Author: Kloepfel
Practical Negotiation Training On February 14, 2025, our office hosted a full-day negotiation training session, providing participants with hands-on insights into the art of negotiation. The workshop was structured into three key areas: Negotiation Strategy How can negotiation outcomes be optimized through an overarching strategy? A special focus was placed on the targeted use of consequences—both incentives and sanctions—to effectively steer negotiations. Negotiation Tactics Every negotiation round requires thorough preparation. In this section, participants learned how strategic planning can influence the dynamics of individual negotiation rounds. Negotiation Techniques This segment focused on the use of questioning techniques, rhetoric, and other…
Marius, Head of AI, 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-oriented solutions—developed by makers for makers. Marius Hoppensack, Head of AI at Kloepfel Consulting, develops practical AI solutions with his team to sustainably strengthen companies. His area of expertise includes AI best practices, AI potential analyses, customized AI software solutions, as well as AI workshops and training. In this interview, he talks about his “I’ll do it” story, the dynamics at Kloepfel, and why now is the right time…
Resilient Supply Chains and AI as Top Priorities for Procurement Leaders A recent international survey conducted by the Kloepfel Group reveals that procurement professionals consider supply chain resilience and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as the top priorities for procurement leaders. The LinkedIn survey, initiated by Marc Kloepfel, CEO of the Kloepfel Group, gathered responses from 143 procurement managers worldwide. Survey Results Participants were asked to identify the primary focus areas for procurement leaders today. The results show a balanced distribution of priorities: • Supply chain resilience: 30% • Artificial intelligence: 26% • Sustainability: 23% • Agile procurement: 21%…
What Companies Can Learn from Cleanfix Swiss cleaning machine manufacturer Cleanfix has established a new assembly plant in India. The company was supported by an expert team of engineers, supply chain specialists, and procurement professionals from Projekt Professionals and Kloepfel Services. Based on this project, the consultants have derived 10 valuable lessons for other medium-sized companies. Why India? Cleanfix, known for its robust and innovative cleaning machines, chose India as a location to tap into the vast market potential of the 1.4-billion-strong country. India stands out as the world’s largest democracy with a young average age, promising demographic trends, and…
Competency Development for Procurement Experts through Tailored Training Our KLOEPFEL Academy offers customized training programs designed to strengthen the competencies of procurement teams. Through interactive modules with high practical relevance, we help companies systematically develop their procurement expertise. Below are some typical client examples: 1. Procurement Team of a Manufacturing Company A four-member procurement team undergoes training via TEAMS in five three-hour modules over three months. 2. Procurement Team of a Luxury Goods Company The core four-person team of a luxury goods company receives a two-hour module each month for two years, covering a broad range of procurement topics.…
Kloepfel Consulting recently hosted the online breakfast event “Executive Morning Hour – Transformation in the Automotive Industry” with Prof. Dr. Markus W. Exler (Partner, nexum AG). In this exclusive circle of top executives—including managing directors, board members, shareholders, and representatives of family businesses—the future of the industry was discussed in depth. A key topic was the role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a driver of transformation. This article summarizes the most important insights, particularly regarding AI applications in the automotive sector. Prof. Dr. Markus Exler provided a clear yet challenging analysis: “The German automotive industry currently faces a margin problem.…
Interview on the One-Stop Service for Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management Why is KLOEPFEL’s One-Stop Service so unique? Patrick Esselborn: Our One-Stop Service supports companies of all industries and sizes—from medium-sized mechanical engineering firms to global pharmaceutical corporations—in tackling the skills shortage in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management. Instead of offering isolated individual services, we combine Executive Search, Interim Management, and Outsourcing. This allows us to provide tailor-made 360° solutions, perfectly aligned with the specific challenges of each company. Whether dealing with sudden large orders, crisis situations, outsourcing procurement processes, setting up new factories, filling permanent positions, or…
Study by Fraunhofer IAO and the Bertelsmann Foundation on Dual Transformation Sustainability remains imperative not only due to the climate crisis, writes the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) in a press release. According to the institute, there is no universal solution for the dual transformation of sustainability and digitalization in companies. However, it is clear that a strong commitment from management and the willingness to involve employees are key success factors for medium-sized enterprises. Factors and Framework Conditions for Dual Transformation in a Corporate Context On this topic, the Fraunhofer IAO conducted a study on behalf of the Bertelsmann…
Sale of Private Label Business in North America The consumer goods and chemicals company Henkel is selling its private label business in North America to a subsidiary of First Quality Enterprises, LLC, based in Great Neck, New York. A corresponding agreement has been signed, Henkel recently announced. According to the company, the sale is part of the strategic portfolio optimization in its Consumer Brands division, which was announced in February 2022. Henkel states that the private label business includes products in the categories of laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and dishwashing detergents. The division generates revenues of €500 million and supplies…
Economic Realities Impact Technology Giant Bosch recently presented its preliminary financial figures for 2024, reporting a challenging business performance. According to the company, revenue in 2024 declined nominally by one percent compared to 2023, reaching €90.5 billion. Operating EBIT dropped to 3.2 percent. In the previous year, Bosch recorded an operating EBIT of €4.8 billion, as stated in its 2023 annual report. For 2024, Bosch reported an operating EBIT margin of 3.5 percent. Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Board of Management at Robert Bosch GmbH, commented: “Despite our greatest efforts, Bosch could not escape economic realities. However, we managed to…
Senior Procurement Consultant (f/m/d) www.kloepfel-karriere.com Procurement Consultant (f/m/d) www.kloepfel-karriere.com Junior Procurement Consultant (f/m/d) www.kloepfel-karriere.com
Economic situation in Germany in January 2025 According to the Federal Statistical Office, the gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 0.1% in the fourth quarter, adjusted for price, seasonal, and calendar effects. The preliminary annual GDP result for 2024 shows a price-adjusted decline of 0.2%. While the manufacturing sector continues to be characterized by declining production, the situation in consumer-related services appears somewhat more favorable. A noticeable economic recovery in Germany is likely to begin only once there is greater clarity regarding economic, financial, and geopolitical conditions. Production stabilized somewhat in November, but orders declined due to volatile large-scale contracts.…
A Look at Visions, Strategies, and Their Impact With the upcoming 2025 federal elections, Germany faces pivotal decisions. Funding programs— the financial backbone of innovation, sustainability, and business development—play a crucial role. But how do political parties plan to shape this instrument in the future? What priorities do they set, and what does this mean for the economy and society? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the political parties’ plans for the future of funding policy. We not only highlight the differences but also examine the potential impact of each strategy on businesses, citizens, and Germany as an economic…
Bitkom Research, on behalf of the digital association Bitkom, conducted a telephone survey of 1,003 companies in Germany with at least 10 employees and an annual revenue of at least 1 million euros. The results show that 8 out of 10 companies have been affected by data theft, espionage, or sabotage. The survey was conducted between calendar weeks 16 and 24 of 2024. Link to the results. One of the main risks is employees unknowingly clicking on a dangerous link. For this reason, Kloepfel Group, specializing in procurement and supply chains, has developed a checklist for buyers and supply chain…
Torsten Althaus on a Temporary Basis – Efficient, Cooperative, and Results-Oriented Why did Siegfried AG choose to collaborate with Kloepfel? The decision to work with Kloepfel was made before my time at Siegfried, prior to my joining the company in February 2022. At that time, there was a discussion about whether to continue the project with Kloepfel. Ultimately, it was my decision to proceed with this collaboration. Kloepfel was able to absorb a high workload during the crucial initial phase of the project—one that we would have struggled to handle internally while managing our daily operations. This phase involved major…
Senior Procurement Consultant (f/m/d) www.kloepfel-karriere.com Procurement Consultant (f/m/d) www.kloepfel-karriere.com Junior Procurement Consultant (f/m/d) www.kloepfel-karriere.com
Sustainability, Synergies, and Challenges: Kloepfel Group and EPSA Grow Together Marc Kloepfel and Duran Sarikaya reflect on a dynamic year in 2024, during which the Kloepfel Group and EPSA Group made significant strides through strong synergies, innovative approaches, and growth. Highlights such as the establishment of EKODEV Germany, international procurement projects, and new business fields like energy consulting and AI-driven optimization marked groundbreaking steps for the future. In this interview, they discuss the growing importance of procurement in a challenging economic environment, the 2025 agenda for CPOs and procurement leaders, and the continued development of joint services and perspectives with…
The Path from Traditional Procurement to a Connected Value Partner Procurement in German SMEs is at a turning point: It must evolve from a purely operational function to a strategic, well-connected value partner. In a world shaped by technological upheavals, geopolitical uncertainties, and rising sustainability demands, it is no longer enough to simply control costs. The modern procurement function acts as a driver of innovation, resilience, and value creation—closely linked with both internal and external stakeholders. But how can this transformation succeed? The following seven priorities define the 2025 agenda and illustrate how procurement organizations can take the step into…