Meet Nadja Birkner

At Stahl, our story is crafted not just by the products we create, but by the talented individuals who bring them to life and the teams that support our company’s growth. In this latest edition of ‘People of Stahl,’ we catch up with Nadja Birkner, who became a part of our team through the acquisition of Weilburger Graphics in 2024. 

1. How long have you been with Stahl? What first attracted you to the company?  

I became part of Stahl just over six months ago, following the acquisition of Weilburger Graphics in October 2024. 

What originally drew me to Weilburger Graphics was its dynamic culture and the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled, passionate professionals. I’m happy to say that this hasn’t changed with the acquisition – the same spirit continues, and the integration has only strengthened it.  

2. What is your role? Can you share an interesting fact about the work you do?  

I lead the Purchasing Department at our local site in Gerhardshofen while also handling category-specific procurement tasks as part of Stahl’s global team. 

One of the interesting aspects of my role is the close collaboration it involves, both across internal departments and with suppliers around the world. It gives me a broad understanding of the business and the chance to contribute value beyond just cost savings. Another key responsibility is ensuring smooth operations, especially when global disruptions impact supply chains. In those moments, quick adjustments and strong teamwork are essential to keep everything running. 

3. What do you like most about working at Stahl, and what are the biggest challenges?  

One of the things I enjoy most about working at Stahl is the open and direct communication with colleagues across the global team. It creates a collaborative atmosphere where working together feels natural and productive. Additionally, I value the flexibility and willingness to adapt to new situations, which helps us to stay resilient even in uncertain times. 

One of the bigger challenges after the acquisition has been integrating different systems, processes, and ways of working. While it’s exciting to bring together new teams and expertise, aligning cultures and building a shared vision can take time and commitment. The key is striking the right balance between preserving what’s working well and embracing positive change. 

4. How does your work support Stahl’s purpose: Touching lives, for a better world?  

My role supports Stahl’s purpose by ensuring we source materials and products that align with the company’s focus on quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. By working with suppliers who share these values, we’re able to build responsible and efficient supply chains. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that our work has a positive impact, creating value in ways that benefit both people and the planet. 

5. If you were CEO of Stahl for the day, what would you do?  

If I were CEO for a day, I’d use the opportunity to reflect on how our structure is evolving, especially now that Stahl has welcomed several new companies into the group. With so many new teams and talents joining, it might be a good moment to explore how we can make cooperation even more intuitive and effective across the organization. The goal would be to build on the strong foundation already in place and support our continued growth as a unified team.  

6. How do you spend your free time outside of work?  

Outside of work, one of my main pursuits is renovating an old stable building into a home. It’s a project that takes up a lot of my time, but I genuinely enjoy the process of transforming a space full of character into something I can truly call my own. It’s both challenging and rewarding.  

Thanks for sharing your story, Nadja! We are proud of our people who make a difference every day and strive for excellence together. Stay tuned for more 'People of Stahl' features!