A Special Summer Party

100 years of Fichtner – now that’s a reason to celebrate! Up until the last moment, we were anxiously hoping that we would be able to celebrate this milestone with an unforgettable party despite the Covid pandemic.

I am already full of anticipation the day before the party as I drive excitedly onto the courtyard at seven in the morning. An impressive spectacle is unfolding there: An event canopy with a diameter of 15 meters is being delivered by a huge 40-ton truck. It has to reverse into Sarweystrasse, maneuver past the barrier with millimeter precision, and then deftly steer down the ramp into the courtyard. There are spotters on every side to make sure that this behemoth reaches the yard unharmed. The spectacle continues there, with the canopy being stretched over the entire courtyard. Employees stand spellbound at the windows, curiously watching as it is erected.

On Friday, 15 July 2022 at 1:55 p.m., the time has finally come. The IT department sends round a Teams wake-up call to ensure that everyone arrives on time for the official part of the proceedings in the courtyard of our Stuttgart head office.
To kick things off, the fourth generation of partners in the company, together with their children, welcome all the guests from Germany and abroad as well as the advisory board. This is followed by the premiere of the “100 Years of Fichtner” promotional film. Mr. Fichtner then gives a brief review of the company’s 100-year history.

The CEO, Dr. Weidler, addresses the guests with a brief outlook. Based on capacity utilization, order backlog and market prospects, the company can look positively to its anniversary year 2022 and to the future. The motto for 2022 is “100 years for better infrastructure”. As Dr. Weidler points out, everyone is celebrating this anniversary together, which means the Fichtner Group as a whole.

“We are bigger, more diversified and enjoy a better reputation than ever before”,

notes Dr. Weidler, wishing all participants a wonderful anniversary party.

The subsidiaries and branch offices that cannot be present at the festivities have come up with something really special. They send video greetings that are broadcast on the big screens.

The announcement by our Head of Human Resources, Dr. Koblischke, about the return of the legendary ice cream freezer is greeted with great enthusiasm by everyone present and is a welcome way to cool down on this sunny day.

Following the official part of the proceedings, our employees’ family members arrive and the courtyard is filled with happy children’s laughter. At times, there are 800 adults and 180 children bustling around the courtyard.

At the start of the party, a large cake buffet is available in the canteen. Later, culinary aromas from various different countries draw guests to the stands where delicious international food is on offer. It’s hard to decide which stand to go for, with guests being thoroughly spoilt for choice. The selection includes delicacies from Europe, Asia, India, the Middle East, Africa, Down Under and South America.

There is also plenty of fun and games. A varied program of games for young and old is provided in the courtyard. The little ones can’t wait to grab a bobby car or a spot at the water play area or the building blocks, while the bigger kids challenge their parents to compete with them in table shuffleboard, magnetic football games, sling puck, carrom or table football, etc. In the handicraft and technology workshop, creative results are produced that could point to promising young talent in the making. Photo booths are available to take souvenir photos, and guests can take part in the team photo competition with their original photo ideas. The best pictures win.

To round off the program perfectly, we listen to the tunes of the well-known jazz singer Linda Kyei and her band, who play for us until the end of the evening.

A beautiful and eventful day comes to an end and will be remembered by many for a long time to come.

A big thank-you goes to the entire organization team and everyone who contributed to the success of the party.

July 2022