Every German knows the markers from Edding. But the stationery manufacturer stands for much more than these pens: sprays, invisible QR codes, tattoos. Edding boss Per Ledermann explains why Edding suddenly also offers nail polish and what consequences the crisis has had for the company.
In 2020, the majority of people were sitting at home and the offices were empty. A hard blow for the stationery manufacturer Edding, which is best known for its whiteboard markers: The company made 125.7 million euros in sales, 16 million less than in the previous year. “Of course this is a huge challenge for all of us in the short term,” says Per Ledermann. The managing director of Edding and the son of the co-founder Volker Ledermann is convinced “that traditional hardware sales for the office will continue to be lower” and that “the world will never be the same again will look like it did before the crisis “.
Nevertheless, in Ledermann’s opinion, this change can also be seen as an opportunity: “We have also worked for decades in an industry that was rather dusty and boring. Now we’re talking about the Future of Work. And how cool is that actually, in such a sector sexy area to be? ” What is meant is: Edding has long tried beyond pencils and tried it with completely different products. Among other things, a subsidiary of the company has developed an ink that can contain digital information. These can then be read by a smartphone.
Edding also makes nail polish and tattoo ink
Edding is also present in other areas, some of which are unexpected – such as nail polish or tattoo ink. This expansion is the work of Ledermann, who, since taking over as boss in 2004, has been trying to lead Edding step by step away from the office supplies manufacturer and towards new products. This strategy has helped the company weather the crisis. The products for creative design for the home, for example, were in high demand during the pandemic, “because people did not go on vacation and instead just spent the time at home,” says Ledermann.
Also listen to the new episode of “Zero Hour”:
- Whether the Edding employees were also allowed to work from home
- Whether Ledermann’s father has been involved in the business since the takeover
- What new products Edding is planning
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
