The former Trigema boss Wolfgang Grupp continues to rely on entrepreneurial responsibility instead of political help. “If I have to wait until politics paves the way for me, then I’ll be broke long ago,” said the 84-year-old in the dpa interview.
Entrepreneurs have to solve their problems themselves – even in times of crisis. Fluctuations were part of business life: “It always happened. There were always ups and downs.” His company is also currently feeling a lull in consumption, “we’re selling less, of course.”
This is how the entrepreneur deals with crises
The Trigema strategy: full production – even at risk and therefore in stock. “I don’t see that we are paying wages and the employees are not being utilized to capacity,” said Grupp. That’s why he always produced at full capacity, even in weak phases, if necessary in stock. “Then in good times we are happy that we can fall back on a full warehouse.”
For him, reducing production is out of the question: fixed costs continue to run, and without a warehouse there will be no goods for better times. “We have always had full production for 55 years,” emphasized Grupp. As a result, employees often did not even notice crises.
At the same time, he warns against overconfidence in boom phases. It is crucial not to become “megalomaniac” in good times and to build up capacities that cannot be utilized later.
Grupp was critical of corporate structures in Germany. “New companies are only founded as GmbHs.” This means that bankruptcy is problem-free for entrepreneurs. He demanded that those who are fully liable should receive significant tax relief. “Then the decisions are more sensible, more considered and more responsible.”
