Pforzheim MBA Students Explore Innovation and Sustainability on EXCURSION to Dürr Group, Kärcher, and TRUMPF
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DAY 1: Corporate Venture to a Dynamic World
Dürr Group: Exploring Industrial Excellence
The journey began with a visit to the Dürr Group, a global leader in mechanical and plant engineering. The students were warmly welcomed by Mathias Christen, Senior Manager Communications and Investor Relations at Dürr Group, who unveiled the company’s remarkable success story. This session provided an in-depth understanding of Dürr's growth, market positioning, and strategic priorities.
Adding to the enriching experience, Pforzheim University alumnus Luca Rapp (Associate Strategic Projects and Corporate Development) shared key strategic insights, shedding light on how the Dürr Group navigates the complexities of global markets. Christoph Opitz (Manager Finance Process Governance & Consulting) took the spotlight to discuss the transformative OneDürrGroup program, a groundbreaking initiative that integrates various company divisions under a unified vision for future growth.
The visit left the students inspired, offering them a glimpse into Dürr’s operational brilliance and its relentless pursuit of innovation. A special thanks to Tobias Schimmel for an insightful company tour and Tamara Klie (Talent Acquisition Specialist - Young Talent) for walking the MBA students through the different opportunities that the Dürr Group has to offer and for organizing the insightful visit.
Day 2: A Journey of Innovation and Sustainability
Morning at Kärcher: Innovating for a Better Tomorrow
The second day of the excursion started at Kärcher, a family-owned international company celebrated for its cutting-edge cleaning solutions. The students were introduced to a world of opportunities as Lea Hägele from the Employer Branding & HR-Marketing elaborated on career prospects at Kärcher.
Next, Andreas Meyer guided the students through the company’s museum, showcasing Kärcher's legacy of innovation and its journey toward becoming a household name worldwide. The second part of the tour took the students to the research and development lab where they were introduced to some of Kärcher´s innovating patents before the visit concluded in the production area where they could explore the latest technology in cleaning machines for professional use. After a short break Anesa Tabak (Sustainability Management) further elevated the experience with an inspiring presentation on sustainability, highlighting Kärcher’s efforts to create a positive impact on the planet. The students were particularly moved by the company's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation.
Afternoon at TRUMPF: Cutting-Edge Technology and Inspirational Leadership
The excursion’s final stop was at TRUMPF, a global leader in industrial laser and machine tools. The visit commenced with a Fireside Chat featuring Member of the Executive Board and CHRO Oliver Maassen, who shared valuable insights on leadership and the future of work. This was followed by MBA alumnus Ernst Jacob-Wendler (Project Sales Engineer - Order Generation China), who inspired the group with his post-MBA success story at TRUMPF, providing a relatable and aspirational perspective for the students.
The day continued with a campus tour as well as guided tours of TRUMPF’s Education Center, led by Mathias Siegel (Head of HR Technical Apprenticeship / Dual Students), and its Smart Factory, guided by Mario Mörk (Head of Software and Process Solutions Global Customer Center). These visits showcased TRUMPF’s state-of-the-art facilities and innovative approach to integrating technology into manufacturing processes. The students gained firsthand knowledge of industrial advancements and the strategic mindset required to lead in such a competitive space.
text: Fei Teng and Avik Chakraborty, MBA Class of 2026
photos: MBA
