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Guest column by Robert Schlieper, published on June 11, 2026, in the Dutch trade magazine Profiel: "Almost every day, I find myself wondering how policymakers in Brussels can make decisions without truly understanding their practical consequences. Our daily challenge as businesses should not be to ask ourselves: Which new requirement do I have to comply with today in order to satisfy Brussels?"

This year, WILKA Polska Sp. Z o.o. celebrates a special milestone: 25 years of successful presence in Leszno (Poland), strategic market development, and sustainable growth in the field of locking systems. With the establishment of its first international subsidiary in Poland in autumn 2001, WILKA Schließtechnik GmbH set a clear signal for internationalization. Through local service and sales structures, the Eastern European market was systematically and closely developed with a strong customer focus – a significant step in the company’s evolution.

On the eve of Polyclose 2026, the title “Supplier of the Year Benelux” was once again awarded. The honor is presented by EBH EuroBaubeschlagHandel AG – one of the most important European cooperations in the architectural hardware and specialist trade sector, closely connecting manufacturers and specialist trade partners and strongly committed to education and training within the industry. We are therefore especially pleased that WILKA has been recognized in a category that perfectly reflects our self-image: WILKA is the winner in the category “Training Support.”

WILKA is not only committed to quality and innovation, but also to future-oriented, sustainable corporate management. At the beginning of 2024, WILKA established its own sustainability team, which is actively working to embed ecological and social responsibility in the various areas of the company. In this interview, Herbert Schuwald, head of the WILKA sustainability team, provides exciting insights into the goals, measures and challenges on the path to greater sustainability.

CITY CYCLING shows how many people already use bicycles as a means of transport – for greater climate protection, quality of life and exercise in everyday life. However, in order for even more people to switch to cycling permanently, a safe and well-developed cycling infrastructure is needed. That is why the campaign also targets our local politicians: they have the power to enable practical climate protection at the local level. By participating, they take on the perspective of cyclists themselves – and recognise where things are going well and where improvements are needed. Team WILKA was there!

What began in 1865 with Wilhelm Karrenberg and just a few tools has developed into a leading manufacturer of locking technology. In this interview, Managing Director Robert Schlieper talks about tradition, change, and his vision for the future.