The first 100 days at FABRI

On 21.12.2021, the FABRI Group acquired Heger Energietechnik GmbH from Grossostheim near Aschaffenburg as a partner. After the first 100 days at FABRI, we spoke to Andreas Heger about his experiences.

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Christina Happich: Mr. Heger, let us briefly look back. You only sell your life's work once in a lifetime. How did you decide to join the FABRI Group?

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Andreas Heger: The reason for the decision to join the FABRI Group was clearly the concept. The companies continue to work as an independent unit, retain their names and at the same time make it possible to transfer knowledge to each other. It was very important to me that the whole thing be a long-term thing. During the talks, other prospective buyers told me fairly quickly that they wanted to sell the purchased companies profitably again in the foreseeable future. That was out of the question for me. For my employees, it is important that they have appropriate continuity — that things simply continue as they have been accustomed to over the last few years and decades. After all, I remain in the management team and can only work with a team that is also committed to the company and its business orientation.

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CH: You reported the change to your employees relatively quickly. How did your employees take this up? Were there many questions to answer?

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AH: It was a matter close to my heart to personally communicate the decision to my employees. Of course, there was silence in the room and a certain skepticism on the faces at first. But since I am already over 50, my employees were able to understand my decision. Last but not least, the decision also means that employees are certain that after I leave the company — at some point in the next 10 years — it will continue to exist and have a future. All questions asked were answered immediately, and all employees are still on board.

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CH: The first 100 days at FABRI Group are now over. Mr. Heger, do you still feel comfortable with your decision from December? What has happened to your day-to-day work with FABRI?

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AH: Nothing has changed in my working day at the moment. Personally, I'm happy to have made this decision and not put it off years before me. The feedback from independent colleagues, who admire me and congratulate me on my decision, has also confirmed that I did the right thing.

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CH: The solar industry is experiencing a boom: self-sufficiency with renewable energy was already in demand in 2021, and the energy crisis is causing demand for solar storage systems to rise even more. How are you currently dealing with the growing interest and demand for solar energy?

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AH: As early as 2019, we felt that our industry was getting a boost again. As a result of the sometimes massive increase in energy costs and the current Ukraine crisis, we are virtually overrun with inquiries. Here, we are trying to grow by expanding our capacities in project planning and assembly. However, we have a clear focus: “Quality takes priority over quantity” — in case of doubt, we also have to cancel orders.

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CH: Let's have a look at Zuk. What does the next 100 days or, say, the next 12 months look like? What challenges do you see?

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AH: Supply bottlenecks are currently a major issue. We have already responded to this in 2021 and pre-ordered the quantities of materials that we will need in 2022. At the very least, this means that we can still carry out our projects reasonably. However, I am afraid that this problem will still affect us at least until mid-2023. A good supplier relationship is absolutely important here.

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CH: What about the general shortage of skilled workers? Which path do you take to find good employees/trainees and get them excited about the job?

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AH: It is difficult to find good employees on the open market. Many are afraid to switch to the solar industry, as the sector has become very complex over the years. We have been training young people as electricians since 1994, for example, going to schools, offering internships and even choosing a personal approach when we notice that someone is suitable for our job. Young people in particular are interested in whether a company is also digitally established.

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CH: What motivates you personally to get up and “create” every day?

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AH: The fun of working and the team I can work with every day. The encouragement and positive feedback from our customers or colleagues also motivate me to “work” on a daily basis. Working actively on the energy revolution for years makes me proud and drives me.

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CH: Mr. Heger, thank you very much for this exciting review and outlook. We are very happy that you are part of the FABRI Group.