160 years of WILKA – Interview with Robert Schlieper
First of all, congratulations on your company anniversary! How does it feel to look back on such a long and successful company history?
Robert Schlieper: Thank you very much for your congratulations. Even though I have only been able to contribute a small part to the company's 160-year history so far, I am proud to be responsible for such a traditional family business in the sixth generation. It is the hard work of several generations, our employees and managers that makes WILKA what it is: a company that places the highest value on quality and reliability and achieves the best results through long-standing partnerships on an equal footing.
The company has certainly undergone many changes since its foundation. In your opinion, what were the most important milestones and developments in this long history?
Robert Schlieper: In such a long company history, there are of course numerous milestones that have shaped the company along the way.
Important milestones in the development of WILKA include the digitisation of manufacturing processes in the 1990s and the introduction of the first electronic access components. Another significant step was the founding of WILKA Polska in 2001, which enabled us to expand our international presence. In addition, our lock portfolio was expanded to include frame and escape areas. The company-wide restructuring towards modern processes and clear responsibilities has strengthened our foundation for future growth. With the expansion of our Velbert site this year, we are sending another clear signal for the future.
However, I still consider the shareholders' commitment to the company to be one of the most important points. To this day, these can be traced back to the three sons of the founder. The importance of the family business continues to carry great weight here. In addition, our shareholders are not thinking about short-term profits, but about the success of the company over generations. In this way, they support decisions that not only secure the Velbert location, but are also for the benefit of all WILKA employees.
Is there a particularly memorable event that you associate with the company and its development?
Robert Schlieper: Yes, I particularly remember the handover of management from my father to me. At the time, we drew up a transition plan, which we adhered to exactly as we had originally agreed. Even though it was difficult for my father, he withdrew from day-to-day business from his first day of retirement.
His last days at WILKA were marked by warm farewells and celebrations. The entire company said goodbye to their boss. I still have a clear picture in my mind: the whole company had organised a small surprise party and welcomed my father with a huge banner saying ‘WILKA SAYS THANK YOU’. When a boss is given such a send-off by the staff, you know you've done a good and exemplary job. For me, this is a clear example of my time at WILKA.
How has the corporate culture developed over the years and what aspects of it are so important to you as managing director and family member that you want to preserve them?
Robert Schlieper: The corporate culture has changed steadily over time, but at the same time, it is important to preserve the culture of a family business, even in today's anonymous times. Even though it is becoming more difficult to maintain personal contact in today's digital and fast-paced world, I still aspire to uphold the idea of a family business.
In the past, WILKA employees used to undertake activities together more frequently in the form of company outings. Back then, people also chatted more with each other, which is difficult to achieve with today's demands.
Nevertheless, we are committed to each of our employees on a daily basis. Wherever we can help or support, we do so. My door is always open, which employees occasionally take advantage of to have a personal word with the boss.
At WILKA, no employee is just a number, but an important part of the WILKA family. Simply a WILKAner for whom the company stands up just as much as vice versa.
As the grandson of Friedrich Karrenberg and son of Wolfgang K. Schlieper, both of whom were long-standing managing directors at WILKA, you have definitely been a personal part of the company's 160-year history over the last 42 years. Is there a personal anecdote from your life with WILKA that you fondly remember and would like to share with us?
Robert Schlieper: Actually, I always say in this context that I have been contractually employed by WILKA since 2010, but I have been connected to the company since I could walk. Two things come to mind:
As a small child, I was always proud when I was allowed to help my grandfather at the post office on Saturdays. At that time, my grandfather still picked up the mail himself at the post office, opened it on Saturday mornings and sorted it for the individual departments. I was always allowed to help him by opening all the letters. Those were very nice times and moments.
As a teenager, I was allowed to earn money now and then through a holiday job. On the one hand, that was great because I really enjoyed it, but at the same time I was aware that my work was judged more strictly than that of any other employee. My father was very careful not to give the boss's son any special treatment. That's why I always worked particularly hard. One day, a long-standing employee said to me: ‘Robert, you can go home for the evening. There will still be work tomorrow.
Looking ahead to the next 160 years, what is your vision for the future of the company, and how do you want to continue the company's legacy?
Robert Schlieper: Looking ahead to the next 160 years, my vision is for WILKA to continue to be run as an independent family business. In this context, I also want us to gain further market share and, as in the past, be able to hold our own against the large corporations in the industry.
It is important to me to maintain the culture and values of the company. I don't want to decide whether a family member will continue to run the company after my time. What is important is that the management of the company works with all their heart and soul to develop the company further so that it can continue to exist in the future.
What would you like to say to the employees, partners and customers who have supported WILKA over the years on the occasion of this anniversary?
Robert Schlieper: I would like to say a big thank you! I would like to thank our partners who have supported us continuously and made it possible for WILKA to develop in this way. Without our reliable partners, we would not have been able to do this.
I would like to thank our customers for their loyalty and commitment over the years. We have always treated our customers as equals and have done everything we can to respond flexibly to their wishes. This is particularly evident in difficult times, when we work together to find a solution with openness and honesty, rather than changing suppliers at the first opportunity.
I would like to express my special thanks to our employees. Our WILKA employees are our greatest asset! Each and every one of them is a valuable part of the entire company and contributes daily to making the company what it is today. Thank you!