The latest from the Executive Board
Direct dialog with Rainer Berthan and Katharina Dietrich
Three production sites, four events and more than 700 participants: In early September, our new informational format “The latest from the Executive Board” was held for the first time in Zeulenroda, Gera and Remscheid for our colleagues in production. The motivation for this initiative came from within their own ranks. A desire for more direct dialog with the Executive Board had been repeatedly expressed during meetings. After all, there are not many opportunities for this in daily production routines.
That’s precisely where the new format comes in. CEO Rainer Berthan and Katharina Dietrich, Chief Technical Officer, each gave their report about where Bauerfeind is today, which tasks need to be addressed and how our locations are developing. The Q&A sessions after the talk were equally important: What are our colleagues in production up to in Zeulenroda, Gera and Remscheid?
A good basis for the future
In his talk, Rainer Berthan summed it all up: We have achieved a lot together. From 2019 to 2025, Bauerfeind grew by more than six percent each year on average. We are recognized around the world with our brands Bauerfeind and Bauerfeind Sports, we are leaders on the global market for orthopedic products and well-positioned in other product areas. At the same time, we continue to invest and modernize. The fact that Bauerfeind finances these investments itself and remains independent from third-party companies and banks is a key element of our economic strength.
Success cannot be taken for granted
“However, we cannot and do not want to simply rest on our laurels,” emphasized Rainer Berthan and outlined the next steps: further expanding the market position and competitive position, continuing previous growth in order to secure employment and training while at the same time remaining profitable and independent. “In order to achieve this, we have to be competitive, productive and flexible, and continually adapt to new requirements,” explained the CEO.
Katharina Dietrich demonstrated the meaning of productivity with various examples from our production sites. In Gera, for example, manufacturing processes are now separated by type. The location has grown to roughly 300 employees within seven years and is now a key component of our production network. In Remscheid, production processes have been organized more effectively. Furthermore, new machines improve material efficiency and process quality, opening up opportunities for new products in foot orthopedics.
Investing to be well prepared for the future
At all four events, one thing became clear: Bauerfeind is strategically investing in all three production sites in order to meet the requirements for the coming years and decades. This is particularly evident at the moment in Zeulenroda. Additional capacities and modern structures are being created with the new campus, the expansion of the central warehouse and the new Energy Center.
Continuing the conversation
The interest and positive resonance in Zeulenroda, Gera and Remscheid were resounding. Participants directly requested a repeat event and the decision has already been made: Direct dialog will continue to be fostered, at the latest during next year’s edition of “The latest from the Executive Board”.
→ Impressions from both “The latest from the Executive Board” events in Zeulenroda
→ Impressions from “The latest from the Executive Board” in Gera
→ Impressions from “The latest from the Executive Board” in Remscheid