"We have a comprehensive solution!"

Jan Kaulfuhs-Berger: Achim Dries, let's start right at the beginning: Where does Vahle currently stand – and what transformation is the company undergoing?

Achim Dries: From a purely business development perspective, we are currently in a very good position. This year, we were once again able to generate significant revenue growth compared to the previous year with new products and system solutions. At the same time, we are once again undergoing a transformation with the investments we are making at our Kamen site. We have further developed our market organization and built up significantly more know-how. I believe Vahle is perceived differently in the market today compared to five or ten years ago.

Let's talk about the markets, which are currently anything but easy. How does it look for Vahle?

We are practically growing in all markets: in the USA, Brazil and South America, Europe, India and Southeast Asia, but also in the Middle East. However, there is one exception.

China?

Exactly. There, we are stagnating at a high level. Last year, significant overcapacities were built up in China. However, this does not mean that we have a fundamental problem there. China remains a very important market for us. It's just much more challenging at the moment.

That almost sounds as if the geopolitical upheavals are affecting Vahle less than other companies.

To some extent, that's actually the case. Of course, we also gave it a lot of thought, for example, when the USA increased its tariffs. I still remember the hectic phone calls with the president of our American company well. Goods worth several million were lying in the ports, and initially it wasn't clear at all: How will they be cleared through customs and who will pay for it?