Written by Münker Michael, Head of Distribution & Retail, GESIPA, as part of our special 'taking stock of the 2020s' project...
Since GESIPA was founded seven decades ago, we have seen that change is the only constant in industry. Change drives progress and creates space for new ideas. The current decade in particular shows how rapidly markets, technologies and customer requirements are evolving – and how crucial adaptability is for sustainable success.
From 2020 to 2025, crises have redefined priorities in the economy. Pandemics, geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruptions have, at the very least, severely shaken the stable market growth rates we once took for granted. Customers have changed their priorities: security of supply and speed have become significantly more important, temporarily pushing the focus on costs into the background. One positive effect of this development is that it has given an invaluable boost to digital development. Improved data availability has shortened analysis cycles, made forecasts more accurate and thus enabled agile responses in production and sales.
Today, a weakening economy, which is persisting longer than expected in Germany, is exacerbating the challenges. Markets are fragmenting and customers remain reluctant to invest in the face of uncertainty. To remain successful in the future, cost adjustments and process efficiency are necessary, from optimised procurement to lean manufacturing. In the area of development and production, GESIPA continues to focus on innovation and process optimisation in order to reduce costs and offer our business partners the greatest possible benefits in the field of blind rivet technology. In view of the demographic change in many countries, we see great opportunities in the field of automated riveting technology. With the continuous improvement of our customer-oriented service, the expansion of digitalisation and our 24/7 online offerings, we offer our partners added value that sets us apart from the market.
Customers have changed their priorities: security of supply and speed have become significantly more important, temporarily pushing the focus on costs into the background.
Looking ahead to the second half of the decade, there are initial signs of stabilisation, with moderate growth forecast for 2026. Nevertheless, short planning horizons remain the new normal. Adaptability and resilience are of paramount importance – like all other companies, we too must be able to respond flexibly in times of volatility. From the perspective of Michael Münker, Head of Distribution & Retail, external dynamics require internal agility: close integration between departments, especially marketing, sales, procurement and logistics, is essential for success. Through cross-functional coordination, disruptions can be turned into opportunities.
With 70 years of industry leadership, GESIPA continues to look positively to the future and is using its many years of experience to be prepared for what lies ahead. Innovation, excellent service and continuous market adaptation will ensure that the GESIPA brand remains an industry leader in the field of blind rivet technology in the future.
