Sandler celebrates significant milestone
Nearly 200 invited guests and the entire Sandler team came together for a festive event and summer celebration. The generational change in the Board of Directors marks not only a major milestone but also the beginning of a new chapter—shaped by tradition, innovation, and strong team spirit.
After 46 years, Dr. Sandler hands over to the fifth generation
After more than four decades at the helm, Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler has passed on leadership to the next generation. In a symbolic gesture, he presented his successor, Philipp Ebbinghaus, with an oversized nonwoven fabric key.
In his emotional farewell speech, Dr. Sandler expressed heartfelt thanks to his many long-time companions, with special recognition to his wife, Bärbl Sandler, who has supported him both personally and professionally for decades. He also offered words of gratitude to his sisters, Ellen Ebbinghaus and Dr. Martina Presch, members of the Supervisory Board.
A highlight of the evening was the tribute to Dieter Magiera, who has dedicated 55 years of loyal service to the company before now stepping into well-earned retirement.
Philipp Ebbinghaus takes over as new CEO
Philipp Ebbinghaus expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him by Dr. Sandler and the company. Over more than ten years, he has grown into his leadership role with the guidance of his uncle, whom he described as fully devoted to Sandler AG.
Ebbinghaus emphasized the values exemplified by Dr. Sandler: perseverance, striving for excellence, and, above all, genuine care for employees and their families. He also highlighted his strong collaboration with Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck and the broader management team.
Looking ahead, Ebbinghaus pointed to strategic investments, including a new nonwoven plant and an inter-factory bridge, as well as a sharpened focus on energy independence through alternative energy solutions. He also stressed the importance of digitalization, automation, and leveraging the strengths of Sandler’s international locations, including Perry, Georgia.
Tributes with warmth and humor
The succession was celebrated by distinguished guests and industry leaders. Michael Waasner, President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Upper Franconia, praised the smooth transition, while Bavaria’s State Secretary for Finance Martin Schöffel and District Administrator Dr. Oliver Bär underscored Sandler’s importance to the region: “Sandler is Schwarzenbach and Schwarzenbach is Sandler.”
In a special honor, Mayor Hans-Peter Baumann announced that an island in the Saale River will be named after Dr. Sandler.
Summer party for the Sandler Team
The celebration concluded with a summer party dedicated to the Sandler workforce—the true heart of the company. With regional food trucks, lively music, and plenty of laughter, employees joined together to toast both the outgoing and incoming management teams. The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, dancing, and memories that lasted well into the night.
