Horst,
Production

I have been with the company for over 30 years now. Three decades – that's more than just a job. It has become a part of my home. I've gained a lot here: time for my son, time for what really matters. Parental leave, then part-time work – these weren't things that could be taken for granted. And I was there when the company needed me. That makes me proud. Proud of the company. And a little bit proud of myself, too.

IF YOU WANT TO REAP, YOU HAVE TO SOW... I'M NOT JUST SAYING THAT – IT'S MY PHILOSOPHY. IN THE GARDEN, IN LIFE, AT WORK. YOU GIVE. YOU CARE. YOU STICK WITH IT. AND SOMEDAY IT COMES BACK. SOMETIMES QUIETLY. SOMETIMES BIG.

The Swiss Army knife in person – yes, that's really how I feel sometimes. I can do a lot of things. And if I can't do something yet, then I learn how to do it. New machine? Bring it on. I try it out, listen to it, test it, adjust it – until everything runs smoothly. Just as it should.

I LIKE IT: WORKING WITH MY HANDS, SHAPING OR JOINING METAL, SEEING SOMETHING BEING CREATED THAT WILL LAST. LIKE THE TRACES IN THE GARDEN WHEN, IN THE EVENING, YOU LOOK BACK AT WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED.

People say I'm sociable too. I like people. I like laughter and good stories. Stress? No, thank you. I've experienced too much and found too much peace within myself for that. Over the years, you become like an old tree – firmly rooted, difficult to shake and still willing to grow.