Insight

Like many companies TOGE experienced a tough start to 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the company believes the German economy is on the road to recovery, allowing the Nürnberg-based manufacturer to look ahead to 2022 and a year of innovation.

Steffen Maertsch, head of sales at TOGE Dübel GmbH & Co KG, comments: “The lockdowns across Europe demonstrated how the world can change within months, weeks, days and even seconds. TOGE has gone from starting 2021 with uncertainty to finishing with increased manufacturing capacities and – against all trends – an increased stock level.” 

TOGE supplies concrete screws from 5mm diameter and 28mm in length to 24mm in diameter and 3m in length to customers worldwide – with Europe its main market. 2022 will see TOGE open its new product innovation centre with testing facilities, as well as the launch of several new products for the concrete screw market, including a new stainless steel screw TSM LT (low torque). 

“Investing in our own local facilities has never been more important,” commented Steffen. “The pandemic has shown us the challenges of globalisation. Supply chains suddenly snapped and entire productions came to a standstill. This will certainly lead to some companies needing to rethink their supply chains and production sites in the future.”

During the pandemic customers were asked for forecasts in order for TOGE to plan in advance and schedule its production and supply chain accordingly. “Thanks to these forecasts we ended up increasing our stock level by more than 30% and we believe that the availability of our products was a game changer. Whilst other manufacturers were struggling with sourcing challenges, we were still able to deliver our goods to customers and even provide products they were no longer able to source from Asia. By supporting our customers, we generated new business for both them and us.”

TOGE also surrounds itself with a local supply chain – with 90% of its suppliers located within a 600km radius of its facilities. “Our local supply chain means we are able to react very fast. We’re also able to keep supply of our raw material, despite the shortages manufacturers are currently facing in the market.”

A sustainable commitment

“‘Made in Germany’ is not just a slogan or motto – it is a responsibility. As a German manufacturer we have a responsibility to our customers to supply high-quality products, along with a high service level, manufactured under the best possible working conditions. Most importantly we believe we have a responsibility as a manufacturer to focus on the future of our planet,” states Steffen.

TOGE is also committed to saving approximately 600,000kg of CO₂ every year by manufacturing in Germany, as opposed to sourcing products from Asia. The company is focused on how its production can become more sustainable, as well as how it can keep its emissions low. This is also important due to the continuously rising cost of energy that German manufacturers are now facing. 

“Last but not least we are committed to the future of our skilled workers. Germany is struggling and facing a severe shortage of skilled workers, which is going to be a major problem across the next decade,” mentions Steffen. “To invest in our future, it will be essential to cooperate with universities and schools to build a network of young talent and welcome them into the fixings industry.”