“Without industry, we will not be able to maintain our prosperity”
Grafenberg, Germany, October 29, 2025. Dr. Timm Kern, Member of Parliament for the FDP in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament, visited the RAMPF Group in Grafenberg to discuss the current challenges and opportunities facing industrial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The discussions were intensive and constructive, focusing on key topics: How can bureaucratic hurdles be reduced? How can skilled labor be secured? And what paths lead to sustainable business practices?
We are a typical company of the Swabian SME sector,
said CEO Michael Rampf as he welcomed Dr. Timm Kern to the RAMPF Group in Grafenberg. Since its founding in 1980, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing innovative solutions for a wide range of industries – from automotive and aerospace to mechanical engineering.
Yet in light of economic uncertainties, one central question arises: How can SMEs in the local Reutlingen district and Baden-Württemberg remain successful even in times of crisis?
Together with the management of RAMPF Holding – Michael Rampf, Matthias Rampf, and Horst Bader – as well as Peter Barwitzki (CEO) and Alexander Ege (CTO) of the group company RAMPF Advanced Polymers, Dr. Kern discussed the pressing issues facing industrial SMEs, particularly bureaucracy, securing skilled labor, and sustainable business practices.
RAMPF is internationally positioned, with locations in Germany, the USA, Canada, Japan, China, and Korea. Despite its global success, the Group remains deeply rooted in the region.
For us, sustainability means not only environmental protection, but also long-term relationships with employees and partners,
emphasized Matthias Rampf. Through the Rudolf Rampf Foundation, the company also supports social projects in Grafenberg.
A key topic of discussion was the shortage of skilled workers. Currently, 43 young people are completing their training at RAMPF. From day one, they are actively involved in the company, take responsibility for their own projects, and gain valuable practical experience.
We benefit greatly from our proximity to the universities in Reutlingen and Tübingen,
explained Peter Barwitzki.
Dr. Timm Kern was highly impressed by the company’s commitment. At the same time, he called for greater political recognition of the SME sector:
When a company with 10,000 employees runs into financial trouble, the government steps in with aid. But when 100 SMEs with 100 employees each face difficulties, it’s not the government that comes – it’s the insolvency administrator.
The company representatives voiced clear criticism of increasing bureaucracy.
We now have entire departments dealing solely with reporting and certifications,
said Michael Rampf, referring to the Supply Chain Act and the EU REACH regulation.
Alexander Ege added:
We have to register new substances daily for sustainability reporting, even though we’re already far ahead in terms of sustainability. This puts European companies at a clear competitive disadvantage.
Dr. Timm Kern, who will run for the FDP in the Hechingen-Münsingen constituency in the 2026 state election, shared the concerns of the business leaders:
The decisive question is: Do we still want industry in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and Europe? Without industry, we will not be able to maintain our prosperity. It’s high time that political decision-makers realize that for our SME sector, it’s three minutes to midnight.
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Stimulating exchange between politics and business: Member of State Parliament Dr. Timm Kern (center) with Michael Rampf (left) and Matthias Rampf.