A wave depends Martin Wolter, industrial mechanics and trainers Geppert Rührtechnik from here. Photo: Karl-Heinz Bärtl
The large, bright hall, several lathes. It is cut and filed. All hand made - no computer-controlled CNC machine is found. "Our products are always one-off productions," says Managing Director Stefan Heuter Geppert (46). The engineering graduate has learned from his study of aviation and aerospace technology in Aachen fitter and knows what he's talking about. 50 percent of his working time is spent by its own account with the technical development of agitators. Because it is a specialized and Geppert of around ten vendors in Germany.
Who at the word agitator immediately batters has in mind, sees himself deceived. Agitation have finally something to do with a certain viscosity, ie liquids, explains Heuter. When dough if it were more of a viscous mass, which is kneaded. Insofar as the customer of Geppert Rührtechnik are looking for more in the industry than in the food sector. On the client list with Coca-Cola and Wesergold even two drinks producers, otherwise the agitators come but in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, and chip manufacturers in the auto industry. Here, among other coatings must be stirred. "And that explosion proof" adds Heuter. On the subject of explosion protection Geppert was a leader. While the so-called agitators - folding propeller or hollow body - are themselves manufactured, bought Geppert to engine and transmission parts.
"Mixing Technology is experience," says Heuter. The issue was not easy. Finally it came to more than speed and flow. Numerics is not everything: "An engineer needs a year or two to get familiar with the matter." In general, this is not a curriculum at the college. Advantage of this fact: The otherwise copy joyful Chinese have recognized the difficulties and prefer to let others do things for themselves. Say: The Geppert's impellers are not a primary target of industrial espionage. Which does not mean that at Geppert no proprietary know-how is on the shelves.
From 300 to 120 000 Euro extends the contract span. At 17 meters in length it had delivered the longest agitator to Uzbekistan. There the plant from Erzhausen helps in tracking gold dust. Otherwise Geppert is found everywhere where German equipment maker operate. Recently, therefore, more in Asia - especially in China. India is the next big target, so Heuter.
The manager took over the company, founded in 1972 by Horst Geppert in a management buy-out 2008th Geppert retired for reasons of age. In 1997, the native Rhinelander Heuter came to Erzhausen - first as a sales clerk, two years later, he got power of attorney, then in 2005 he was managing director.
That the company has a broad base, is in terms of clientele, has proven to be an advantage this year. 2011 1.5 million came from a total of 4.5 million euros from the solar industry. This year, the crisis-ridden industry in Geppert is responsible for a zero return. The auto industry, it must judge. Four million euros in revenues are planned for this year. The numbers are "good black" assures Heuter.
Partly responsible for the sales dip but the move was. During operation, the relocation of the road took away the trade area "Am Ohlenberg" about two months. "Sometimes we have been working in two plants," says Heuter. That was not easy. Since early June, the new building is based. Nearly two million euros Heuter has invested in this future project. In addition to the 1000 square meter hall arose also 800 square meters of new office space and the canteen now adorns a football table - special request of the 25 employees at the site, including six engineers.
The Erzhäuser could one day open house in mid-August a picture of the rooms. As shirt sponsor of SV Erzhausen Geppert but some football fans already been a household name, even the Darmstadt lilies can be pleased about this business partner.
Location expanded order books filled, there remains a question: What about the issue shortage? "At the moment we are in a good position," reads Heuters answer. But in the production offspring being sought. Also, it was not easy to get trainees. Currently, two seats are filled - Industrial mechanic and office communication. For acquiring Heuter leaves us over in the Hesse forest school and lectures. Sun already some student interns who can make their first experiences in the working world. But also with the University of Darmstadt, precisely with Professor Bernhard Hoffner from Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, working Heuter. Special lectures, internships and undergraduate work here are the results. And maybe sometimes jumps back out with a new patent.
