Rising energy costs, high price pressure, and international competition: Anyone talking about production in Germany today almost automatically discusses whether it is still economically viable. Many companies long ago found their answer and relocated their manufacturing abroad.
MV-Versand is deliberately taking a different path.
The company continues to produce in Germany, even though at first glance there are many arguments against it. This is not driven by nostalgia or the desire for a nice label for the shop, but rather by a clear commitment to quality, control, and reliability.
For this article, I spoke with Andrea Kassirra about why MV-Versand sticks to this path and what experiences have shaped this decision.
For MV-Versand, Germany was never just a location
Production in Germany was never a topic that required special explanation at MV-Versand. It was simply part of their way of working. Short distances, direct exchange, influence over materials and processing, and the ability to closely monitor quality were part of their standards from the very beginning.
For Andrea Kassirra, it was clear early on that production abroad would not automatically be the better solution. The question of how a product is actually finished and whether materials and quality can be reliably controlled was too important.
"Actually, I was skeptical about production abroad from the very beginning."
This skepticism was not just a gut feeling. It was directly related to what defines MV-Versand: offering products that the company can stand behind with full conviction.
Nevertheless, the question became louder over time
Over the years, however, the topic could no longer be ignored. Especially at trade fairs and congresses, it became increasingly clear how strongly the market is pushing toward cheaper production. Foreign suppliers repeatedly sought contact, and numerous offers arrived by email.
Andrea Kassirra still remembers this very clearly:
"At numerous trade fairs and congresses, we were approached again and again by foreign companies."
And it didn't stop at conversations on-site.
"In addition, we were literally flooded with emails offering supposedly cheaper production abroad."
At some point, the question of whether this option should at least be seriously considered was raised in a very sober manner at MV-Versand as well. Not because the conviction for the German location had disappeared, but because economic developments cannot be ignored.
On paper, many things initially made a good impression
In the next step, MV-Versand contacted various foreign suppliers, obtained quotes, and had samples produced. During this phase, there were initial arguments in favor of considering the possibility. Communication was fast, friendly, and reliable. Samples were produced and shipped quickly.
This was exactly what made the situation so interesting. On paper, many things seemed professional. Fast replies, attractive prices, short delivery promises. All things that initially speak in favor of taking a closer look.
But sometimes there is more than just a price difference between a convincing offer and a convincing product.
The decisive moment came with the first sample
When one of the first samples arrived at MV-Versand, a theoretical consideration turned into a very concrete experience. Because the moment the package was opened, the impression changed abruptly.
"Even when opening the package, an unpleasant chemical smell was noticeable."
This is the exact moment that Andrea Kassirra still remembers today. And this moment was so formative precisely because it immediately showed that materials are not a minor issue here. Especially products that are held in the hand every day must not only look decent but also be convincing in terms of material and workmanship.
Upon closer inspection, this first impression was then confirmed.
"The seams were partly crooked, the material was not cut cleanly, and the zipper felt flimsy and unstable."
Suddenly there was a clear difference between the professional appearance beforehand and what was actually in the package.
"This discrepancy between promise and result is something we particularly remember."
At exactly this point, an open examination turned into a very fundamental decision.
From then on, it was no longer just about cheaper or more expensive
With this experience, the perspective on the actual question shifted as well. It was no longer about whether production abroad would be more economical on paper. It was about what a company gives up when it cuts costs in the wrong places.
For MV-Versand, the answer was clear. The company's products stand for high-quality workmanship and for materials where safety and quality must not be called into question. Especially because they are used daily, Andrea Kassirra sees a special responsibility here.
"As a company, we stand for high-quality workmanship and, above all, for the use of substances and materials that are harmless to health."
In the end, this led to a very clear consequence:
"If we take our quality standards seriously, we must not make any compromises on these points."
The decision against production abroad was therefore not an emotional reaction, but a conscious consequence of what MV-Versand expects for its own products.
What makes production in Germany possible to this day
This decision shapes the daily work at MV-Versand to this day. Because the advantage of local production lies not only in better quality control but also in direct cooperation. Distances are shorter, coordination is faster, and changes can be implemented much more easily.
This is particularly evident in individual requirements. Custom sizes, new ideas, or pocket pharmacies with customer logos can be implemented much more flexibly when producers and companies work closely together. New laboratory glass sizes can also be realized more quickly on request because decisions do not have to go through long communication chains.
"Without the close coordination directly with our manufacturers, we could not have implemented the heart-shaped pocket pharmacy for Mother's Day in such a short time."
Exactly such examples show that short distances are not only organizationally pleasant but make a real difference in everyday life. Ideas can be tested faster, adjustments discussed more directly, and new products launched much more quickly.
For Andrea Kassirra, this very direct exchange is one of the biggest advantages:
"The personal contact with our producers is very important to us."
And this advantage is evident not only in theory but in daily work.
"Many processes can be coordinated quickly and easily as a result."
Especially in difficult situations, it becomes clear how much this closeness is worth.
"Then we work closely together, share information openly, and look for solutions together."
Quality begins long before the finished product
Quality is often spoken about as if it only becomes visible in the finished product. For MV-Versand, however, it begins much earlier: with material selection, in workmanship, in craftsmanship, and in the possibility of closely accompanying every step.
This is precisely where one of the greatest advantages of local production lies. Materials can be tested directly, changes quickly coordinated, and standards checked immediately. Quality thus remains not just a promise, but becomes something that can be ensured in every single step of work.
Added to this is the know-how of the local specialists. Many work steps require experience, care, and a feel for the material. Exactly this mixture of craftsmanship experience, short distances, and direct communication makes the difference for MV-Versand.
Sustainability is not an extra, but part of the decision
Sustainability also plays an important role in this question. However, not as a buzzword, but as something very practical: short transport routes, durable products, carefully selected materials, and the possibility of not having to solve defects immediately through a complete replacement.
Andrea Kassirra puts it very aptly:
"For us, sustainability is not just a marketing point, but a practical principle of quality and responsibility."
If products can be used for a long time and quality is not built just for the first impression, then for MV-Versand, this is also a part of sustainability.
What is often underestimated in this discussion
Of course, the reasons why many companies relocate their production abroad are understandable. The economic arguments are on the table.
From the perspective of MV-Versand, however, what can be lost along the way is often underestimated: control, flexibility, direct coordination, and ultimately also trust in the finished product.
Andrea Kassirra puts it briefly in a nutshell:
"Many underestimate that quality, flexibility, and customer satisfaction often suffer significantly with foreign production."
And that is exactly the decisive point for MV-Versand. Not everything that initially looks cheaper is the better decision in the end.
Why production in Germany is still worthwhile for MV-Versand
Yes, many things speak against Germany economically. And yes, it would be easier to make decisions based solely on price.
For MV-Versand, however, that would be short-sighted.
Because production in Germany means more to the company than just a location. It stands for quality, for short distances, for flexibility, and for the security of being able to offer products that one can stand behind with full conviction.
Or in other words: production in Germany is worthwhile here not despite all the challenges, but precisely because of what it makes possible.
