Hidden Champion Ventana
Success with expertise, quality & employer attractiveness
Windows that are too small, too large or too unusual - there is no such thing for Ventana Deutschland GmbH & Co KG. The company from Vreden is Germany's market leader in the production of special windows made of PVC and is one of the leading suppliers worldwide. The specialist has also established itself in the field of lift-and-slide doors.
So it comes as no surprise that Ventana is one of the "hidden champions" according to a study conducted by the NRW Ministry of Economics in 2021. But why "hidden"? Well, the company is very well known and in demand in its sector, but the general public rarely knows the company name.
This is because Ventana sells its products and services exclusively to window manufacturers. "What is too complicated or costly for others, we take on," says Stefan Schwanekamp, managing partner. "After all, many manufacturers do not make custom products because they rely on automation. But we have not only the necessary machines and expertise, but above all well-trained employees, and we also focus on training our own junior specialists." The customers do not have to name Ventana as the manufacturer. So it often happens that the building owners themselves do not know that their slanted window under the roof or their sliding door to the terrace comes from Vreden. The business model has worked - for more than 25 years.
In Münsterland, Ventana in turn is a household name to many people. Because the company has earned a reputation as a modern, responsible and family-friendly employer. To find out how the special window specialist became a hidden champion and attractive employer, we take a look at its history.
From small family business to market leader in 6 years
In 1996, the Pennekamp family and Stefan Schwanekamp founded Ventana. From the very beginning, Petra Pennekamp (partner), Judith Pennekamp (managing partner) and her husband Stefan Schwanekamp (managing partner) have lent a hand themselves. "This means that we are still close to the product today," emphasises Judith Pennekamp.
The company starts with six employees. The initial plan is to establish itself on the market as a pure bending specialist. But bending is not the end of the story, because customers are increasingly asking for welded blanks and completely hinged windows. The first bending tables in production are self-designed one-offs.
The number of customers is rising steadily. The result: just six years after its foundation, Ventana becomes Germany's largest company specialising in special windows made of plastic; in terms of turnover and workforce.
Growth at all levels
The manufacturer is also growing in other areas. In 2009, for example, Ventana adds lift-and-slide doors to its portfolio. In the following years, sales offices are also established in Italy, France and for the Netherlands. Production continues to take place at the domestic plant in Vreden, as the logistics are well positioned internationally. With sister companies in the USA and Poland, Ventana has a good international presence.
When the number of employees increases to 150 in 2012, the rented hall reaches its limits. The company needs a new home. The result is a building that is designed to offer an attractive workplace thanks to efficient 2-street production, an in-house canteen, the Glücksfabrik large day care centre and appealing social rooms. "Above all, our Glücksfabrik is a special feature - the facility with a modern pedagogical concept and custom-fit offer for young parents was previously uncharted territory in the district of Borken," says Judith Pennekamp, managing partner.
Unchecked - despite the pandemic
Even the pandemic is not getting Ventana down: With the introduction of the new internal social network "heartbeat", communication was not only maintained, but significantly improved. All employees are always provided with news and the communication culture has been strengthened despite the pandemic. Furthermore, a new product line will be introduced at the beginning of 2020. For the first time, the company is manufacturing lift-slide doors and folding systems from a material other than plastic: aluminium. "For 3.5 years now, it is impossible to imagine our product variety without the new material. Products like the lift-and-slide doors, folding systems and special windows made of aluminium are the perfect complement to special window construction made of plastic," explains Stefan Schwanekamp, managing partner.
Despite some stumbling blocks brought about by the crisis, there is cause for celebration in 2021: the 25th anniversary of the company. It will not only be celebrated with a digital anniversary party, but also with a new website, an image film and more. In 2022, the big celebration can then also take place with all employees plus partners - a highlight at the end of the anniversary year.
Promising prospects for the future
In 2023, the signs at Ventana continue to point to growth and development: the go-ahead is given for the expansion of the site. "Of course, we would like to expand our capacities with the new building, but the well-being and further development of our 270 employees are also of great concern to us," says Stefan Schwanekamp, Managing Partner. Plans include, for example, a training workshop, the Ventana Academy and rooms for company health management. In this way, the hidden champion also feels well prepared for the increasing shortage of skilled workers.
