The Höchstadt plant has been part of the Schaeffler Group for more than 70 years

Plastic production started at the site 50 years ago

Around 4,000 guests see innovative technologies and products

The automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler celebrated a family day at the Höchstadt campus. The occasion was two site anniversaries: more than 70 years of belonging to the Schaeffler Group and 50 years of plastics production. With the best weather and a relaxed atmosphere, the employees at the site were able to show their families where they work, which innovative products they manufacture and how the plant is getting fit for the future.

work in transition

Hans-Jürgen Ritter, head of the Höchstadt campus, looked back on the eventful and successful history: “Many eventful years lie behind us. During this time, the location has continuously developed and adapted to the changed conditions. In the past two years in particular, we have gone through a remarkable transformation together. With the opening of the state-of-the-art tool technology center a good year ago, we now have three plants at the site, which open up good future prospects for us.”

Help shape further development and change

In her welcome speech, Board Member for Human Resources and Labor Director Corinna Schittenhelm also addressed the complex transformation and changing forms and conditions of work. Schaeffler offers all employees numerous development opportunities to support them in the transformation process. “Our in-house Schaeffler Academy offers over 3,500 training courses. Also with a special focus for the employees in production. In Höchstadt we organized an IT and learning day and opened two learning islands in production. With numerous further training opportunities, we can successfully shape the future together.” The company attaches particular importance to modern and needs-oriented training of junior staff in order to prepare them early for the challenges of the working world. “At Schaeffler, young adults have the choice between diverse and exciting training programs in various functions and dual courses of study. In addition, they can gain experience for their later professional life as part of internships or working student activities and gain valuable insights into our company,” Corinna Schittenhelm continued.

DTM champion Marco Wittmann as a guest

Together with Andreas Schick, Director of Production, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing, and Claus Bauer, Director of Finance and IT, Schittenhelm then visited the approximately 30 stations in the plant. Here there was technology and production to touch, look at and participate in. The employees at the plant had partially converted the machines, so the around 4,000 visitors were able to take small souvenirs from the family day with them: engraved shopping trolley chips, green Frisbee discs or personalized pens – with a laser. The program was musically framed by the Schaeffler Big Band and local bands on two stages. Another highlight was the visit by Schaeffler brand ambassador Marco Wittmann. The two-time DTM champion gave an interview, was available for countless photos and autograph requests and drove the best time of the day in the racing simulator against plant manager Hans-Jürgen Ritter. As a thank you, there was a model made with Höchstadt 3D technology. The racing driver returned the favor with a hand-signed racing suit, which is given a place of honor in the factory.

The Schaeffler location in Höchstadt

Schaeffler took over the Höchstadt site from Höchstadter Maschinenfabrik in 1952. It is one of the oldest branches. Around 1,500 people are currently employed there. The roller bearing portfolio manufactured in the heavy-duty bearing plant offers various needle and cylindrical roller bearings for axial, radial and combined loads. The plastics technology plant manufactures sophisticated thermoplastic parts for the automotive industry. The technological highlights in the tool technology center include three fully automated robot lines and 50 processing machines that are digitally linked. Around 50 young people are being trained in the training center in the professions of tool mechanic and cutting machine operator as well as in dual studies in mechanical engineering.