus built up a strong global team with the support of the management and optimized processes in order to sustainably increase efficiency and liquidity What was the initial situation? H2Stamping (formerly Härter) is a stamping and plastic composite technology company. The company was acquired in February 2023 by a fund advised by Orlando (private equity). H2Stamping had a bottleneck in purchasing due to staff turnover and brought me on board as interim purchasing manager within a few days and gave me the following priorities: elimination of advance payments to suppliers and optimization of payment…
Video tip on the topic of AI in procurement The most viewed video on the Procurement Channel in September 2024 is called “AI in Procurement: How to Implement 2024’s Top Use Cases”. The 30-minute video offers practical insights into the implementation of current AI use cases in procurement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8di3fvCPiKw
Since 2013, the Kloepfel Group has conducted an annual survey of German specialists and managers in the fields of purchasing and supply chain management. This year, around 1,300 people took part. The report highlights salary differences and their causes, including country- and industry-specific differences. It also examines whether and how the use of AI affects salaries. Average salary by position CPOs (Chief Procurement Officer) generally earn the most with an average of 167,670 euros per year. Purchasing Manager: The heads of a purchasing department earn an average of 115,651 euros per year. Lead Buyer or Commodity Manager: Receive an average…
Responsible Sourcing Report for the Care Chemicals division BASF’s Care Chemicals division has published the second edition of its Responsible Sourcing Report (RSR). According to the chemical company’s press release, the report provides an overview of the progress made in 2023 with regard to sustainability. The company refers to the three pillars of sustainability: economy, environment and society. At the same time, BASF emphasizes that the publication confirms its commitment to sustainability. For example, the company says it is active in promoting sustainable practices. Focus on important raw materials from Care ChemicalsFocus on important raw materials from Care Chemicals According…
Exports Could Decrease by 2 Percent Due to Tariffs The Ifo Institute reports on the assessment by Stormy-Annika Mildner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Germany, regarding the Biden administration’s trade policy in the U.S. This policy has focused on supporting American workers and reindustrialization. The goal is to reduce dependency on global supply chains. This policy could continue under a potential Kamala Harris administration. In contrast, a second Trump administration would pursue an aggressive tariff policy, which could lead to trade conflicts. The nomination of Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate has significantly improved their chances in the…
Statutory SAF blending rate of 2 percent in the EU Lufthansa Cargo will include the increasing costs for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the air cargo surcharge (ASC) from January 1, 2025. From 2025, a statutory SAF blending quota of 2 percent will apply in the EU. Other countries are also planning or have already introduced mandatory SAF quotas. SAF stands for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. This is crucial for more sustainable flying and is driving forward the energy transition in aviation. A high use of SAF requires a rapid increase in supply and availability as well as falling prices. Biogenic…
Competition And Partnership As The Key To Success In this interview, Marius Hoppensack, Manager at Kloepfel Consulting, provides exclusive insights into the goals and processes of supplier days. Read about the importance of supplier days for purchasing, but also for our customers’ production. What are the main objectives of a supplier day? The main purpose is to identify ideal suppliers for predefined product groups in order to reduce costs. Often, a supplier day also has the side effect of uncovering opportunities to develop products in such a way that they can be manufactured more cost-effectively. For example, by using cheaper…
How Procurement Can Achieve Its Annual Goals In 2024 In 2024, procurement faces a range of challenges, particularly in cost reduction, risk management, supply chain management, and digitalization. Issues such as the Supply Chain Act and the shortage of skilled workers are also critical. To address these goals, procurement consulting firm KLOEPFEL CONSULTING offers concrete approaches and measures for companies. 1. The Shortage of Skilled Workers as a Central Challenge In many companies, operational processes occupy procurement teams so heavily that there is little time left for strategic tasks such as digitalization, risk management, or implementing the Supply Chain Act.…
Kloepfel Group Comments On Position Paper By 14 Leading Associations The Kloepfel Group, specializing in supply chains and procurement, welcomes the adoption of the AI regulation by the European Union on May 21, 2024, by all 27 EU member states. Marc Kloepfel, CEO of the Kloepfel Group, stated, “The regulations are important for ensuring the safety and trust in artificial intelligence (AI). However, overly strict regulations should not stifle innovation.” The Kloepfel Group examined the position paper of 14 leading German business associations on the implementation of the AI regulation from the perspective of supply chain management using concrete examples.…
5 Questions With Interim Manager Herbert Biedermann For Procurement And Supply Chain Management In this exclusive interview, Herbert Biedermann, an interim manager with over 40 years of professional experience, discusses the current challenges and opportunities in procurement and supply chain management. With a clear focus on technology, leadership, and strong supplier partnerships, he shares his strategies for success. What current trends do you see in procurement and supply chain management, and how do they affect the industry? Right now, digitalization and sustainability are shaping trends in procurement and supply chain management. Technologies like AI and blockchain are revolutionizing transparency and…
Kloepfel Group Named To Forbes’ List Of “World’s Best Management Consulting Firms” For The Third Consecutive Year The American business magazine Forbes has once again published its list of the “World’s Best Management Consulting Firms” this year. The Kloepfel Group is thrilled to be included in this exclusive group of the world’s top consultants for the third year in a row. A total of 232 consulting firms and networks made it onto the Forbes 2024 list of “World’s Best Management Consulting Firms.” In compiling the list, Forbes collaborated with the statistics portal Statista, conducting national surveys in the United States,…
KLOEPFEL Expert Talk 2024 The role of artificial intelligence (AI) is currently central to Kloepfel. With innovative tools such as ChatGPT, we are seeing impressive advances in productivity. But to use these technologies effectively, it is crucial to understand both their strengths and weaknesses. This will be the topic of our upcoming KLOEPFEL Expert Talk on Thursday, September 19, starting at 5 pm at the Skihalle Neuss. We are delighted to welcome outstanding key speakers to this event. Our esteemed alumni Chi Lee and Montécot Ludovic, who work intensively with AI on a daily basis, will share valuable insights and…