On April 24, Schoeller welcomed a twelve-person leadership delegation from HAZET. What followed was a substantive afternoon of exchange on manufacturing strategy, automation, and what industrial excellence genuinely requires in practice.
The foundation of the visit was not geographic proximity but a shared industrial philosophy: both companies stand for deep vertical manufacturing, rigorous quality standards, and the conviction that precision and technological excellence are the decisive factors in global competition. Made in Germany not as a marketing claim, but as an operational commitment.
A Personal Return
Among the guests was a familiar face: Guido Schmidt, CTO of HAZET, served as Technical Managing Director at the Hellenthal site from 2012 to 2015. His return therefore carried a personal dimension – he knew the site and the people in it well.
Structured Dialogue Across Two Working Groups
The afternoon was deliberately organized. Alongside a comprehensive tour of the production facilities, discussions took place in two thematically focused groups, each addressing a distinct dimension of industrial development.
The technical working group, led by CTO Michael Gottschalk, covered existing plant technology, current automation solutions, and the management of technical obsolescence. Current investment projects were also presented, including the new construction in Kall and the ongoing development of the Hellenthal and Neuhaus sites.
The operations group, led by COO Michel Büser, focused on occupational safety, 5S methodology, and the sustainable improvement of OEE. Particular attention was given to the potential of active shopfloor management as a lever for deeper employee integration and continuous process improvement.
A Considered Assessment
At the close of the day, Guido Schmidt offered a clear and substantive reflection: “The visit was very inspiring and impressive for us – particularly with regard to the consistent development of your company and the associated investment initiatives. In our exchange with the leadership team, we also noticed the positive atmosphere and strong culture. That is something we value greatly.”
COO Michel Büser added: “None of us ever stop learning. Visits like this generate valuable impulses – and that benefits everyone. We are genuinely grateful to HAZET for the openness of the exchange.”
The Dialogue Continues
The conversation does not end in Hellenthal. On July 10, the Schoeller team will travel to Remscheid for a return visit – a clear signal that a productive afternoon has laid the groundwork for an exchange of lasting value to both sides.