Sometimes things turn out differently than you’d expect: In 2020, Silke Eiche ended up at Fuchshuber Techno-Tex more or less by chance – and it turned out to be a stroke of luck for both sides. She was hired as an accountant and right hand to the management; today she’s an all-rounder responsible for finance, HR, and largely for administration and IT. She particularly enjoys looking back on an "adrenaline-fueled" project when a customer requested compliance with DIN ISO 14001 and this was successfully implemented at the company. With a strong team spirit and the approach “use the group” – Fuchshuber is part of the Concordia Group – she sees growth opportunities in the field of occupational safety and even in sports. One thing is certain: wherever protection is needed, Fuchshuber has an answer.
How long have you been with the company? What brought you here?
I’ve been with the company since June 2020. My previous employer was heavily affected by COVID and the ups and downs of the automotive industry, so I started looking for something new. I applied for a specific role through a recruitment agency, but when I came in for the interview, that position had already been filled. In hindsight, that was lucky – they offered me a position at Fuchshuber Techno-Tex instead. The management at the time was looking for someone with bookkeeping expertise who could also serve as their right hand.
So you don’t have a background in textiles?
No, not at all! I studied business administration and worked in auditing and tax consulting. During my family phase, I did training in property management – that was a good fit at the time. I returned to a permanent position through accounting, which eventually led me to Fuchshuber. By now, of course, I know the difference between knitted and woven fabrics – and a bit more!
What are your responsibilities today?
The company has had a new managing director since April 2024 – Rüdiger Reuter. My tasks and role have changed several times over the past four years. Above all, my area of responsibility has steadily expanded. I am responsible for administrative tasks as well as finance and HR. Everything from ordering pens to managing rental agreements, insurance policies, or company car leases falls under my scope. I also act as the liaison between all company IT needs and our IT service providers. Since 2022, I’ve also taken on the role of quality and environmental management representative. When we were without a managing director for a few months, I temporarily filled that role. I was glad to hand it over again when Mr. Reuter came on board! I have grown with my responsibilities, but I still see my role as a supportive one within the company. And I enjoy working with colleagues. Being in a leadership position can be quite lonely.
Speaking of leadership – do you notice a difference between male and female leaders?
Yes, definitely. But before going into detail: I’ve had positive experiences with both. I personally find female leadership styles to be more communicative. Thoughts are shared more openly, and input is actively sought. I appreciate that, because I like being a sparring partner. What impresses me about Mr. Reuter is that he tackles everything he sets out to do – he doesn’t just sit on things. One funny anecdote, because it’s so stereotypical: I had to remind one of our female managing directors multiple times that the lease on her company car was about to expire. She ignored all the dealership’s “warnings” until they pointed out she wouldn’t have a car the following week. So, she just went over and picked a new one off the lot – whatever happened to be there. That would never have happened with any of my male superiors!
Did you ever meet Friedrich Fuchshuber, the company’s founder?
No, I didn’t meet the namesake of our company while he was still active. We only met in person at the company’s 40th anniversary celebration last July. We had spoken on the phone several times, especially while I was trying to find out the exact founding date of the company. No one knew how old Fuchshuber Techno-Tex really was. I started doing some digging. Mr. Fuchshuber didn’t remember specific dates, and different authorities weren’t able to help – until I called the Sparkasse bank. They handled our first business account and still had our business registration on file. I made that discovery in July 2023, just a few days before the 39th anniversary, and was able to email Mr. Fuchshuber: “Next year, the company turns 40.”
What have been your personal highlights at Fuchshuber?
A major public tender required the company to meet not only DIN ISO 9001 but also DIN ISO 14001. I was appointed as the quality and environmental management representative and, together with the team, worked for several months to meet the necessary requirements. We were successfully certified under DIN ISO 14001 in October 2022. I truly value the team spirit here. Three years ago, we started hosting a summer and a winter event. It began with a simple barbecue and has since grown into full-on team activities: last time we went rafting on the Neckar River, another time canoeing on the Danube, and more. What’s the advantage of the setup between Fuchshuber and Concordia? We can do more – we’ve got more “power.” The “use the group” approach benefits us greatly, and I see us increasingly taking advantage of that. It’s also reflected in our logo, which has been harmonized with Concordia’s. Times are tough right now.
Where do you see opportunities for Fuchshuber nonetheless?
We need to broaden our customer base – in public institutions, businesses, and especially in the area of occupational safety. The professionals in those roles usually know exactly what they need and often have a direct line to management. I also see major opportunities in sports. The better the materials, the more athletes push their limits – and the more protection they need. Even in recreational sports, abrasion-resistant materials, for instance, can be a real advantage.