Shaping the future of Bäumer together
Mr. Hofmann, you have been part of Bäumer, a family business with an 80-year history, for ten years now. What stages have you gone through during this time and what has had a particular impact on you?
On April 1, 2016, I took on responsibility as CFO for financial accounting, controlling, contract management, and human resources. Later, I also took on responsibility for IT and the vehicle fleet. Since I had worked in larger corporate structures for almost 16 years prior to that, it took me some time to get used to the smaller, more traditional corporate structures.
Family businesses are often characterized by a close relationship with their employees and long periods of service. How do you experience the corporate culture at Bäumer?
The heart is in the right place here. At Bäumer, I have come to know and appreciate committed employees with the typical Siegerland mentality of being very clear and direct in their dealings with each other, which I greatly appreciate. For me, openness and clarity are always the keys to forward-looking change, and that is what our corporate culture brings with it.
You were appointed to the management board on January 1, 2026. What does this new responsibility mean to you?
A great deal, above all trust in me as a person. I am happy to accept the responsibility that comes with this position and would like to do my utmost to keep Bäumer on track, ensure it remains an attractive and reliable employer, and continue to develop the company successfully in the future.
The generational change in management planned for 2027 is being deliberately prepared at an early stage. Why do you think continuity is so important, especially in a family business?
Particularly in historically grown hierarchical structures with significantly closer customer and employee loyalty, it is necessary to be involved in all long-, medium-, and short-term decisions as early as possible. Continuity in corporate management gives employees stability and support in pursuing the company's interests.
Looking ahead to the coming years, what is your long-term vision for Bäumer?
The global economic indicators for Germany, Europe, and the world are significantly worse today than they were five years ago. We are suffering increasing competitive disadvantages due to geopolitical power and tariff policies, European overregulation, and an intensified wage-price spiral. We will have to counteract these locational disadvantages with increased productivity and efficiency. We will invest our many years of cutting technology expertise more heavily in new intelligent, automated, and sustainable customer solutions that offer our customers real and measurable added value. In this way, Bäumer will continue to assert itself as the global market leader in this niche market in the future.
Family businesses often think in terms of generations rather than quarters. What strategic issues are your priority in order to master future challenges?
In mechanical engineering, we are facing the challenge of digital transformation with an increase in the degree of automation and digitization. Traditional mechanical engineering is becoming increasingly software-controlled, intelligent, and self-learning thanks to AI. The global shortage of skilled workers is also increasing the demand for the automation of manual tasks. In order to successfully accompany this development in the long term, it is essential to understand our customers' value creation process so that we can develop and offer good and suitable solutions.
How do you intend to preserve the proven values and structures of the past 80 years while simultaneously driving the company's further development?
Quite simply, through a good management structure with exemplary role models and value-oriented leadership. Before venturing into completely new territory, it is always a good idea to take a look back and question and understand why decisions and structures were chosen in the past. This helps to avoid mistakes and carry the good things from the past forward into the future.
How would you describe your leadership style—and how does it fit in with the culture at Bäumer?
I was born under the zodiac sign of Virgo, and my personal characteristics are a perfect match for this. My management style is also based on this and can be described very well by the following attributes: structured, analytical, reliable, disciplined, and empathetic. These characteristics fit very well with Bäumer's values: professionalism, reliability, flexibility, and consistency.
You will be working closely with Christoph Hauck until the end of 2027. How do you envision this transition phase in terms of the company and its employees?
As an engineer, Christoph Hauck has a very strong technological background, an excellent regional and international network, and a customer-oriented approach. We have been working very closely and well together for years. Initially, I will focus on familiarizing myself with the areas of production and SCM in order to gain a deeper understanding of the value creation and technology of our products. Gradually, I will then gain more and more foothold in the areas of sales and technology and also have more customer contact in order to get to know the markets, products, and customers better.
What motivates you personally to take on management responsibility?
The company, the shareholders, and the employees are motivation enough for me to take on this responsibility. For me personally, this is another step toward further expanding my experience and skills.
What message would you like to convey to employees, customers, and partners with regard to the future of Bäumer?
We will use the two-year transition period wisely to pave the way for a successful future, ensuring that Bäumer remains the market leader in the premium segment with first-class, forward-looking products and solutions.
Where do you get the energy for your work?
I do a lot with my family and friends and use this time together on weekends to switch off. In addition to day trips and city breaks, we love to travel, learn about different cultures and countries, and go on active vacations alone or with friends. This summer, we will be crossing the Alps with four friends and a mountain guide, staying in huts and carrying our hiking gear—a truly rustic experience. Hiking vacations in particular recharge my batteries from day one and offer me the ultimate relaxation, allowing me to recharge my batteries for new tasks.
Thank you for your time and the open exchange! We wish you every success in your new role!
