Fridays off and the electricity comes from the roof

Alongside Hobby and Hymer, Knaus Tabbert is one of the big three German groups in the caravanning industry. Clever mergers, such as the takeover of the Tabbert brand in 1997, have not only brought the company considerable growth, but have also secured the naming rights of traditional manufacturers. It cannot be ruled out that a new brand already announced under the Group umbrella will be christened Eifelland or Wilk. Wolfgang Speck, CEO and CFO of Knaus Tabbert AG, is extremely optimistic about the future in an interview with Auto-Medienportal. With a turnover of more than 1.4 billion euros in 2023, the company has once again achieved a sensational record year, with an increase of over 37 percent compared to the successful previous year.

The continued high pace of new vehicle development will further increase the attractiveness of the Group brands, says Speck. Following the stabilization of sales figures at a high level, the previous peaks in production are to be reduced to a more normal level. The workers at Knaus Tabbert in Jandelsbrunn and Mottgers are now returning to the collectively agreed 35 hours per week after the stressful 40-hour weeks. A four-day week will be introduced in production, with industrial employees staying at home on Fridays. At the same time, Knaus-Tabbert aims to reach the two billion euro turnover mark by 2027.

Sustainability remains an essential part of the industry for Wolfgang Speck. After all, customers are out and about in nature, which is why it should be preserved and protected. The eco-balance of a vacation with leisure vehicles for a family with children is significantly better than by plane or cruise ship, he emphasizes. And the Managing Director cites another example of environmental protection: in Jandelsbrunn, the Group's largest plant, the halls are heated by the company's own highly efficient power plant and one of the largest solar systems in Lower Bavaria is located on the roof of Hall 20. The energy requirements can thus be covered almost self-sufficiently. (aum)