For over nine decades Teckentrup has blended tradition with advanced engineering to become an international market leader 

Teckentrup GmbH (Teckentrup) is an international door manufacturer based in Germany, boasting an impressive portfolio of customers. Its doors have been installed in theaters, recording studios, and even the UK’s MI5 and MI6 headquarters. Managing Director Christian Hanke outlines the company’s expertise and offerings: “Our products include garage doors, industrial doors, and hinge doors, particularly those with specialized functions such as fireproof hinge doors, smoke-proof hinge doors, and soundproof hinge doors. We can combine all these functions, making us one of the most specialized door manufacturers in the industry. Hinge doors with special functions account for between 70 and 80 percent of our business, while the remainder is made up of industrial and garage doors. We have been in this business for over 90 years as a family-run enterprise. We take great pride in the family-oriented culture that the company has nurtured throughout its history. We value maintaining close, open relationships not only with our employees but also with our customers.” 

Christian reflects on the success of the company’s recent merger with ABC: “This was a significant step in developing the right portfolio for the UK market. In the UK, we handle many direct projects, which means we not only design and manufacture specialist doors but also install and maintain them. ABC is the part of the business responsible for fitting and maintenance, and we are very happy with the progress this operation has made over the past year.” 

The company in Germany has also made recent investments that have yielded significant benefits. Christian elaborates: “Some of our buildings and machines were aging, so we decided to invest in constructing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Verl. We needed greater capacity to meet the increasing demand for our products. By introducing new machine lines equipped with advanced automation technology, we can offer customers competitive prices, passing on cost savings and ensuring we remain strong partners for our clients.” The new facility enhances efficiency while maintaining Teckentrup’s renowned craftsmanship. 

Christian continues: “We produce a wide variety of hinge door models, and one of the advantages of increasing automation is reducing the delivery time of some of these variances. In the new assembly lines, we aim to produce door types that serve multiple markets. Many commodity door markets can produce very inexpensive doors, so we need a high level of optimization in our facility to achieve competitive production costs while maintaining the superior quality our customers expect.” This strategic approach ensures Teckentrup remains a leader in both innovation and affordability. 

The introduction of new product lines has also been a key focus for the business. Christian explains some innovations that demonstrate Teckentrup’s adaptability: “We’ve reintroduced tubular frame doors into the German market to pair with our specialist hinge doors. Every year, we enhance the specialized functions of our products, whether it’s increased security or improved soundproofing. Over the past two years, we’ve also seen a growing demand for products that are easier and faster to install. This is especially important as many markets, including Germany, Spain, and the UK, are experiencing shortages of skilled door fitters. By designing products that are simpler to fit, we can enhance our market share and address a critical challenge for our customers.” 

However, the door manufacturing industry is not without its challenges, as Christian acknowledges: “Many industries face similar issues. Markets are becoming more open and competitive, which requires a clear vision and focused goals. We work closely with long-term partners to develop products together that align with market needs and to grow our market share collaboratively. 

“Some of the major challenges we face include finding highly skilled workers, which is a big problem across many industries. Securing favorable material prices in Germany can also be difficult, and managing the high cost of energy has become essential. Energy prices, in particular, remain a significant concern as they are currently very high in Germany. To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to adopt the right mindset. While it’s easy to be resistant to change, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement can lead to meaningful progress for the company. If you really recognize that change is something that will help the business, then facing these challenges head-on is no problem.” This attitude has helped the company maintain stable growth during a period when many of its local and international competitors have struggled. 

Looking ahead, Christian outlines the company’s goals for the remainder of the year: “We aim to strengthen our presence in our existing markets while also expanding our international footprint as we begin to reap the rewards of our investments. Securing the right projects will be pivotal to ensuring our continued growth both at home and overseas.” 

Christian also shares an ambitious vision for the next five years: “In five years, we expect to see significant growth and to have developed the business in line with our strategic plans. Our goal is to grow not only in Germany but also in other European national markets. I am confident that our growth strategies, which have included significant investments in new facilities as well as acquisitions of complementary businesses to help integrate the company into other national markets, will continue to yield positive results, enabling us to achieve these ambitious objectives.” 

Christian concludes by reiterating the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction: “We will remain focused on delivering high-quality, specialized products and maintaining strong relationships with our partners and customers. These values have driven our success for over 90 years, and they will continue to guide us into the future as we continue expanding.” With a legacy of excellence and a forward-thinking approach, Teckentrup is poised for sustained success in the global market.  

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