To get an idea of the current economic development and the innovative approaches of local companies, Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf and business promoter Caroline Pehlke recently visited the Finger Beton site in Idar-Oberstein. In conversation with the management, it became clear how the company masters the balancing act between heavy industry and modern sustainability.
During a tour of the company premises, the guests were able to take a personal look at the production processes. Manholes are still traditionally built by hand with a brick-lined channel - a sign of the company's high level of craftsmanship and care. However, modern designs, such as the monolithic "Capitan" manhole or plastic-lined manholes, are also manufactured using state-of-the-art technology.
The management, represented by Thilo Finger, together with technical manager Ralf Keller and sales manager Martin Molz, proudly presented the latest advances in energy efficiency. A particular highlight on the company premises is the new electric forklift truck. This is not simply operated electrically, but is charged with self-generated electricity.
Thanks to smart investments in its own energy supply, the company has already been able to reduce its electricity costs by half - a decisive competitive advantage in an energy-intensive industry. Mayor Frank Frühauf was impressed by the company's own initiative: "It is exemplary how Finger Beton is leading the way here in Idar-Oberstein. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern energy generation secures jobs, strengthens the location in the long term and at the same time conserves valuable resources," said the mayor.
With currently 43 employees at the Idar-Oberstein site, Finger Beton is a permanent fixture on the local labor market. The company relies heavily on its own young talent. Currently, junior staff are being trained in four different professional fields: Precast concrete worker, industrial clerk, machine and plant operator and mechatronics technician.
Logistics at Finger Beton is hard work: due to the enormous size and weight of the components - the largest manhole produced at the site measures an impressive two meters sixty in internal diameter and weighs up to 25 tons - the plant primarily supplies customers in the region. Short transportation routes are not only ecologically sensible here, but also economically necessary.