26 | Focus on Germany: Fagus-GreCon
NEW SOLUTIONS NEW VISION,
WBPI’s Focus on Germany tour of companies servicing the wood-based panels sector stopped at the Alfeld site of Fagus-GreCon, where measuring systems and fire protection solutions are produced for customers across the world. Stephen Powney reports from Alfeld
visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fagus-GreCon in Alfeld – famed for its industrial architectural heritage as well as the products manufactured there – is always valuable when it’s important to assess latest developments in measuring systems and fire protection technology. These technical solutions are critically important in global wood-based panels manufacturing and a steady stream of innovations have been launched by Fagus- GreCon in 2025. Since our last visit, the company has undergone a management changes (in 2024), which saw Alexander Kuppe and Mario Haas assume joint managing director roles, with a focus on strategic expansion, further internationalisation and strengthening of other application areas. The company also celebrated its milestone 50th anniversary in 2024. The long- established shoe lasts business at Alfeld was also sold to the unit’s management and has relocated to another building on the site,
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allowing the company to focus solely on its core operating areas.
When I caught up with Mr Kuppe and Mr Haas in the hallowed halls of the Fagus building, designed by architects Walter Gropius and Adolf Meyer in 1911, both men conveyed a strong focus of looking to the future, growing the business and being a solutions-oriented company that provided customised solutions, not supplying products “shipped in a box”.
Mr Haas explained that preceding WBPI’s visit had been the company Annual Meeting, with fourth generation owners Ernst and Gerd Greten discussing future plans with the management. With the fifth generation already involved – the Gretens’ four daughters – and many six generations family members following, the emphasis here is on long-term stability and a pioneering spirit, he added. Mr Kuppe summarised some recent
developments. “The shareholders of the business want
to have a much higher internationalisation of the business than previously,” he said. “The other aspect is keeping a very strong position in the wood-based panels industry but also conquering other markets - partly for growth reasons but also not to be too dependent on one sector.”
There is also a different model for the two operating units. “In the last two years we have merged the market approach with the two of them more or less operating together, so we do not have people specifically selling products, but instead focus on certain industries. We are trying to look through the eyes of the customer, who wants to see one face for all their needs.”
The focus on internationalisation allows the
company to more easily handle multi-national customers with a relatively small team. “We have nice examples in industries outside of wood-based panels, such as recycling, where 2 or 3 people are covering a certain industry or region, compared to 5 or 6 people working on different products and certain customers.”
The approach emphasises the solutions- based approach and is part of Fagus-GreCon’s strategic vision document, depicted in a graphic shaped like the Alfeld factory building. The roof represents vision; three central pillars symbolize innovation, customer focus and digitalisation, while the foundation contains the core values of a pioneering spirit, responsibility and a people-centric culture.
On the last point, founder Carl Benscheidt puts it well: “Our wealth is not our machines, nor a bank account, but the knowledge, skills and dedication of our employees.” Approximately 80% of the Fagus-
GreCon measuring systems are used in the construction sector (including wood-based panels, gypsum, and insulation materials). On the fire protection side, many different industries are now being targeted, with the traditional construction sector still comprising 50% of business.
Above: Mario Haas and Alexander Kuppe WBPI | December 2025/January 2026 |
www.wbpionline.com
MARKET ASSESSMENT The wood-based panels sector, Fagus-GreCon’s
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