20 years of Mercer Holz: Hagen Seidel on responsibility, trust, and sustainable wood procurement

When you meet Hagen Seidel, you quickly realize that he knows the forests of eastern Germany like no other. From the very beginning, he shaped the work of Mercer Holz as head of roundwood purchasing and sales in eastern Germany and as the person responsible for timber harvesting. After twenty years, he handed over the management of the timber purchasing team in the east to Ronny Köppen. Köppen has also been with the company for many years and has extensive experience in timber purchasing—the best conditions for a seamless transition.

From regional dealer to co-creator of a growing industry

When Hagen Seidel joined what was then Zellstoff Stendal Holz Service GmbH in 2003, the industry was in the midst of change. Timber prices were at levels hard to imagine today; industrial processing was still in its infancy in some areas; and the importance of a sustainable, reliable flow of raw materials was not nearly as firmly anchored in people’s minds as it is today.

“Back then, no one had any idea how important wood would one day become as a raw material,”

recalls Seidel. With his many years of experience, he brought exactly the knowledge a growing company needed: in-depth market knowledge, a keen sense of developments, and a strong network of trust with forest owners and forestry administrations.

Wood harvesting: Between responsibility, team spirit, and value creation

Seidel speaks fondly and respectfully about his teams, the people who are in the forest every day, mastering demanding tasks and working with great care. For him, timber harvesting is not a purely technical process, but an interplay of skill, good coordination, and responsibility.

He particularly remembers a large project in the Klietz Federal Forest (Saxony-Anhalt). After a long preparation phase and in close consultation with the forestry authorities, an extensive harvest was carried out there within a few weeks – professionally planned, clearly defined, and well organized. The decisive factor for Seidel was that, despite the many machines and the high level of effort involved, everything ran safely and without incident. For him, this shows how well-coordinated and responsible the teams are.

Why personal relationships are so crucial

Seidel repeatedly emphasizes that timber procurement is and remains a relationship business. Many forest owners have been working with Mercer Holz for over two decades – a sign of deep trust. “When forest owners repeatedly request the same teams over generations, it shows how important reliability is,” he says.

This consistency is also a central component of Mercer’s vision. Sustainable procurement means not only ecological responsibility and efficient processes, but above all, long-term partnerships. People like Hagen Seidel build these bridges. They create continuity in a market that is constantly changing. And they ensure that sustainability is not just a concept, but a living reality.

Values that endure – and advice that leads into the future

When asked about the most important lesson he has learned in two decades, Seidel replies: “Don’t rush into things: think, consult, decide.” A principle that fits perfectly with Mercer’s values: careful action, informed decisions, and a culture of respectful cooperation.

He recommends one thing above all else to his successor: be close to the teams.

“Don’t just check inventories and endurance, but seek out conversations. Don’t shy away from conflict, but listen.”

That sounds simple, but in a field of work that is so strongly characterized by human cooperation and trust, it is hardly more important.

A humorous look back – and a look ahead

Seidel likes to talk about the early days in Arneburg, when the team consisted of just a few people and decisions were made in small groups. Or about that legendary mission when a driver ended up in the wrong inventory due to poor orientation – and the resulting annoyance was defused with a few bratwursts. Stories that show that even in a highly professional industry, humanity is an integral part of the business.