In a production area of over 1000 m², Quadrat P develops and creates interior fittings for the restaurant and cinema industries. The entire implementation process is handled in-house. Founder and owner Philipp Blender (36) explains: “We are professionals in joinery, light and sound installation, and we have our own in-house metalworking department. We also implement custom lighting concepts ourselves, both on the hardware and software side, with our own control system construction.” Clients include the Enchilada Group, for whom the Münster-based company has created many restaurants across Europe. The company is also a top address throughout Europe for cinema design.
Blender founded his company in 2006. His first employee was Benedikt Pier (34), who is responsible for 3D design. Christoph Stöppelmann (39) then joined the team. He takes care of production planning and technology. In my conversation with the three of them, I get a candid insight into a company that is forging exciting new paths.
"People are the most important thing"
Quadrat P has been at its current location since 2020, and the team has since tripled in size to an impressive 26 employees, including four apprentices. Blender: “I am passionate about providing training within our own company.” The apprentices earn significantly above the standard rate and benefit from other perks. Just like all other colleagues, they receive a company car and a fuel card. Breakfast and drinks are also provided by the company.
Another interesting point: in the joinery workshop, there are no hourly wages, only salaries. Anyone who thinks this means working endless hours is mistaken. “We don't do overtime here.” Of course, there might be a 10-hour day on-site for an installation, for example. But this extra time is then compensated for afterwards. Philipp Blender: “People are the most important thing. Burning them out is not an option.”
Team Development: Systematic Improvement
In the view of Philipp Blender, Benedikt Pier, and Christoph Stöppelmann, making mistakes is always part of the process when there's a high degree of personal responsibility. But to ensure that the same or similar mistakes don't happen repeatedly and that lessons are learned, the entire team meets every Monday at 7:00 a.m. in the break room. Stöppelmann: “That's where we have an open exchange as equals. If there are problems, everyone should know about them. That's the only way the team can learn.”
A Consistent Path to Digitalization
From measurement to installation, Quadrat P operates almost entirely paper-free. All job information is available in the project management software Trello and is maintained there with great consistency. Philipp Blender: “This tool is the linchpin of our company.” In line with this commitment, all team members have an iPhone and an iPad.
Clients receive an impressive 3D visualization as standard, created by Benedikt Pier using Cinema 4D. Once an order is placed, digital measurements are taken with Flexijet 3D. Philipp Blender always brings back all the data from the on-site appointment in 3D and saves it in Trello. Based on this data, the jobs are then developed in detail: design in AutoCAD and transfer to F4 Design, the furniture generator from the Felder Group. From there, the jobs are passed on to F4 Integrate, also a Felder-owned CNC software, where the nesting programs and other CNC machining processes are generated.
Modern Technology, a Trusted Technology Partnership
In 2021, Quadrat P invested in a nesting and storage combination, consisting of a 4-axis Format4 Profit H100 nesting CNC and a Barbaric CSF storage system. In addition, a fully equipped Format4 Tempora F600 60.06L edgebander with GlueBox technology has been in operation since May 2023. The GlueBox applies a thin PUR adhesive strip from a roll between the edge and the workpiece, fusing the two components together. The heat activation of the adhesive ensures optimal adhesion and bonding. This technology eliminates the need for a glue pot and the associated maintenance. In its first few months, the machine has already processed more than 5,000 linear meters of edges using the PUR adhesive from the roll. The joint quality is excellent. Furthermore, the Tempora features a hot-melt glue pot that can be swapped in just a few simple steps, allowing for easy alternating operation with the GlueBox.
Since 2015, they have maintained a technology partnership built on trust with the Greven branch of the Felder Group. Philipp Blender and his colleagues are delighted: “The collaboration with Felder is always based on trust and is constructive. We greatly appreciate their expertise and the direct line of communication. After all, we have grown successfully with and also because of Felder.”
