- Oldenburg-based chemical company focuses on intensifying sales, increased harmonization, innovations and sustainability
- Call for improved economic and political conditions in Germany
The chemical industry in Germany is increasingly facing enormous challenges. The current economic and political conditions make it difficult to fully exploit the economic potential at home. The Oldenburg-based chemical company BÜFA is also operating in this demanding environment and is preparing to further strengthen its resilience to possible complex and unforeseeable market fluctuations in the coming year.
At present, the weakening economy, high energy prices, infrastructure in need of renewal and complex bu-reaucratic requirements are hindering growth and preventing a sustainable upturn. Germany's low level of innovation is also a serious obstacle that needs to be overcome.
BÜFA's business development shows that sales growth abroad is now significantly higher than in Germany. “We are only competitive as a European company,” emphasizes Felix Thalmann, President and CEO of the BÜFA Group. “Our internationalization strategy has enabled us to make our business units more robust and resilient overall. Growth in other European countries can currently only partially compensate for the cyclical weakness in Germany,” adds Ralf Ramke, Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The outlook for 2025 also suggests that the economic recovery and the upturn in industry will be sluggish. “In Germany and Europe, we need forward-looking, coordinated framework conditions quickly in order to overcome structural deficits and remain competitive in the long term. This includes low energy costs and a move away from overregulation, as well as investments in education and infrastructure to secure prospects for future generations,” demands Thalmann in this context.
BÜFA is also meeting these challenges with a series of internal measures. The goal is to overcome stagnation and to expand the market share. To do this, BÜFA is focusing on increased harmonization and bundling of strengths within the company to create synergies. “To do this, we will further optimize our logistics, review transport capacities and, in the interest of sustainability, develop new recycling potential for waste avoidance and reduction in addition to energy-saving measures,” explains CEO Thalmann. In addition, distribution will be intensified to boost the volume business and generate further growth. “In doing so, we continue to put customer needs first . In addition to our innovative range of products, we want to continue to inspire our customers with our comprehensive service and our broad application know-how and offer the solutions they want,” says Ramke.
One important investment project is the modernization of a tank farm and the expansion of the internal logistics area in the Cleaning division at the Ohmstede site. With this investment in the future and infrastructure, BÜFA is strengthening its production capacities and creating the basis for further growth. “This is also a clear commitment to our German sites in Oldenburg and the region,” emphasizes Thalmann.
In addition, innovation and sustainability remain central drivers of corporate development for BÜFA. In the composites sector, the company was honored with the Railway Award 2024 as a TOP supplier to the rail industry. BÜFA®-Firestop systems set benchmarks for the highest safety standards with their highly developed, certified fire protection solutions. Furthermore, BÜFA is among the finalists for the German Sustaina-bility Award with its ecological product portfolio SOLVERDE – proof of the company's commitment in the area of sustainable product development.
Despite challenging conditions, BÜFA is doing everything in its power to further consolidate its position in the market and to develop sustainably and innovatively. The combination of a clear entrepreneurial focus, internationalization, as is currently the case with the purchase of the Swedish MacSerien Group, investments in future-oriented projects and the creation of synergies within the company will also keep BÜFA competitive in a difficult environment.
From left: Felix Thalmann (CEO BÜFA Group) and Ralf Ramke (CFO BÜFA Group), photo: Harry Köster
