Hermann Koch is expanding its capacities in the field of injection moulding with the acquisition of two fully electric machines. Precision and speed with simultaneous noise minimisation characterise the new machines. The inner and outer parts of cans are mainly produced with up to 150 tonnes of clamping force. In the process, the machines operate with low emissions and have 50 % less energy demand in comparison with hydraulic devices.

This year again, we seized the opportunity to grab the attention of potential skilled workers for our company at the Chamber of Commerce Vocational Training Fair. A timed competition to put together your own lip balm stick at the fair stand attracted great interest. The three best attempts are to receive a shopping, cinema or swimming pool voucher.

Mr. Rattay (Human Resources/Business Management Instructor), Mr. Abicht (Director/Instructor for tooling) and four trainees conveyed detailed information regarding the spectrum of vocational training jobs that the Hermann Koch GmbH and Kunststofftechik Straufhain GmbH have to offer. Experiences and tips on the topics of profession choice, job applications and interviews were thankfully accepted by the interested parties. In 2012, we will again be present at the fair to honor our responsibility as a medium-sized company to support youth development and to counteract shortages of skilled labor force.

This year’s Girls’ Day event was held on 26 April. On this day, girls aged between 10–16 years are given the chance to obtain an insight into professions such as technology, natural science, trade and IT. Together with Ms Edith Brauner from the Trade Supervisory Board, three girls from two schools –the Casimirianum Gymnasium in Coburg and the Realschule Scheßlitz – visited Hermann Koch GmbH. Ms Brauner, who is responsible for technical occupational health and safety, introduced her field of activity by means of Koch GmbH. In addition, the girls obtained a look behind the scenes with the help of Christian Lützenrath (Managing Director), Günther Müller (SiFa), Melanie Krempel (Marketing), Iris Rudolph (Product Development) and Mandy Hartmann (Tool Making). They took ample time to introduce the plastics industry with its technical professions. Hermann Koch GmbH would like to express thanks for the keen interest and also looks forward to welcoming enthusiastic girls again next year.

(From left to right): Mandy Hartmann, Iris Rudolph, Melanie Fenzlein, Melanie Krempel, Lea-Marie Spindler, Edith Brauner, Anna Arnold, Christian Lützenrath, Günther Müller)

This year, once again, agents from across Europe met at the Coburg site.

New projects were presented, and each agent gave presentations on the key topics of new products and market trends. The next agents’ meeting is in April 2013.

This year we presented our new standard collection and finishing options (see new products) framed by our successful trade fair appearance. Our booth visitors had already received the first trend predictions for the 2013 colours.

We would like to thank all the visitors to our booth and look forward to also welcoming them at easyFairs in Zurich. (Hall 5/ G17 24.04.2012 - 25.04.2012)

We have been part of the Bavarian Environmental Pact since 2008. Our membership also proved its worth in 2012 with the ongoing organisation of the waste disposal system and the introduction of eco-efficient waste management. Dipl. - Ing. Günther Müller is driving these changes. He introduced voluntary, environmentally-aware thinking and action to the staff at Hermann Koch GmbH and established it in practice.

In this context, Mr Müller emphasised again that environmental protection affects us all and that the success story in terms of the Bavarian Environmental Pact could only be realised thanks to the exemplary commitment of every single Hermann Koch employee.

Mr Günther Müller was honoured for his outstanding dedication by the Bavarian State Minister for the Environment and Public Health Dr Marcel Huber, MdL (member of the State Assembly) and appointed as ambassador for the Bavarian Environmental Pact.