Staying active

Ms. Kranert, 30 years ago Prof. Hans B. Bauerfeind reestablished the company headquarters in Zeulenroda. How can we picture the company in the early 1990s?

We were a small team at Bauerfeind working at three different locations in Zeulenroda. Everyone knew everyone. And we knew every product. We knitted compression stockings that were of course not nearly as sophisticated as our products are today. I can still remember perfectly when the first hall in Zeulenroda formally opened in 1996. That was something special. Everything became more professional from then on: new machines and more technology. A lot has changed.

What is the biggest difference at the company now compared with 30 years ago?

Of course, everything is much bigger now and there is a wider range of products. It is crazy how the small business back then developed into an international company. When I see how well-known Bauerfeind is in the region and that the top athletes wear our products at the Olympics, I feel proud.

Are there things that never change at Bauerfeind?

One thing for sure: Bauerfeind always manages to overcome the challenges of the time. The COVID-19 pandemic is a perfect example. Bauerfeind has made it through the crisis in good shape. And everything that has been made possible for employees, everything that is being done in terms of masks, testing, vaccination and working from home, is really fantastic.

Is it likely that after more than 30 years with the company you’ll soon be celebrating 40?

Of course! I have always tried to keep moving and have never been afraid of changes. And now I’m at the Bauerfeind Innovation Center. Here I can see the next new developments every day. It’s very interesting and I feel as though I’ve found my place here. So I would like to work here until I retire.