Special Top German companies focused on export

THE ‘GERMAN MIRACLE’ IS STILL BASED ON ‘SOLIDARITY’

YET CORONA HAS ALSO STRUCK MERCILESSLY IN GERMANY

The Federal Republic of Germany was formed on 24 May 1949. The German economy had been ruined by World War II, but soon started to revive just after the monetary reform of 1948. In 1962, there was even talk of full employment. This post-war period is known as the German Economic Miracle (‘Wirtschaftswunder’). In ‘East Germany’ the economy was less successful and, at the end of the 1980s, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) fell into terminal decline until the Berlin Wall fell on 9 November 1989. On 3 October 1990, both German states were reunited. What followed was an economic transition process which is still After the reunification in 1990, the government had to invest several

going on today. 2020: Corona strikes!

Solidarity works The German economic system functions as a social market economy (‘soziale Marktwirtschaft’). Former Minister of Economic Affairs Ludwig Erhard introduced this notion in 1948. He believed the market works well if the government ensures there is enough competition and sets preconditions for a just and social society. The German constitution stipulates that the market is bound by social limits. The social market economy finds expression in economic legislation and institutions such by 3.2%. That fall was the biggest ever recorded. Due to the uncertainty

as the cartel ban; shop closing times laws; the independent position of the Federal Bank; the social security system; autonomy of employers and employees during pay negotiations.

Ultimate solidarity The federal structure of the Federal Republic largely determines financial affairs and public finances in Germany. The central government (‘Bund’), states (‘Länder’), and municipalities each account for a part of government expenditure. To facilitate an equal standard of living over the entire country, the rich states (particularly in the in the east and north); this is referred to as state finance balance (‘Länderfinanzausgleich’). Apart from this horizontal budgetary settlement, Germany also has a vertical settlement (from the central government to the states). Due to the former division of Germany, the economy in the west had developed completely differently to that in the east. Citizens also pay billions. Since 2005, the Solidarity Pact II (‘Solidarpakt II’) has been in force, which stipulates that the German government will make 156.5 billion euros available for East Germany until 2019. In addition, all German citizens pay a solidarity supplement, a percentage of their income, to help cover the cost of reunification. Economically, the region of the old GDR still trails that of Western Germany. Unemployment there is considerably higher, although there has been some progress in recent years. In 2013, unemployment in Western Germany was 6%, whilst it was 10.3% in Eastern Germany.

The German economy finally contracted by 2.2% in the first quarter of this year as compared to the previous quarter. This downturn was due to the corona crisis. With these final figures, the German federal statistics agency has confirmed previously issued estimates. The contraction cor responds to the average forecast by economists. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the gross domestic product of Europe’s biggest economy contracted by 0.1%, so the German economy is now officially in recession.

Dramatic contraction The statistics agency had already announced that the contraction was the biggest since the financial crisis of 2009. Consumer spending fell south) cede a portion of their income to the poorer states (especially

of the situation and the closure of many shops and catering establish ments, the Germans have cut back their spending. Moreover, companies have invested noticeably less in machines, vehicles, and other equipment. Government spending rose by 0.2% and there was more investment in the building industry. According to press agency DPA, this helped to avert a more severe decline.

The storm isn’t over yet Forecasts suggest the German economy will suffer even more in the second quarter of 2020. In the first quarter, corona measures were only in force for a few weeks. To counter the negative impact of the crisis on the economy, the German government has announced extensive support packages for companies.

EPLF adopts a new mission, vision and logo in 2020 Announced in January 2020, the new mission, vision and logo of EPLF, the association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring, was released last July. The organisation’s mission aims at ‘raising awareness about the benefits of laminate flooring and representing the interests of the European producers of laminate flooring’. In addition, EPLF’s vision to ‘enable a sustainable laminate flooring industry’ translates the ambition to support members in continuously improving the sustainability and circularity of their products and processes. These mission and vision are supported by the new logo ‘Made with wood” tagline which reflects the sustainability, renewability and circularity of laminate floorings’ raw material. The new logo is a quality-stamp for products made in Europe that respect the highest European quality and environmental standards (See the EPLF infographic). For more information: www.eplf.com

MMFA welcomed new members and re-elected its Executive Board in 2020 During the first half of 2020, the Multilayer Modular Flooring Association (MMFA) increased the ranks of its members with four companies joining the organisation. With these additions, the association currently has 25 ordinary members (producers of MMF flooring or their European representations), 29 associate members (supplier companies) and three supporting members (scientific institutes). On another note, last July, the association held its first ever virtual annual General Assembly due to the covid-19 pandemic. Members re-elected Matthias Windmöller (Windmöller), Carl Ruland (Novalis) and Sebastian Wendel (Classen) to head the Executive Board for another two-year term ensuring continuity in the ongoing work of the association such as the digital transformation of the organisation to serve its members efficiently, and the cooperation with EuFCA, the European Floorcovering Association, on circular economy and data collection. For more information: www.mmfa.eu

FG FLOORTEC

Reliable machines for flooring craftsmen all over the world Since 1950 FG FLOORTEC produces heavy duty floor sanding machines. A long experience in high Powerful machines, the JANSER – PROFESSIONAL FLOORING TECHNOLOGY For more than 60 years we are your specialist for professional tools, machines and equipment regarding flooring. Whether you are planning to renovating or rather install a new floor and looking for new machines or new equipment or simply looking for advice, we are ready to take care of your specific needs and help resolve any questions you might have. Flexibility and reliability are the key factors for success. Our precision manufacturing and a constant investment in research and development together with a consciousness for the practical problems of the flooring business have made the FG machines to appreciated partners of flooring specialists in more than 60 countries. The range today includes belt sanders in different belt widthes (200 and 250 mm) and different motors (2,2 kW and 2,5 kW), a drum sander with expansion drums, edge sanders with different lengthes (120, 200 and 330 mm), a buffer and a 4 – disc grinding and sanding machine. A patented system of brushing machines in different sizes for the cleaning of wooden deckings without chemical agents - as a tribute to sustainability- and the brushing of internal wooden floorings as well as dust containment accessory round off the range. More information on : + 49 3594 7792600 - www.fg-floortec.de craftsman's real partners of every day's hard work, are our mission. Each of them is made with ambition, know how and diligence, on modern plants and with the best components. www.fg-floortec.de primary objective is to give you the high quality products and advice you expect and deserve. The Company In 1961 JANSER was established. The company saw substantial growth in 1969 with the start of tool and machine manufacturing and international expansion. Today, JANSER is still a Family Business. The company now offers approximately 4,000 different products and a wide range of equipment. We serve more than 26,000 customers in Germany and 50,000 worldwide. Today, JANSER employs 80 people in Germany and approximately 160 in total, including our subsidiaries. WOOD FLOOR SANDER DRUM BRUSHER The organisation has expanded to include 9 subsidiaries and 21 agencies in 26 countries around the globe. Production takes place in four countries and is targeted to reach more and more markets. + 49 (0) 7034 / 127-0 - Info@janser.com - www.janser.com

FUTURA FLOORS

Committed to establishing a presence on the international market, Futura Floors produces and delivers its sustainable, natural and bespoke flooring throughout Europe. Operating a fleet of articulated lorries, Futura champions fast delivery to France, Luxemburg, Belgium and the DACH region. In addition, we export globally to Asia, Africa and the Americas. Creating a personalized, luxurious hardwood floor is our DNA. Our clients have a multitude of flooring options to select from, including solid wood flooring, mosaic and industrial parquet, multilayer parquet, decking planks for the outdoors and luxurious vinyl flooring. From a wide selection of beautiful colors to texture and design, Futura proudly meets growing demands for personalized flooring. Order your personalized floor for delivery within one to two weeks of order confirmation at : +49 (0) 9543 418 09-0 or visit www.futurafloors.com.

PALLMANN GMBH

Pallmann GmbH based in Würzburg is an international, premium manufacturer of wood flooring sundries for the installation, renovation and maintenance of wood flooring with roundabout 100 employees. As part of the Uzin Utz Group and with over 100 years of tradition, Pallmann offers system based product solutions for the entire installation or renovation process of wood flooring, from maintenance and cleaning, surface finishing, machines, adhesives, and sub-floor preparation products. In addition to high-quality products Pallmann offers a comprehensive technical and marketing sales team to support the wood flooring contractor. All products are developed and manufactured in close cooperation with customers. Pallmann’s signature products are the 2-component wood floor lacquer Pall-X 98 Gold and the solvent free Magic Oil product line. This year’s focus is the multi-coloured individualization of structured wood floors with the Pallmann Freestyle Collection and the celebration of the most successful 1-component wood floor lacquer in Europe: Pall-X 96. Pallmann is present in almost all countries of Europe, the United States of America, CIS countries as well as New Zealand and Australia. The annual production volume is approx. 3.000 tons. In 2019 the company realised a turnover of approx. 32 Mio Euro. + 49 (0) 931 27964-30 - www.pallmann.net

THE WORLD SANDS WITH LÄGLER

Decades of experience combined with the highest quality standards and own research and training facilities have made Lägler the leading manufacturer of floor sanding machines. Founded in 1956 and managed by the second generation, the independent family business has always been synonymous with innovation, quality, customer orientation and sustainability. With locations in Germany, the USA and a total of over 100 employees as well as sales and service partners on all continents, Lägler machines are now in use in over 120 countries around the world. Production takes place exclusively in Güglingen with an in-house production rate of approx. 80%. The required raw materials and components are manely manufactured and sourced from regional suppliers. However, the company does not limit itself to the production of machines "Made in Germany", but also offers its customers the unique Premium Sanding Training (PST®), a training concept for holistic support. For more information: +49 (0) 7135 9890-0 - www.laegler.com

OSMO: INNOVATION AS TRADITION

Many years ago, Osmo Holz und Color GmbH & Co. KG developed a new product in their own coating production: Polyx®-Oil Original. The wood coating is based on natural oils and waxes and offers durable protection for wooden floors and furniture in indoor areas. This product revolutionized the surface treatment of wood all over the world. In addition, the range has been expanded to include further interior products, products for the exterior and care and cleaning products for treated surfaces. Today, the Warendorf-based global player is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of modern wood products and specializes in the effective surface treatment of the natural material. + 49 (0) 25 81 - 922 – 219 www.osmo.de

MEISTERWERKE

MeisterWerke is a family oriented business which was founded in 1930. Under the leadership of Mr. Johannes Schulte, Guido Schulte (third generation) and Mr. Ludger Schindler, Meisterwerke now employs over 650 people and realizes an annual turnover of more than €150 million. MEISTER is the main brand and has a clear focus on wood specialist trade in DACH and export. Currently Meister exports its goods to more than 80 countries worldwide ranging from Taiwan, Chile to Iceland. The main products are laminate and parquet flooring, vinyl without vinyl floors, rigid core floors and panels. MEISTER has always focused on innovation and is the industry´s innovation leader with the unique flooring products Lindura and Nadura, based upon wood-powder technology. 2020 MEISTER renewed its parquet, laminate and vinyl without vinyl flooring collections and added a successful waterproof rigid flooring collection. 80% of the laminate flooring collection now is 4h up to 24h water resistant and therefore bathroom-proof. + 49 (0) 29 52 816-13 66 - www.meister.com

CARL PRINZ GMBH & CO. KG

With more than 130 years of experience and competence in the development and production of profile systems for floor coverings of all kinds, Carl Prinz GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading manufacturers in Europe. For years, the fortunes of the family company with headquarters in Goch (Lower Rhine Region) have been shaped by solid, continuous sales growth. There is a reason for the high demand for profile systems made by Prinz, because innovation has a tradition in Goch: Founded in 1890, Prinz enriched the development of profile systems nationally and internationally again and again with future-oriented ideas. Today Prinz offers one of the broadest product and accessory programs in Europe. Prinz has developed a unique variety of profile systems, lately especially for the growing market of design floorings and aluminium skirting boards for all types of flooring, most of which can even be mounted flush with the wall. Direct and indirect LED lighting is another trend that Prinz is taking into account with various stair nosings, skirting boards and an all-purpose LED channel. + 49 (0) 2823 9703 19 - www.carlprinz.de