US farm with 93,000 hectares for sale: 10,000 cattle on 2 islands.
10,000 cattle, deer, bison, and a slaughterhouse in the middle of nowhere. One of the largest slaughterhouses in Alaska is located on the storm-battered Umnak Island.
Fliegl has experienced significant growth in recent years. We spoke with Josef sen., Angelika Fliegl, and Josef jun. Fliegl about the reasons behind this.
Fliegl originated from an agricultural operation and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. How much of the original DNA still remains in the company?
Josef Fliegl sen.: I was a farmer, and that has shaped everything. To this day, I am interested in creating practical solutions. I understand the challenges faced by farmers, speak with them, and am involved in practical work.
Our top priority is to have a direct ear with the customer. This way, we understand their needs and can develop new ideas that we ultimately implement in practical machines and equipment. Agriculture is deeply rooted in us - not only in me, but also in my children and employees. Many come directly from the farm or have close ties. Therefore, agriculture remains a strong part of our company's DNA.
Now, three generations are involved in the operational business of the family business. How do you manage to bring together the different interests?
Angelika Fliegl: Each of us is responsible for our own area - be it in commercial vehicles, construction and municipal technology, agricultural technology, agro-center, or grassland technology. Each contributes their full working capacity and expertise and makes independent decisions.
Despite this individual responsibility, we work together as a team and leverage synergies in development, production, material procurement, and sales. This allows us to pursue the same goal without much bureaucracy: to strengthen the group and our brand, and thus continually create new and innovative products for our customers.
The Fliegl Group now encompasses seven areas. What do you expect from this strategy?
Josef Fliegl jun.: We know that not all areas always have the same economic situation - whether in biogas, construction, or slurry technology. Through our wide product range, we can distribute our production capacities strategically and thus remain stable even in less favorable times. Our distribution partners know that they have a strong partner by their side, ultimately benefiting their customers.
Which sector is currently the most profitable in the group, and which is the most important?
Angelika Fliegl: Naturally, for each of us, the sector in which we operate is the most important. The agricultural sector is the most profitable with a turnover of €253 million.
With the acquisition of silage and loading wagons from Claas, Fliegl grassland technology was added. What prompted Fliegl to enter this segment?
Josef Fliegl jun.: We carefully considered this decision. In discussions with Claas, we found that this type of vehicle could be well integrated into our production processes. This allowed us to expand Fliegl into a full liner in transport technology, which is a significant step forward for us.
In addition to grassland technology, after acquiring Hoflader from Kaweco, there will now also be loaders from Fliegl. What are your plans here?
Angelika Fliegl: We plan to start production of the 2.5-ton model this year. The market will show us which types will be in demand in the future. Our range of attachments already includes many products for Hoflader. We now also offer the appropriate motorization.
Many major manufacturers are aiming for a longline concept. Fliegl seems to be on the right track. How do dealers react to this?
Josef Fliegl jun.: Our core competencies lie in transport technology for agriculture and road traffic - in logistics. In addition, we offer attachments and accessories for use on the farm, with the Hoflader being an ideal addition to our range. For our dealers, this means that they can cover a huge range of products with a competent partner, making collaboration even more valuable.
Many agricultural machinery companies and firms are currently in crisis. How much is Fliegl affected by the economic weakness in Germany, and what are the next steps?
Josef Fliegl jun.: Last year, in close collaboration with our distribution partners, we controlled inventory levels and avoided overstock. This allowed us to react to changing market conditions and introduce new products that had been in the pipeline for some time. We now offer our distribution partners an expanded product range, including new types of manure spreaders, tippers, push-off trailers, hooklift trailers, transport vehicles, slurry tanks, ground-level slurry application, and new attachments. One area that has long existed but has recently been further expanded is the Agrar Trucks & Trailer. Here, we have responded to changing market demands. We expect an overall record year in the agricultural sector by 2025.
What are your plans for the next 50 years?
Angelika Fliegl: It is difficult to look 50 years into the future. But one thing is certain: we want to maintain our flexibility and customer proximity in the coming decades. We aim to further expand our market presence in Germany, Europe, and worldwide. It is crucial to keep an eye on geographical disadvantages such as customs barriers and bureaucratic hurdles. We see this as a fundamental requirement to successfully continue the business group in the next generation.