Podcast „Alles neu...? Aus dem Maschinenraum“

When people talk about innovations in Germany, they often think of software companies, mobility startups or specialists in mechanical engineering. But a lot is also being invented in seemingly very simple areas such as the kitchen or the bathroom. Like at Wenko, a specialist for household goods that launches up to 500 new products every year. "We don't do Rocket Science," says CEO Niklas Köllner in our podcast Alles Neu…? Aus dem Maschinenraum“, "but we're pretty far ahead in Europe when it comes to filing IP rights." It's often about small items like economical shower heads or hooks that can be attached without drilling - and such items are also being developed further.

Niklas, one of the successors along with his brother in the family business founded in 1959, makes it clear that innovation is central to Wenko: "We still have an insane number of ideas," he says. To keep that going, employees are constantly encouraged to submit their own suggestions. In addition, the company works with outside inventors. "Nothing is as constant as change," says Niklas. The company boss talks about his appearance as "Undercover Boss," new sales channels at Wenko and working with his brother. In the podcast – with Tobias Rappers, Managing Director of Maschinenraum and Capital editor Nils Kreimeier.

How can the origin and future of Mittelstand companies be courageously united? What are the challenges facing family businesses and what experiences do they gather in digital transformation? These questions are answered by "Alles neu...? Aus dem Maschinenraum", the interview podcast for German Mittelstand*. Once a month, Tobias Rappers, Managing Director of Maschinenraum, and Nils Kreimeier, Senior Editor of the business magazine Capital, talk to thought leaders and makers from the heart of the German economy and focus on the personalities and their motivation.
*The podcast is in German.

For more episodes of „Alles neu...? Aus dem Maschinenraum“ please click here!