Interview with Tobias Hollmann

Tobias Hollmann, Vice Head of Sales Specialty Chemicals at STOCKMEIER
STOCKMEIER

Can you give us a brief introduction to the STOCKMEIER Group? 

The STOCKMEIER Group stands for the reliable supply of products and services for all types of chemicals throughout Europe. STOCKMEIER Chemie is one of the top distributors in Europe. Over the past 100 years, the STOCKMEIER Group has developed from a regional trading company to an international group of companies with over 1,400 employees at 51 locations worldwide. Despite diversification and strong growth, STOCKMEIER retains the character of a value-oriented family business firmly rooted in East Westphalia

STOCKMEIER has grown significantly in recent years. Does this also apply to specialty chemicals? 

Since its foundation in 2004, the Specialty Chemicals division has also recorded gratifying and continuous growth. As a solution-oriented partner, our team of application engineers and experienced business people not only offers our customers outstanding products and solutions for the respective application, but also provides our customers with comprehensive know-how regarding recipe development and the implementation of regulatory requirements at all times. 

What is your strategy for the coming years? 

The overriding goal of our actions is the comprehensive supply and support of our customers. With this in mind, we intend to drive forward the expansion of our specialty chemicals trading business and continue our international expansion.

We are striving for a continuous, strategic expansion of our portfolio in order to be able to provide our customers with even more comprehensive solutions in the fields of Personal Care, Industrial & Home Care and CASE. In addition, we are constantly opening up new segments.

Which products do you rely on as a distributor in the Home Care / I&I sector? 

The demands placed on products in the Home Care / I&I sector are subject to constant change. Various trends and environmental policy findings are currently leading to a change in the attitudes of many customers. The priorities for purchasing decisions are shifting noticeably. We are therefore increasingly focusing on products that contain palm oil from a certified source and no microplastic. There is also a growing demand for products that have not been tested on animals, contain little water and are packaged in an environmentally friendly way. Products that save resources and protect the environment are the products of the future.

What new resources do you have in your portfolio? 

On June 1, 2019, we entered into a long-term partnership with Ashland Industries Deutschland GmbH for the home care market in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Ashland’s extensive product range includes opacifiers, rheology modifiers, rinse aids and wetting agents, which are used in various cleaning agents such as floor cleaners, window and commercial cleaners, car and industrial cleaners.

Are you interested in further product representations? 

We are always interested in the constant further development and diversification of our product portfolio and are therefore constantly on the lookout for partners who can effectively supplement our portfolio with high-performance products. 

What major changes do you currently see in the market? 

The service provided alongside the product is becoming more and more important and is increasingly appreciated by customers. Intensive support, e.g. the implementation of a long-term project, is the key to a close partnership. The goal must be to be a solution provider and supporter for the customer at the same time and to always keep an eye on the customer’s needs.

What are the next steps for STOCKMEIER in the Home Care / I&I sector? 

We will continue on our growth path and continue to be enthusiastic and passionate about the market with our products. The maintenance of our producer partner cooperations and our customer relationships is our top priority.

In addition, we want to establish innovative products in niche applications and regularly evaluate new business areas that could be of interest to us in order to further support our sustained growth.