Walter Winkler’s advice in challenging times (1)

WITRON founder Walter Winkler. Photo: WITRON

 

In the first part of the interview with Walter Winkler, we will talk about the anti-cyclical crisis management of the 86-year-old Upper Palatinate founder. And about what keeps the WITRON world united at its core.

Mr. Winkler, the current mood in the country is dominated by critical headlines. WITRON, however, is associated with innovation and growth. Can every crisis be managed, do we have too much German fear?

Walter Winkler: I think it is not current trends that count, but reflections over longer periods of time. To put things in context: 53 years ago, I founded my company with my wife and an apprentice. Three of us! Today, more than 7,500 people work for WITRON- around 2,500 of them in Parkstein. And we continue to grow. We design, implement, and operate distribution centers for customers throughout Europe, North America, and Australia. In all these years, there have always been times of upswing - but also times of national and international crisis. And one thing has always been apparent: 

“There’s no point getting upset about things you can’t influence - it’s a waste of time.”

In life, you always have to focus on the things where you can really make a difference. Rather than complaining, it has always been my motivation to take action and get things done - for my company, for my customers, and, above all, for my employees. Then you will be rewarded!”

Hostile conflicts nearby with global economic impacts. In addition, the new formation of a growing BRICS axis - the threat, which poses new challenges to the Western World. Are you concerned about this combination of factors?

Walter Winkler: It is obvious that there are many areas of conflict both globally and nationally, which certainly have an impact on society and the economy. Discussing these dynamics would exceed the bounds of this conversation. But I think we can all agree on one point: There will be a fundamental turning point in politics - whether the current protagonists like it or not. But I’m not a politician and I don’t want to be one. I am an entrepreneur. 

How do you assess the general conditions for companies in this political situation?

Walter Winkler: I built WITRON together with my employees - and it was important to me that my life’s work is continued. This is why I transferred my company to a foundation to ensure its continued existence in the long term. Specifically in tough economic times, the company should use its capital reserves to secure jobs. This is an invaluable asset and stable anchor for my employees. 

“I firmly believe that a company has a social responsibility in society.”

A responsibility far beyond profits  and quarterly reports. That was also the motivation for incorporating my company into a foundation. 


What advice would you give young entrepreneurs in these uncertain turbulent times?

Walter Winkler: I don’t believe in giving blanket advice from a distance. I can only say how I personally would proceed. When conditions are difficult, you have to cope better than others. Look, we do more than half of our business overseas. There were times when the poor dollar exchange rate made things difficult for us. Then, it doesn’t help to complain and get upset about it. 

WITRON founder Walter Winkler comments on the economic situation in Germany in a series of Echo interviews. Image: Jürgen Herda

 

How did you master this challenge?

Walter Winkler: We had to find ways to ensure that our systems were still economical for our customers - and we succeeded! 2008 was the time of the Lehman crisis. That’s when I decided to move forward, invest, and hire people. The Corona pandemic began in 2020 - followed by a resource crisis. And even then, we acted and invested anti-cyclically. The decisive factor is not the general conditions, but how you deal with them as an entrepreneur and company. 

 

Did you never have any concerns about not having enough work for your people in these times?

Walter Winkler: To be honest, one of my biggest concerns as an entrepreneur has always been to have enough work for my employees - regardless of whether times were good or difficult. This motivation has resulted in WITRON not having a single day of short-time working since the company was founded. But regardless of too much or too little work - when good people applied for a job, we hired them, because one principle has proven its worth: 
“We always have work for good people.”

The WITRON empire has also made rich the community of Parkstein. Image: WITRON

 

Walter Winkler, founder and patriarch of the company

“Over the years and decades, my role and my focus have obviously changed time and again”, says WITRON founder Walter Winkler, constantly redefining himself. “As a founder, I will always remain bound to the company - and will actively participate as long as I enjoy it.” 

What does he still contribute to the Parkstein-based family enterprise today?: “Today, I primarily focus on the strategic direction of WITRON”, he explains. “And, of course, the people and our corporate culture are very important to me.” Walter Winkler has invested a great deal of passion in the company - and has also received a great deal in return. 

“And what I enjoy the most”, the patriarch betrays: “A lot of WITRON employees experience it the same way I do.” WITRON is much more than just an attractive employer. “For many people, WITRON has become a professional and personal home.” And that applies across different ages and nationalities. 

“Whether in the Upper Palatinate, in Sydney, or in Chicago, in which I believe is the decisive factor when talking about a life’s work”. Walter Winkler’s reflects on his life’s work gathering out of the window of his three-sided Alpine-style country house, which his deceased wife Hildegard furnished to tastefully: The WITRON production area with a size of more than 220,000 square meters.“

Source: Walter Winklers Rat in Krisenzeiten (1): „Handeln statt jammern!“ | OberpfalzECHO