We have recorded enormous growth in recent years, said co-owner Peter Manke. In 2021, turnover was just under 40 million euros, and at the same time incoming orders grew by 19 percent compared to the previous year - a record in our company history. To accommodate the growth, we acquired the site in December.
A new building is to be constructed opposite the existing assembly hall. "We are planning a space to develop the company further," explained Manke. Initially, it had been planned to use the vacant hall of the Willmann company. However, he said, we soon discarded this idea. "With the new building, we simply have a lot more design options," said Manke. The Willmann company has moved its production to Buggingen and merged it with the exhibition gallery on the B 3.
We are planning the development step by step. First and foremost, he said, it is a matter of equalising the work and production space; in the longer term, the new building could also create jobs. "We are tripping over our own feet here," said Tanja Tursi, who heads the production division, about the current situation in the company. Our entire plant assembly with a large production hall, a small warehouse, offices and meeting rooms are to move into the new building. "The goal is to keep logistics as low as possible," says Tursi. Machine assembly, on the other hand, will remain in the old building. We project, design and manufacture mixing, dispersing and powder wetting machines for the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries, among others.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN IS OLD, MUNICIPALITY MAKES AN EXCEPTION
The new building follows a similar concept to its predecessor from 2011. According to Manke, this has proven successful, and the building also fits into the building structure due to its similar construction.
The building project is located in the area of the development plan Wettelbrunner Straße 1. The builder has submitted two applications for exemption, including an exceeding of the building boundary by a total of 8.70 square metres. The development plan dates from 1984 and shows boundary distances that no longer meet today's standards.
CONSTRUCTION COULD START IN 2023
The councillors assessed the plans of the globally active mechanical engineering company as thoroughly positive, also in view of the economic development within the municipality, and unanimously approved the deviations and exemptions.
When asked about the timetable, Peter Manke explained that the project should be implemented promptly. He expects a building permit to be issued this autumn. Construction could then begin next year. Nevertheless, the company will closely monitor the economic situation in the coming weeks and months.
For more information, see the article in the Badische Zeitung from 26.07.2022