DURABLE is a family-run medium-sized company with a 100-year tradition. Since its foundation, the company, based in Germany, has been developing and selling products and solutions for the workplace. Initially focusing on the office, DURABLE now also offers ranges for events, orientation, protection and hygiene and logistics. DURABLE has an international sales network and has also been increasingly active in Eastern Europe for several years.
Interview Oliver Dietrich, Vice President Export Sales DURABLE.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company.
Oliver Dietrich: DURABLE stands for quality, design and functionality. The main areas are office supplies, information and orientation, facility and warehouse equipment as well as solutions for the new work trends.
E.E: What’s the news for 2021?
O.D: Due to the international pandemic, DURABLE was forced, especially in 2020, to offer new products at short notice to meet the needs of customers in the area of hygiene and protection. This was successfully achieved with the conversion of individual production areas and the revision of products. We will continue to work on this in 2021. In addition, developments in the area of new work, mobile and flexible as well as ergonomic working have gained momentum. We are also concentrating on this. We are also expanding our range in the area of logistics and warehousing.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
O.D: Some markets for DURABLE have declined or are at a standstill due to the general situation. This includes, for example, event management with name badges and signage. In contrast, there are sectors such as logistics and hygiene protection products that are growing. The market is undergoing a very big change for us right now.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
Especially in the area of New Work, working environments are characterised by mobility, flexibility and ergonomics. Data protection is more in the foreground due to mobile working. Co-working, activity-based working and remote working approaches are continuously changing office layouts. Digitisation is also advancing, which is why classic organisational tools are becoming less and less common in everyday working life. Overall, the trend continues to be towards holistic solutions.
E.E: What are the most innovative products?
O.D: Our most innovative products serve the changes mentioned. For example, our Tablet Holder is a perfect tool for mobile working or working from home. Furthermore, it can be used for any private purpose (cooking, smart home control) and can also be used in warehousing, logistics or production. With the DURAFRAME info frame, we have a successful product that can be used almost anywhere thanks to its versatile properties for professional signage and information. Our LUCTRA range of luminaires also deserves special mention. We have combined the latest LED technology, timeless design and the best lighting quality. Here we follow the approach of Human Centric Lighting, which focuses on the lighting needs of the user.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2021?
O.D: 2021 will certainly be a difficult year. Hoping to get the pandemic under control in the coming months, our goal is to consolidate our business result. 2019 was a very successful year for DURABLE. It will not be possible to build on that this year. But we will work diligently on it.