Supply Chain Stability in Volatile Times: CEO Holger Ruban in Interview

Geopolitical Tensions and Their Impact

How do current trade conflicts affect Bürklin Elektronik?

"As a European distributor, we are not directly affected by US tariffs, but we clearly feel the impact of geopolitical tensions," explains CEO Holger Ruban. "Longer delivery times, rising procurement costs and more complex supply chains challenge us. Our response: reliable stock availability and transparent processes for our customers."

How do you assess China's increased Europe cooperation?

"This development brings opportunities in access to manufacturing capacities and portfolio expansions," says Ruban. "At the same time, we must not ignore dependencies and political risks. We therefore rely on a broadly diversified supplier base, strong European partnerships and conscious risk diversification."

Component Shortages and Strategic Inventory Management

Must customers prepare for renewed bottlenecks?

"The situation has relaxed since the chip crisis, but selective bottlenecks remain – especially for complex semiconductors and passive components," emphasizes the CEO. "We counter this with strategic inventory management, close manufacturer coordination and data-driven forecasts. Our customers benefit from over 75,000 immediately available items."

German Market Situation and New Opportunities

How do you assess the German market situation, particularly in the automotive industry?

"The automotive industry is undergoing fundamental change," analyzes Ruban. "Despite economic uncertainty, new opportunities are emerging in electromobility, charging infrastructure and autonomous driving. As a distributor, we actively help shape this transformation with technical know-how, broad product range and necessary flexibility."

Do you benefit from relaxed defense spending?

"We definitely see increasing demand in security and defense segments," confirms the CEO. "Components with military approvals are in higher demand than ever. We support our customers with years of experience and direct access to certified manufacturers."

Strategic Realignment and by.B Private Label

Do you observe strategic realignments among suppliers?

"Many automotive-focused companies are now systematically evaluating new markets – from defense to aerospace to medical technology," says Ruban. "We support this transformation with reliable distribution, technical consulting and industry-specific product ranges."

What role does the new private label by.B play?

"by.B is a strategic step for targeted business customer support with selected products and high availability," explains Ruban. "In the defense sector, we are intensively analyzing expansion opportunities while strictly observing regulatory frameworks."

Future Outlook for Germany and the Electronics Industry

How do you assess the industry's future?

"The electronics industry has central importance in all future sectors – from mobility transformation to digitalization to energy supply," the CEO looks ahead optimistically. "Germany has strong industry, excellent research and committed medium-sized companies. With innovation promotion, bureaucracy reduction and investments in education and infrastructure, Germany remains a strong European innovation hub."