Heunisch Gießerei GmbH had invited its good customers to the tranquil town of Bad Windsheim for an exchange, an excellent opportunity for information and discussion about the pressing problems in the industry.
An interesting programme of lectures on the topic of the energy transition, a panel discussion with federal and state politicians, a hearty Franconian dinner and a visit to the new sand dump in the surrounding vineyards of the region were all part of the supporting programme.
The foundry industry plays a key role
In her welcoming speech, Dr. Christiane Heunisch-Grotz, Managing Partner at Heunisch, already prepared the participants for the challenges facing SMEs in Germany, whereby the foundry industry takes on the role of a key industry that accounts for 1% of the value added in the Federal Republic of Germany, but with its products from the various processes forms the prerequisite for 99% of the production in the country.
But it is precisely the companies in the foundry industry that are currently having to contend with a great many imponderables. High energy and material costs, the shortage of skilled workers and skilled labour as well as the high demands of politics for CO2 reduction in the fight against climate change and the Supply Chain Duty of Care Act, among other things, increase the bureaucratic effort enormously.
"Complaining doesn't help" the managing director calls out to her customers, noting that Heunisch is facing up to the issues of the future and looking ahead. For example, the company was the first foundry in Germany to publish a sustainability report.
Incidentally, customers are also asking for information about the CO2 reduction measures in dialogue and questionnaires.
A real investment in the future is the Heunisch foundry's new sand dump, which is in the process of being built and will soon be put into operation after a tough approval process and major investments. This is a clear commitment to Germany as a production location despite all the hurdles and obstacles.
