Schomburg

2011-05-13
SCHOMBURG - driving forward into a new decade

The SCHOMBURG group of companies has started well in the new decade. The Management board forecasts a positive future. Everything began in Detmold. In 1994 a second production facility in Germany in Halle on the Saale was opened. The good name of the East Westphalian family company is however known well beyond the European borders. As a national and international market partner in production and distribution SCHOMBURG supplies its customers worldwide. In the process proving that the brand with the castle stands not only for quality and innovation. As a construction materials systems partner SCHOMBURG offers its customers active project support.

A multitude of waterproofing and tile installation products are available, the flagship being the AQUAFIN product family. “Based on our product range of varying construction systems, we have positioned ourselves so that one can indeed speak of brand name products” according to company director Ralph Schomburg. AQUAFIN is a prime example for the marketing of SCHOMBURG products. It is synonymous with the concept of system construction materials which, by the way, is attributable to SCHOMBURG. Then for more than 40 years individual components were, as innovative products, associated with systems, which today – rightfully – emphasizes the significance of system-based construction materials. The concept stamps SCHOMBURG’s mark in the construction materials sector. The construction chemicals manufacturer’s product systems, today the term construction materials manufacturer is more correct, are equally appreciated and recognized by planners, installers and market partners. As far back as 1979 SCHOMBURG invented the alternative to waterproofing with sheet membranes (DIN 18156) for use beneath tiles. The so-called bonded tile waterproofing membrane became the core of competence for SCHOMBURG and effectively became market leader in this field.

The internationalization of the group is not only limited to distribution. Through comprehensive investment in Research & Development they are in a position today to introduce regional differences in their new developments worldwide. The products developed are produced in 15 locations worldwide. This saves on transport distances and preserves the environment. In the process the construction chemicals specialist strictly ensures that key technology and the consequential Know How remains with the headquarters in Detmold.

The SCHOMBURG group grew its group turnover in 2010 by 11% to around 70 million Euros. These good results were achieved with over 560 employess. The turnover forms a solid foundation to be able to successfully introduce further product systems into the market with due consideration to appropriate marketing measures. A current example is the new mineral-based waterproofing slurry – AQUAFIN-RS300. This was introduced in January at the Bau 2011 in Munich and has caused quite a stir with its exceptional properties. It is exactly these properties that are the focus of communication, combined with the faith that customers have in the AQUAFIN brand. The contract business has developed exceptionally over the last few years through the development of innovative products and sytems. Working together with the Rotterdam transport company, RET, at the beginning of the year a system which considerably extended the longevity of railway tracks was implemented for the first time. Corrosion from stray and leakage current is eliminated through the application of a special product system from SCHOMBURG. The yearly targets set for this system were already exceeded within the first quarter of 2011. Operating efficiency and longevity are very much in the foreground with SCHOMBURG also with the systems for the restoration of technical effluent plants.

Over the years there has been permanent investment at the Detmold plant. In addition to a new building, the warehouse capacity was considerably expanded this year. The amount invested was 2 million Euro. With regard to the environment SCHOMBURG is up to speed. 50% of the necessary energy demand at the Detmold plant is covered by renewable energy. After demanding tests numerous products were assigned diverse environmental seals. The protection of the applicator and end user through low emission products is always of paramount importance to SCHOMBURG.

In autumn 2010 the painting materials trading company TEUTOBURG GmbH with locations in Detmold and Magdeburg was sold to the Schlau/Hammer – Group, which also controls the Hammer DIY stores. In the future SCHOMBURG wants to concentrate on its core business, the development, production and distribution of system-based construction materials. In Schlau a buyer was found, who continues with the business in the SCHOMBURG buildings and took over the existing employees.

Worldwide the group totals 34 distribution and production businesses, of which almost half are joint ventures with local partners. In 2009 shareholding in the Italian manufactruer Benfer was agreed. In this year the BENFER-SCHOMBURG joint venture built a new production facility in Maranello and invested 6 million Euros. This new facility increases the ability to deliver all year round. From Italy frost sensitive products can also be shipped to international markets in the winter months. Last year the second production location was commissioned in India near New Delhi. This market has developed especially positively since the beginning in 2007. In 2010 the turnover in India has doubled.

SCHOMBURG offers systems for the following installations:
- Construction waterproofing and restoration
- Tile and natural stone fixing
- Screed laying
- GaLa-construction (Garden and landscaping)
- Road and trackway construction
- Concrete restoration
- Hydraulic engineering
- Surface protection and industrial flooring systems

The company from Detmold is committed to close collaboration in core areas with builders merchants. SCHOMBURG understands the builders merchant as a market partner in the best sense of the words.

For the new decade one looks well positioned. The young competent leadership, lead by the third generation with the directors Ralph Schomburg, Dr. Jens Hofele and Alexander Weber, the company looks optimistically to the future. The positive development over recent years carries forward into 2011.

As advisory president, Albert Schomburg senior attends to the skills of the company, as before. He is committed in his active assistance of his young team with words and actions. His perception “think global – act local“ characterizes furthermore the company philosophy and documents the world view and the economic success, which first and foremost comes to fruitition through performance and the willingness to perform of all employees. To expand Director and Chemist Dr. Jens Hofele added ambiguously “With us the chemistry is right“.