Video: Lindemann KG discusses automation and sustainability at boot 2025
At boot Düsseldorf 2025, Franz Lindemann, managing director of Robert Lindemann KG, spoke about the company’s evolution, commitment to innovation and focus on sustainability.
The family-run marine distributor, established in Germany in 1931, continues to adapt to changing demands while maintaining its roots in long-term partnerships and quality service.
In the video above, Lindemann explains to presenter Matt Forbes how the company began with his great-grandfather selling products from a suitcase. By the 1970s, Lindemann KG had shifted focus to polyester sailcloth, which laid the foundation for their current extensive product range.
“If you think about it, when you need sailcloth, you also need hardware, eyelets, ropes,” says Lindemann, describing how the firm expanded into complementary products. Today, Robert Lindemann KG’s Hamburg-based facility manages over 16,000 SKUs, catering to both marine and industrial clients.
A key aspect of Lindemann’s success is its focus on continuous improvement. “In 2001, we introduced a more automated warehouse system, very software-driven,” Lindemann notes. Now, the company is preparing for its next leap: a fully automated warehouse that will double picking and shipping speed and significantly increase inventory capacity. “We’re always thinking about how we can support our customers,” he adds.
While the company’s expertise lies in the marine industry, the durability of its products, such as stainless steel components and robust fabrics, has attracted clients from other sectors requiring high-quality, long-lasting materials. “We serve the entire European market, but the world is not excluded,” says Lindemann.
Sustainability is also a growing priority. Lindemann emphasises the shift among suppliers towards incorporating recycled materials and greener production practices. “It’s not just about environmental responsibility – it makes economic sense,” he says, noting how waste materials are increasingly being reincorporated into new products.
Lindemann KG’s long-term relationships with suppliers reflect its ethos of fostering lasting business connections. One notable partnership is with Barton Marine, which spans nearly 50 years. “It’s a people’s business,” Lindemann remarks. “The relationship started with my grandfather, continued with my father, and now with me. Barton’s ability to adapt quickly and improve their products mirrors our own approach.”
As the company moves forward, Lindemann identifies climate change and sustainability as the “megatrends” and challenges shaping the industry. However, by maintaining its focus on innovation and automation, he says, Lindemann KG is well-positioned to adapt and continue serving both its marine and industrial clients.
