Schaeffler to build new central training center in Herzogenaurach

13.12.2023 | Herzogenaurach

• Schaeffler is investing 20 million euros in a new, state-of-the-art training center in Herzogenaurach
• Important factor in attracting highly motivated and talented employees
• First-class training and development for the future as a core element of the corporate strategy
• Modern room concept combines past and future

Schaeffler Group is building a new, state-of-the-art training center at its headquarters in Herzogenaurach at a central location on the factory premises, which will incorporate the existing training workshop. The concept was approved by the Executive Board. Construction is set to start in mid-2025, with completion scheduled for the end of 2026. Schaeffler is investing a total of around 20 million euros in the project. “The new training center is a reflection of the high regard we have for our trainees, future generation of skilled workers and anyone who aspires to do an apprenticeship. We are thus underscoring the importance that the Schaeffler Group has always attributed to training and development. With this new building at the heart of our factory site, we are literally placing training at the center of our company,” says Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG. “At the same time, we see this investment as an important factor in the competition for motivated skilled personnel who want to shape the future of the Schaeffler Group together with us.”

First-class training and development for the future
The building, which has a total floor area of around 5,700 square meters, will be located on an open space right next to the management board premises. The three-story facility will provide a new and ultra-modern learning and training environment for employees. The long sides of the building are taken up by glass-fronted workshops, training and seminar rooms. In the workshops there are learning areas for traditional technologies like milling, turning, and grinding, and new technology segments such as control technology and electronics, robotics, virtual and augmented reality. The new building will house more than 110 machines. “Through the new training center, Schaeffler is strengthening its vocational training and will align its apprenticeship program even more closely with future trends,” says Hanna Peter-Regar, Head of the Schaeffler Academy and responsible for training at Schaeffler. She explains the motivation behind the project: “We want to build up a next-generation workforce that is familiar with the Schaeffler values and Schaeffler technologies from the very outset.” The new premises will not just be available to trainees in Herzogenaurach but will also be accessible to all the around 1,000 young people undergoing vocational training at Schaeffler at 17 locations in Germany. In addition, the building will offer professional development measures for employees who have already completed their apprenticeship.

Modern room concept combines past and future
The building is defined by three staggered exhibition levels, each with a different focus. In the center of the building is a meeting space that displays current products of the Motion Technology Company whilst also conveying the technological achievements of the past. A staircase leads to a gallery that exhibits Schaeffler Group's corporate and family history. “The work environment in the training center is designed according to the Schaeffler New Work Standard and offers flexible recreation rooms,” explains Sandra Köllner, Global Head of Corporate Real Estate Projects, Space Management and New Work at Schaeffler. “Overall, the new training center is designed as a transparent and inviting room concept that can be used in a variety of ways by all employees, customers, and visitors.” The building will be completely barrier-free and certified to the DGNB Gold (German Sustainable Building Council) standard.