Erich Neuland: an entrepreneur turns 70
From tinkerer's workshop to industry leader
They still exist: the stories of successful companies that begin with idealism and a pioneering spirit in a small workshop. Senior boss Erich Neuland looks back and tells his own story. Born in Hesse in 1941, school, apprenticeship as a machine fitter, military service, starting a family… the beginnings of young Erich Neuland read like nothing out of the ordinary. But what followed was remarkable and of lasting success: in 1968, he founded a company in the construction industry – initially together with his brother Rudi. Material know-how, a spirit of experimentation, and expertise gained in this sector provided a solid foundation for new goals in the late 1970s, as the dynamic inventor Erich Neuland became increasingly captivated by a particular material: aluminum. Versatile, aesthetic, functional, lightweight, yet robust.
So it's no wonder that, with the help of aluminum, he's solving a problem that has plagued generations of trainers in his "inventor's workshop" in Eichenzell, Hesse. A call from a management trainer friend requesting a portable pinboard sparked his passion: he needed exactly 48 hours to design an ingeniously simple product: the world's first foldable pinboard, for practical transport from one seminar location to the next.
After this success, the idea wouldn't let him go: For two years, he observed and supplied the highly exciting market for continuing education. He spoke with trainers, examined their existing teaching materials for weaknesses, tinkered, and finally made a decision at the end of the 1970s: This market was ripe for a dynamic, future-oriented company that looked far beyond the traditional confines of blackboard and chalk.
Erich Neuland: "I am not a lone wolf!"
Today, the Rhön Industrial Park employs over 140 people, and a global network of partners, customers, and associates has been established. His two children, Sabine and Guido Neuland, have long been on board as well, managing the customer dialogue and marketing/sales divisions, respectively. When Erich Neuland was honored as "Entrepreneur of the Year" in 2008, he summed up his philosophy perfectly: "I'm not a lone wolf! Our company functions like a team sport: without my family and dedicated employees, success in the market would be impossible!"
Since its construction on a greenfield site in the late 1990s, Neuland has experienced continuous growth, weathered the crises in Europe without losses, and remains committed to its production facilities in Germany. "Made in Germany" is a quality standard for Neuland, valued by customers worldwide. And that's how it will stay!
Today, Erich Neuland has reason to celebrate: he turns 70. And his passion for invention still drives him. Spaces for seminars, conferences, and lectures, halls, and banquet rooms still require unique concepts to guide people and companies from dialogue to success. And Erich Neuland develops this dialogue and, in doing so, shapes success.
Congratulations!