“We have everything we need to win.”
Interview with Rainer Mehrer, CEO of FIPA GmbH, on the company’s 40th anniversary
For four decades, FIPA has stood for innovative gripper technology, high-quality components and active partnerships with customers worldwide.
To mark the anniversary, CEO Rainer Mehrer spoke about success factors, challenges, future plans and the question of what defines FIPA today and tomorrow. An interview about values, change and corporate responsibility.
Mr. Mehrer, congratulations on FIPA’s 40th anniversary. What do you see as the key success factors for your company?
Rainer Mehrer: Our greatest success factor is our people – our committed employees and the partnership-based relationships with our customers. FIPA stands for high-quality products that you can rely on, but above all for an open corporate culture. As a family business, we place great value on mutual respect, diversity and commitment. Our customers value the quality of our solutions as well as our consistent and rapid response to changing market conditions. All of this creates trust – and trust is the base for our success.
Looking back, what developments are you particularly proud of?
Rainer Mehrer: The introduction of gripper construction was certainly an important milestone. We identified and successfully realised a new business opportunity here. Overall, we see continuous further development as essential – both technologically and strategically. I am also particularly proud of our international presence: as a medium-sized company, being able to support our customers locally around the world is a great achievement. And last but not least, we have a great team with a healthy mix of experience and innovative spirit.
How do you assess the current market situation - also with regard to economic fluctuations?
Rainer Mehrer: After years of growth, we are currently seeing a certain amount of consolidation. We fell well short of our budget targets in 2024, but we are already seeing positive signs of more growth again in 2025. The economic conditions in Germany are not ideal at the moment – we are very concerned about issues such as high regulation, energy prices and a shortage of skilled labor. At the same time, we are seeing positive momentum, particularly from North America. We also expect a turnaround in the DACH region in the medium term, albeit at a moderate pace. The high level of bureaucracy in Europe remains problematic – a real obstacle to growth.
If you had three wishes for politicians - what would you wish for?
Rainer Mehrer: We need reliable framework conditions for the economy, a sustainable energy policy and targeted investment in education and training. Labor must be worthwhile again. Germany can only survive in global competition in a strong Europe – and should be prepared to play a leading role in this alliance. The state should support the economy, not replace it. It is not about being the better entrepreneur, but about creating better conditions for companies. But basically, we have everything we need to win: We have a great brand, we have very authentic, talented people and we have a great global partner network.
What do you think makes companies successful in the long term?
Rainer Mehrer: Satisfied employees, strong management and consistent customer focus are key success factors for us. Commitment is not expressed in words, but in our daily actions – through personal responsibility, reliability and the shared aspiration to constantly develop ourselves further. We remain true to our convictions without following every trend and at the same time constantly analyse new framework conditions in order to identify opportunities at an early stage and actively manage risks.
What characterises a successful customer relationship for you?
Rainer Mehrer: Reliability, honesty and active partnership. Our customers appreciate our speed, agility and service-orientation. And they know that: We are not just a supplier, but a partner and solution provider – someone you can rely on, even when the challenges are complex. Our attitude is clear: Customer first. Always. Because customer satisfaction is not the goal, but the benchmark.
How do you secure your market position - and how do you want to grow further?
Rainer Mehrer: Internationalisation remains a key growth driver – we have successfully established ourselves in the USA and are currently taking our first steps in the UK through our expansion. We are also continuing to expand our global partner network. At the same time, we are focussing even more on our core business and continuing to expand our service area – with clear concepts for an uncomplicated purchasing experience, both in terms of product selection and project implementation.
How important is the project business compared to your core business with components?
Rainer Mehrer: Our main business remains high-quality components, which we offer with strong technical advice and many years of expertise. However, the project business with gripper systems, area grippers or ergonomic handling solutions is a strategically important addition, too. It underlines our ability to solve complex tasks – especially when customers lack capacity or require customized solutions.
Are there any areas in the product portfolio where you still see potential for development?
Rainer Mehrer: Definitely. We keep a very close eye on trends – for example in collaborative robotics, sustainable and energy-efficient solutions and in the areas of vision control, condition monitoring and AI. Our aim is to offer our customers modern, application-orientated solutions at all times – practical, without unnecessary complexity.
What are you personally looking forward to in 2025?
Rainer Mehrer: In business terms, I am looking forward to making progress – in the company, with our customers and with our employees. It is important to me to show that positive change is possible. I’ve been working for over 40 years and my family – my children and grandchildren – help me to keep my focus on what’s important. That’s a good balance.
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