The construction of the new mixing facility in Weinheim is one of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ largest investment projects currently underway. To help the project team manage this major undertaking, a tailored team development program with targeted training and support is accompanying the initiative.
The new facility, covering approximately 37,000 square meters (398,000 square feet), will bring production and warehousing together in a single location. For members of the project team, this has meant balancing two demanding responsibilities over the past several months. Alongside their regular day-to-day duties, they are driving a strategic investment project that will shape the future of the Weinheim site for years to come. The result has been an increase in coordination efforts, decision-making and planning activities on top of an already demanding workload.
For Claudia Kropp, Director Competence Center Mixing Europe & India, it quickly became clear that these additional demands could not be managed through commitment and dedication alone.
“We knew the demands on the team would not decrease over the coming years,” says Kropp. “That’s why we specifically looked for a partner who could help us develop solutions tailored to our unique situation.”
Kropp turned to Vera Steinke and Melanie Lösch from the People & Organizational Development team. Rather than selecting an existing training program off the shelf, the team first took a close look at the project’s starting point and the specific needs of the employees involved.
One key element of the resulting support program was an externally facilitated workshop. Using methods such as the “Circle of Influence,” participants explored how they deal with pressure, where they can actively influence outcomes, and how they can make the most of their personal scope for action. Small-group sessions and regular follow-up meetings helped ensure that the workshop’s insights carried over into everyday work rather than remaining a one-time exercise.
For Vera Steinke, this approach reflects the core mission of People & Organizational Development. “Our role is not simply to deliver training,” says Steinke. “We see ourselves as sparring partners for teams and leaders. Together, we assess the specific situation, develop support measures that fit the team’s needs, and accompany our colleagues throughout the entire process.”
In line with this approach, the collaboration will continue in the fall. The focus will then shift to the future of teamwork within the group: What shared principles will best support collaboration? Which behaviors contribute to success in everyday work? And how can the team’s values become more visible in daily interactions?
The example from the mixing facility demonstrates that major transformation projects are shaped not only through planning documents and construction activities, but also through the way people work together. As a trusted sparring partner, People & Organizational Development supports teams throughout that journey and is available to assist other functions facing similar challenges.
For more information, please contact Vera Steinke at vera.steinke@fst.com or Melanie Lösch at melanie.loesch@fst.com.
