Max Schoen
Max Schön GmbH is a family-run industrial supply distributor founded in 1920, serving industrial enterprises and craft trades across northern Germany with tools, machinery, PPE, and the proprietary StockMAX vendor-managed inventory platform for automated C-parts management.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1920
- HeadquartersLübeck, Germany
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Max Schoen does
Max Schön GmbH is a family-run industrial supply distributor founded in 1920 and headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, with two additional branch locations in Rostock and Sarstedt (Hannover). The company serves industrial enterprises and craft/trade businesses (Handwerk) across northern Germany, distributing tools, machinery, industrial supplies, personal protective equipment, precision cutting tools, welding and surface technology equipment, adhesives and sealants, and bearing and drive technology components. Its product portfolio is anchored by the PROMAT exclusive brand (over 9,000 SKUs) and access to a catalog of 1.5 million+ enriched article data points made available through the NORDWEST Handel AG purchasing network.
The company's primary differentiator is the StockMAX digital platform, a proprietary modular C-parts management system comprising four interconnected modules: VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) for automated replenishment, VEND (goods dispensing systems deployed at points of use), KANBAN for process-decoupled reordering, and RFID for tool tracking and inventory management. The platform integrates with IoT-based smart shelving and weighing technology, providing real-time consumption transparency for industrial customers. Max Schön distributes the PROMAT exclusive brand through its own e-shop and through selected specialist trade partners across Germany and Europe.
Max Schön operates a hybrid B2B go-to-market combining field sales representatives, inside sales, an e-commerce platform (eshop.max-schoen.de), electronic marketplace presence, and e-procurement network integrations with customized electronic catalogs. Revenue is generated through unit product sales (with catalog pricing in the range of €0.60–€425 per item), recurring VMI service fees, managed services for e-procurement integration, and professional services spanning machine installation, commissioning, maintenance, and training. The company is privately held, ISO 9001 certified, and led by sole Managing Director Miodrag Zivic, with strategic brand partnerships including Schaeffler Group, Loctite (Gold Partner), Sika, Sandvik Coromant, Widia, Miller, and AVIA.
Max Schoen firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Max Schoen
- Legal name
- Max Schön GmbH
- Website
- https://max-schoen.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1920
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Max Schön GmbH is a family-run industrial supply distributor founded in 1920, serving industrial enterprises and craft trades across northern Germany with tools, machinery, PPE, and the proprietary StockMAX vendor-managed inventory platform for automated C-parts management.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Max Schoen industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Supply Distribution
- NAICS
- Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (423840), Construction and Mining (except Oil Well) Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers (423810), Metal Service Centers and Other Metal Merchant Wholesalers (423510), Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers (42312)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Wholesale-Hardware & Plumbing & Heating Equipment & Supplies (5070), Wholesale-Metals Service Centers & Offices (5051), Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Automotive, Tools & Industrial Supplies (B2B) (CRAEAEAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Steel Products Trading & Service Centers (Flat, Long, Pipe & Tube, Rebar) (IMAKAJAB)
Keywords
Where Max Schoen is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lübeck
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Max Schoen business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Product Sales - Tools & Machinery: Sale of tools, machines, and industrial supplies across a broad portfolio including hand tools, power tools, precision tools, machines, safety equipment (PSA), welding technology, precision engineering, bearing and drive technology, and chemical-technical products. Revenue is generated through one-time product transactions as well as repeat purchasing relationships.
- StockMAX VMI Services: Ongoing vendor-managed inventory services where Max Schön manages customer stock levels, dispensing systems, and replenishment cycles. The service creates recurring revenue through system monitoring, refilling, and software management, generating recurring service fees and product supply revenue.
- E-Procurement & Digital Integration Services: Integration services connecting Max Schön's catalog and ordering systems with customers' e-procurement platforms, electronic marketplaces, and internal procurement workflows. Creates revenue through catalog licensing and integration fees.
- Service, Repair, Maintenance & Training: Logistics, repair, maintenance, and training services. Includes machine setup, commissioning, and training by in-house service personnel. Revenue generated through service fees and professional services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | PROMAT Brand - Exclusive professional brand sold through selected specialist trade |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cutting Tools Guide catalog pricing (net prices) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Max Schoen product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Max Schön is a family-run industrial supply wholesaler and distributor founded in 1920 that sells tools, machines, work safety equipment, precision instruments, welding and surface technology, adhesives and sealants, and bearing and drive technology to craft trades and industrial enterprises across northern Germany. The company complements its physical product portfolio with the proprietary StockMAX digital C-parts management platform (VMI, VEND, KANBAN, RFID), an online shop, e-procurement integrations, and the PROMAT exclusive brand of over 9,000 products.
Product overview
Max Schön is a family-run industrial supply company founded in 1920, serving craft and industry in northern Germany. The core product portfolio centers on StockMAX, a modular C-parts management system consisting of VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory), VEND (dispensing systems), KANBAN, and RFID (tool management) sub-modules. Beyond the digital StockMAX platform, Max Schön offers physical products across six main categories: tools and machines, work safety/PPE, precision tools, welding and surface technology, adhesives and sealing, and bearing/drive technology. The company also operates an eShop platform with e-procurement capabilities and offers electronic catalogs with over 1.5 million articles. Additionally, the proprietary PROMAT brand provides over 9,000 exclusive products for trade and industry through specialist dealers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- StockMAX | VMI: Vendor Managed Inventory solution for C-parts management enabling automated restocking and supply of consumables at point of use.
- StockMAX | VEND
- StockMAX | KANBAN
- StockMAX | RFID
- PROMAT
Products and services
- StockMAX | VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory)
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduced walking and waiting times in large-area production facilities through strategic placement of dispensing systems
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Max Schoen
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Max Schoen technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Max Schoen partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- WidiacoreStrategic partnership in precision tools. Max Schön works with Widia for High-Tech cutting tools and collaborates on strategic product development. Widia VariMill I end mills, Widia VSM490-10 corner milling cutters, Widia VSM890-12, Widia VXF X-Feed high-feed mills, and Widia M1200mini are featured in Max Schön's catalog.
- MillercoreStrategic partnership for precision tools. Miller is one of the named precision tool manufacturers in Max Schön's product portfolio for high-performance cutting applications.
- Schaeffler Group (INA/FAG)coreSchaeffler (INA and FAG brands) is listed as a key partner for bearing and drive technology products. Max Schön is a contracted distributor for Schaeffler bearings and related components.
- Sandvik CoromantcoreSandvik Coromant is featured as a precision tool partner in Max Schön's product portfolio, offering cutting tool solutions for industrial machining applications.
- AVIAminorMax Schön holds the distribution rights (Vertretung) for AVIA machine tools in the region. Provides machine supply, setup, commissioning, and training services for AVIA CNC lathes.
- Loctite (Henkel)coreMax Schön is a Gold Partner of Loctite for high-performance adhesives, sealants, and threadlocking solutions. Provides system solutions including screw locking, thread sealing, flange sealing, instant adhesives, epoxy resins, and structural bonding.
- SikacoreSika is a premium partner for sealing and bonding solutions. Max Schön distributes Sika products including sealants, adhesives, and construction chemical solutions as part of its adhesive and sealing product range.
- PROMAT (Exclusive Brand)corePROMAT is the exclusive brand of Max Schön's parent organization (NORDWEST Handel AG), sold exclusively through selected specialist trade partners in Germany and Europe. The PROMAT range covers over 9,000 tools and industrial supplies.
- Nordwest Handel AGcoreParent organization for the PROMAT exclusive brand. Max Schön operates as part of the NORDWEST Gruppe (Nordwest Handel AG network), distributing the PROMAT brand and accessing its catalog infrastructure and supplier network.
- Expert (Schweißtechnik)minorExpert is a welding equipment manufacturer whose products are distributed through Max Schön's welding and surface technology range.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Max Schoen competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Würth Group: World's largest industrial supply and fastener wholesaler; directly competes in hand tools, power tools, fasteners, PPE, and C-parts management (Würth's CPS by ORSY/ORFIS VMI-style solutions) for industrial and trade customers. Headquartered in Künzelsau, Germany — the dominant incumbent Max Schön must position against.
- Kloeckner & Co. SE: One of Europe's largest steel and metals service center distributors — relevant peer for the steel pipe/tubing distribution arm referenced in Max Schön's firmographics, serving construction, machinery, and industrial customers through an extensive branch network.
- Grainger / MSC Industrial Direct: Global MRO industrial supply distributors with extensive catalogs, digital procurement, VMI offerings, and multi-region logistics — international reference points illustrating the scale ceiling Max Schön will need to grow toward in northern Germany.
Direct peers
- Hoffmann Group: German-based B2B distributor of quality tools, precision instruments, and workshop equipment serving industry and craft trades — closely matching Max Schön's tool, precision-tool, and PPE portfolio with a similar specialist trade + e-procurement hybrid GTM.
- Bischoff + Schäfer Industrie- und Handelsvertretung: Mid-sized German industrial supply distributor focused on northern Germany with similar craft/industrial customer mix and C-parts supply. Comparable scale peer operating in overlapping geographies.
- Haberkorn GmbH: Austrian/German-headed industrial supply wholesaler with strong Werkstattbedarf, technical trade, and C-parts e-procurement coverage — a comparable direct peer with similar size, regional focus, and digital ordering/inventory solutions.
- Trost SE: European automotive and industrial aftermarket parts distributor serving workshops and service organizations with vehicle equipment, tools, and supplies — a comparable wholesale model for the vehicle equipment portion of Max Schön's portfolio.
- Oskar Böttcher GmbH & Co. KG: Berlin-based industrial and craft trade wholesaler with comparable product breadth (tools, installation, fastening, electrical, C-parts) — competes head-to-head in German industrial supply with both classic catalog sales and digital e-procurement channels.
Others
- Nordwest Handel AG: Central buying group and brand owner under whose NORDWEST Gruppe Max Schoen GmbH operates, distributing the exclusive PROMAT brand. Not a competitor but the network/Markenartikel infrastructure partner relevant for peer comparison.
Emerging players
- Contorion GmbH: Berlin-based digital-first industrial supply platform for tools, fasteners, and PPE — represents the online-native competitive threat and a benchmark for e-procurement / marketplace-led B2B distribution that Max Schön's e-shop and electronic marketplaces must counter.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Max Schoen social profiles
Digital presenceMax Schoen compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Max Schoen financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Max Schoen leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Max Schoen funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Max Schoen M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Max Schoen
What does Max Schoen do?
Max Schön is a family-run industrial supply wholesaler and distributor founded in 1920 that sells tools, machines, work safety equipment, precision instruments, welding and surface technology, adhesives and sealants, and bearing and drive technology to craft trades and industrial enterprises across northern Germany. The company complements its physical product portfolio with the proprietary StockMAX digital C-parts management platform (VMI, VEND, KANBAN, RFID), an online shop, e-procurement integrations, and the PROMAT exclusive brand of over 9,000 products.
Is Max Schoen a public or private company?
Max Schoen is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Max Schoen founded?
Max Schoen was founded in 1920. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Max Schoen based?
Max Schoen is headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Max Schoen make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Product Sales - Tools & Machinery is the primary driver. The others are stockMAX VMI Services, E-Procurement & Digital Integration Services and service, Repair, Maintenance & Training.
Who are Max Schoen's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Würth Group, Kloeckner & Co. SE and Grainger / MSC Industrial Direct. Direct peers are Hoffmann Group, Bischoff + Schäfer Industrie- und Handelsvertretung, Haberkorn GmbH, Trost SE and Oskar Böttcher GmbH & Co. KG. Nordwest Handel AG is listed as an others. Contorion GmbH is listed as an emerging player.
Does Max Schoen have an API?
No public API is recorded for Max Schoen.
What industry is Max Schoen in?
Max Schoen's product category is Industrial Supply Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAEAEAH, Automotive, Tools & Industrial Supplies (B2B), with a secondary code of IMAKAJAB, Steel Products Trading & Service Centers (Flat, Long, Pipe & Tube, Rebar). Its NAICS code is 423840 and its SIC code is 5084.