News from the FABRI Group

Find out about the latest developments and activities of the FABRI Group. We will keep you up to date on new partnerships, cooperations, current projects and other news.

Insight

FABRI group meeting in Würzburg: A resounding success

27.04. - 29.04.2023

At the end of April, the time had come: All managing directors of FABRI companies were invited to the annual FABRI group meeting in Würzburg. In a relaxed atmosphere and during professional exchange, everyone was able to get to know each other for the first time. An essential part of FABRI's culture is open and trusting exchange with one another. Every company has certain procedures that they have perfected for themselves. Within the group, entrepreneurs can share tips and find suggestions for their own business. In this way, each individual benefits from the Group's strengths. The start was at Franconian shopping — and quite classically for Würzburg — on the Main Bridge. “I was really looking forward to this day,” Markus Zübert, CEO of FABRI, began his welcome speech. “With currently six great companies, we have grown into a real group within two years — and one day FABRI will fill the entire Main Bridge.” The next day, the focus was on the mutual exchange of experiences. The managing directors reported on their companies, operational challenges and their solutions. Topics such as digitization, lack of skilled workers, etc. were also brought to the table and discussed in a complex way by Daniel Lörcks, who provides technical support to FABRI companies. Before it went on to the second culinary round, a guided tour of the city with Würzburg night watchman Schorsch was on the agenda. In this way, the capital of Franconia could be learned and loved in a relaxed and fun way. The general “goodbye” the next morning was followed by positive feedback from all corners. Even though it is possible to exchange ideas within the group at any time, a large group meeting provides many exciting and important impulses for every single entrepreneur. We are already looking forward to the next reunion in spring 2024.

Insight

Hit like lightning: Wimmer lightning rod construction part of FABRI

08.12.2022

With Blitzableiterbau Wimmer GmbH from Euskirchen in North Rhine-Westphalia, the FABRI Group has expanded to include a successful company specializing in lightning protection systems. “From the outset, contact and cooperation was characterized by openness and honesty,” says Thomas Waag, Chief Financial Officer of FABRI. “We are delighted to be able to attract such an established company with competent and motivated management to FABRI. We warmly welcome Blitzableiterbau Wimmer and its employees to the FABRI Group.” Founded in 1980, Blitzableiterbau Wimmer GmbH plans and installs second-generation lightning protection and grounding systems, primarily for commercial customers. In the Cologne area, the company has an excellent reputation and is one of the larger companies in this niche segment. The team, consisting of 25 dedicated and experienced employees, implements around 800 projects and a variety of long-term maintenance contracts every year. “I can't imagine a better partner for my company,” says managing director and former partner Jürgen Wimmer. “I was looking for just such a successor solution for my company and employees: independent and independent work and the security of a group structure. I am already looking forward to the lively exchange of experiences with each other.” In addition to Jürgen Wimmer, Dirk Pichler, a long-standing and experienced employee, was found a second managing director for plant management. As a result, the course for operational succession and thus the future of Blitzableiterbau Wimmer GmbH was set at an early stage.

Insight

New to FABRI: NiRa TGA from East Westphalia

09.11.2022

For 20 years NiRa TGA GmbH, based in Enger in East Westphalia, has been successfully offering a full range of services in regards to roof drainage. The specialized company has made a name for itself throughout Germany with its expertise, quality and reliability. In November 2022, NiRa decided to become part of FABRI. Thomas Waag, Chief Financial Officer of FABRI, is delighted: “With Maik Niemann and his team, we have been able to attract a great entrepreneur and a successful company to FABRI, which enriches the group nationwide. We are looking forward to the future together.” “From the very first moment, the wavelength with FABRI was just right,” says Maik Niemann, who will remain with the NiRa. “I see the FABRI Group as a future for our employees, as a future for our customers — and last but not least as a future for roof drainage, which is becoming increasingly important.” NiRa was founded by current managing director Maik Niemann in Enger in 2003, initially as a pure heating and sanitation company. This was soon followed by specialization in the area of roof drainage. Today, NiRa is known throughout Germany among general contractors, logistics and manufacturing companies and architects for having a solution for every challenge — whether it involves a new building or a renovation. The 25-person team competently and expertly implements the entire range of roof drainage systems — from planning to installation. In addition to conventional free mirror drainage, vacuum drainage, retention drainage and solutions for the rehabilitation of existing drainage systems are also offered. Emergency drainage is also an important planning approach to protect buildings. Especially against the backdrop of increasing precipitation intensity and more frequent heavy rain events, roof drainage will become increasingly important in the future. In addition, the NiRa systems function even in the event of a blackout — no pumps or electricity are required, but are set to the resulting negative pressure.

Insight

FABRI grows with TGT from Thuringia

14.10.2022

With TGT GmbH in Meiningen, FABRI continues to expand in October 2022 and is now also represented in Thuringia. TGT is a successful and leading building technology company in the fields of heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrical engineering. “We are very happy to have won a strong company for FABRI with TGT,” explains Thomas Waag, Chief Financial Officer of FABRI. “FABRI is a congenial partner for us and is very helpful to the interests of all parties involved in and around TGT. FABRI's strategy is to keep a successful company like TGT as it is successful in its market structure. ” says managing director Hans-Ulrich Apel. “That convinced me.” TGT, Thüringer Haustechnik GmbH, was founded in 1990 by current managing director Hans-Ulrich Apel and has been continuously developed over several decades. The training company offers a wide range of services and offers services in the fields of heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrical engineering. The company also has many years of experience in the area of alternative energy sources. For the team of 70 employees — including 9 trainees — customer satisfaction always comes first. The area of activity of TGT covers five federal states: Thuringia, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg and with a particular focus on Hesse.

Insight

Thomas Waag becomes Chief Financial Officer

01.07.2022

Thomas Waag was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the FABRI Group by the Supervisory Board as of 1.7.2022. After completing his training as a banker, Thomas Waag worked for several years at Deloitte in the auditing of medium-sized companies. During this time, he trained as a tax advisor and auditor. A good 10 years ago, he found his way into medium-sized companies and was most recently commercial manager at Gerstacker, a Nuremberg wine cellar. “I am delighted that Thomas has decided to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer at FABRI. We are growing and therefore face more and more demands in the financial sector. With Thomas and his comprehensive financial knowledge, we can manage them in a highly professional manner. With his down-to-earth nature, he is an excellent fit for our team. I've known him for 42 years now and can always rely on him,” explains Jochen Waag, CEO and Founder of FABRI AG. “When the offer came from FABRI, I didn't have to think twice. I have the opportunity to design here. We want to turn FABRI into a strong group that provides a secure roof for many outstanding craft companies. I come from a medium-sized company — and the financial topics at FABRI are exactly the challenges I'm looking for,” says Thomas Waag.

Insight

The first 100 days at FABRI

31.03.2022

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. 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? 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. CH: You reported the change to your employees relatively quickly. How did your employees take this up? Were there many questions to answer? 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. 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? 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. 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? 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. 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? 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 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. 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? 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. CH: What motivates you personally to get up and “create” every day? 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. 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.