Fischer Panda GmbH (damals, Icemaster GmbH) is 25 - Memories and thoughts on the anniversary

No one could foresee the state the firm would be in today when Fischer Panda GmbH was established in 1977. The core of the business has changed many times over the years.

Those involved at Fischer Panda GmbH in 1986 with the development of a new type of water-cooled generator knew that great advantages would be achieved with this new product in comparison to other available generators. The new generator was smaller, lighter and quieter. This is the main point of argument when installing a generator into a yacht. There was great confidence in the future. By chance, BMW-Marine, in the same year, stopped producing marine propulsion units. This resulted in the opportunity to use the take-over Fischer. They had supplied exclusively to BMW-Marine-Division up to this point. The brand name Fischer was complemented by the term Panda . The term Fischer Panda was recognised as an independent name.

Initially, there were problems over a long period of time with the WWF (World Wide-life Foundation). This international organisation made claim to all connected to the name Panda . After years of legal wrangling Icemaster won their case. Icemaster Ltd was able to sell almost 400 products in the first year. Competent distribution partners were found in the most important countries, which attributed to the success. Meanwhile, these distribution partners in 38 countries are of immeasurable value to Icemaster. All Partners that joined the family in the initial year are still with us today. During the initial years there were occasionally distribution problems, which could only be compensated with a great deal of effort. Our distribution partners have always proved they are very loyal partners and contributed considerable to high level of service.

The most important decision regarding the future development of the company was made in 1991, when a portion of the production was transferred to the city of Allenstein in Poland. Zygmunt Zarna proved to be a partner who built up the company with indescribable industry. The company based in Poland, today, can be described as the stalwart of Icemaster. The Polish company was situated in simple provisionally fitted space. In the following years, all means of investment was consequently made, and now the factory as a production area in its own factory grounds amounting to approximately 14.000 m and factory of 4.000 qm. Meanwhile, a machine park with the most modern equipment is available. This includes CNC-controlled grinding- and Bore machines, CNC-controlled lathes, a CNC-Laser- cutting machine for stainless steel (a further machine is to be ordered in the next few weeks), several controlled bevel and bending machines and numerous conventional lathes, grinding machines, cutting machines and other fittings.

A further milestone was the founding of an independent Representative in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Swiss firm Katagan are shareholders. After an initial period, the USA Representatives known as Fischer Panda Inc. were soon immensely important for the distribution of Panda Generators. The company , which meanwhile employs 15 highly qualified employees, is managed by Tony Rushton and his brother Ashley Rushton, and is in an excellent state. Meanwhile Fischer Panda USA account for 29 percent of the turnover of Icemaster Ltd and growing. Fischer Panda Inc. has just invested 1.2 Million US in a new factory area and will cement its future with the products from Paderborn.

It would be necessary to mention more distributor partners. If all were to be considered to whom Icemaster is obliged. Above all, it should be said that lengthy friendship binds practically all distribution partners, which includes families and social area. The company Icemaster and the brand Fischer Panda can look back proudly at their achievement, which is to a great part the success of the distribution partner, who pass the product on to the consumer with much enthusiasm, extraordinary loyalty and pleasure. The employees in Paderborn are proud to be able to work with these distributors. From the management s viewpoint, the great efforts shown by the employees over the years should be mentioned. There were more difficult times than the present at Icemaster in Paderborn. Even during this period of time, all employees have remained consolidated. Many names should be mentioned here. We now see a solid company in Paderborn, which is well equipped for the future. If the wind is currently in our sails then we should be happy and be grateful that this is the case. We know that the wind can change direction. If we all hold firm together then the enthusiasm and pleasure to work will remain, and we will be in a good position to continue the favourable course.

The managing directors are Jürgen Mertens und Stephan Backes. Jürgen Mertens founded the company in 1977. Stephan Backes, who has a degree in higher engineering for electronics, has been employed with Icemaster since 1993. Stephan Backes has been a shareholder and director since 1996.