“Continuity wins the game”: PERI owner Alexander Schwörer returns to MAN 301

On 5 October, Alexander Schwörer, owner and Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Board of PERI SE, once again joined the MAN 301 lecture at the University of Mannheim as a guest speaker. The Mannheim alumnus began by introducing the formwork and scaffolding manufacturer founded in 1969. PERI is run by the family in its second generation and operates worldwide with 72 subsidiaries and around 10,000 employees.

In his talk “How to Win in Segmented Markets,” Schwörer explained how PERI develops its strategy from market, competitor, trend and internal perspectives. He drew a clear line between what remains consistent across all markets, such as long-term orientation and customer focus, and what needs to adapt locally.

Two case studies brought this to life. In the USA, PERI responds to tariffs and uncertainty not by withdrawing but by relying on continuity and an expanded rental model. In India, by contrast, success means acknowledging local construction methods and standards rather than transferring European solutions. Together, the cases showed how one company can pursue different priorities and business models across markets.

Interest was correspondingly high. After the lecture, numerous students took the opportunity to speak with Schwörer in person.