“The construction of a new building in Bieblach/Ost is no longer an option”

Bauerfeind turns down option in Gera

For more than two years, Bauerfeind has been looking for suitable premises in Gera where a new production facility could be built. The “Bieblacher Berg” Industrial Park offered by the city was a consideration. But Bauerfeind cannot be sure that the building rights will be awarded for this. Bauerfeind’s Executive Board has now notified the city and its colleagues in Gera that it will withdraw from the project. In her interview with Nahtlos, Katharina Dietrich, Chief Technical Officer, talks about the reasons.

Ms Dietrich, what is the current situation relating to the building project in Gera’s Bieblach/Ost district?

Katharina Dietrich: This week, we first told the Lord Mayor of Gera personally, then officially in writing that Bauerfeind is no longer considering Bieblach/Ost for our building project. At the same time, we thanked him for his unfailing excellent interactions. The will to offer us suitable premises for constructing a new building in Gera was always present and noticeable.

What are the reasons for the withdrawal?

Katharina Dietrich: A lack of successful prospects. The question whether we are even allowed to build there has not been answered. We were offered several plots. In the end, the property in Bieblach/Ost was the only option for constructing a new building in Gera because it’s the right size and easily accessible for employees and logistics. But right from the start, we had to work out whether and how we could unite nature conservation and industrial settlement. A solution accepted by all concerning the sand lizards living there, for example, has still not been found. After more than two years of planning, we simply don’t see any prospects of receiving the incontestable building right any time soon. That’s why constructing a new building in the “Bieblacher Berg” Industrial Park is no longer an option.

So what is the next step in Gera?

Katharina Dietrich: We were asked the same question in Gera, and the answer is: we will stay linked to the city and the location. Bauerfeind has undergone an unbelievably successful development at Keplerstraße Industrial Park. In the summer of 2019, production started with seven employees. By now, 220 members of staff carry out amazing work. Gera is a fully functioning production site – and we need this location to meet the overall demand for our products. That’s why we’re expanding our capacities.

Where precisely?

Katharina Dietrich: At the moment, in the two facilities we’re renting, i.e. Keplerstraße 35 and Keplerstraße 26. We’re already occupying over 7,000 square meters and there’s still space for more machines. That’s why there’s no need for us to do anything rash and rent something else somewhere quickly. Of course, we’re keeping our eyes and ears open. But in the end, everything has to work out. That’s the case with renting or buying, as well as constructing a new building. 

Bauerfeind in Gera has undergone an impressive development. The following series of pictures demonstrates this vividly:

In July 2019, Bauerfeind opened the new company premises at Keplerstraße Industrial Park in Gera.

Initially, a small team made elbow orthoses and ankle supports.

100 days: in September 2019, Gera’s Lord Mayor Julian Vonarb visited the company premises. Numerous media representatives were invited who subsequently reported on the event.

July 2020: a cake from the local baker on the occasion of the first anniversary was a great treat.

Since the end of 2020, flat knit compression stockings have been made in Gera in addition to supports and orthoses. To start off the process, a team brought the first knitting machines from Zeulenroda to Gera.

Bauerfeind constantly draws attention to vacancies in Gera. This tram, too, has become “established” as part of the urban landscape.

Bull’s eye! Within the first two years, the company premises became a fully functional production site – reason enough for a little outdoor get-together on July 15th, 2021 at lunchtime.

In May 2022, Bauerfeind expanded the production capacities in Gera yet again. New facilities were acquired at Keplerstraße 26, about 800 meters from the location opened in 2019 at Keplerstraße 35. In total, 3,200 square meters of production space has been added.

Totally in the zone: Bodo Ramelow in August 2022 during a tour of the premises. Alongside Gera’s Lord Mayor Julian Vonarb, Thuringia’s Premier gained an insight into the production processes.

In Fall 2022, Annett Eckstein was employed as the 200th member of staff in Gera. 220 colleagues currently manufacture 46 different products across more than 7,000 square meters at this site.

This week, the general managers of Bauerfeind’s subsidiaries were guests in Zeulenroda to talk about projects and measures in 2023. The agenda included a visit to the production site in Gera.