Get to know us better

Markus, how and when did you join the DURAG GROUP?

I first came into contact with the DURAG GROUP in 2015, when Hans Jürgen Grimm decided to sell the company named after him. At the time, it was important to him to hand it over to a German company that was active in a similar field to GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK. He wanted to bridge the gap between emissions and immissions. At that time, I helped him to introduce the company to the DURAG GROUP. It was then taken over in the fall of 2015.

What was your career like before that, what training did you do and when did you join the GRIMM AEROSOL team?

Before my time at GRIMM, I studied technical environmental protection engineering at the TU Berlin, specializing in air pollution control, and completed my doctorate on ozone as an air pollutant under Professor Gerhard Israel. He was a luminary in the field of air pollution control and aerosols and many years ahead of his time. My first contact with GRIMM was during my time at university as part of a research project in Berlin to analyze the causes of PM2.5, particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, and ultrafine particles with a diameter of less than 0.1 micrometers. Nano-measurement technology and the EDM 180 particulate matter measuring device from GRIMM were used. After a visit from GRIMM's managing director, I decided to switch to the business world, despite my ties to the university. The opportunity to develop personally in a company with a global brand presence convinced me.

Can you tell us a bit more about the history of GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK?

The company was founded by Hans Jürgen Grimm over 40 years ago in Ainring, where he lived. Due to the company's growth and the production and development manager at the time, another branch was founded in Pouch. In 2018, the DURAG GROUP acquired a new building in Friedersdorf, which has since served as the location for production and development. It offers sufficient space for additional staff and expanded production capacities. The investments in this region are significant and demonstrate the group's commitment. Around 50 people are currently employed in Friedersdorf, while seven employees work in Ainring.

How has the site developed?

It has developed significantly in terms of structures and processes in recent years. This has also been well received by customers. The expansion of the premises also means an increase in production capacity. The sense of togetherness that we promote through joint activities should be emphasized. We have a strong team spirit and this contributes significantly to the success of our site. However, we also face the challenge of recruiting skilled workers.

What highlights do you particularly remember?

During my time at university, I was used to giving presentations - but not in French. Accordingly, my presentation at the "Ambient Air Day" in Paris with DURAG France was something very special for me. Another highlight for me was the "I²SM" in Mallorca, where I was able to present GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK of the DURAG GROUP. My presentation was awarded a trophy in the shape of a flame as the best presentation of the event. This has had a place of honor in my office ever since. I also have fond memories of the DURAG GROUP partner meeting in 2023 and the first ambient air training for colleagues from the DACH region at the end of 2022. We had an incredibly good atmosphere in Friedersdorf and the feedback from the participants made me really happy!

What are you currently working on?

I'm working with the Academy department to develop a training series that uses videos and web-based training (WBTs) to teach ambient air content. This includes basic knowledge about aerosols and gaseous air pollutants as well as information about the measuring devices. The focus is on the diverse and fascinating applications of our devices. The training courses are divided into different knowledge levels and require no prior knowledge. I have a good feeling that I can make a difference in this area and help our group of companies move forward. The fact that AP2E's ambient air division has now been added to the mix is simply brilliant. Their OFCEAS measuring principle in combination with LPS is the best and most fascinating thing I have ever come across for gas measurements. As with GRIMM, the aim now is to get the many horsepower onto the road even better.

Finally, how do you rate the development potential and what would you like to see?

Our development potential at the GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK site in Friedersdorf is very promising. Thanks to the brilliant measurement performance of our devices, we have an excellent basis for optimizing them even further. I am convinced that by focusing on our core competencies and hiring additional staff, we will be able to achieve many of our goals in the future. Strong sales and internal training programs also play an important role here. For the future, I hope that we will be able to retain qualified employees in the long term by continuing to invest in their development and offering them prospects. We have already achieved a great deal within the DURAG GROUP in recent years. If we can convey this spirit even more strongly to the outside world, I see many more opportunities and growth potential.

Jacqueline, what is your job with us, how did you come to the DURAG GROUP and how long have you been with us? 

I started as a Sales Assistant in the commercial department at DURAG BRASIL in mid-July 2014, when it was still called DURAG Siena. I currently work in After Sales and Service, where I coordinate the local service activities. 

What highlights do you particularly remember from this time?

I particularly remember two training days that we held for our sales partners some years ago. Not only did we gain additional valuable insights into our overall product portfolio, but we also got to know our partners better - an excellent basis for further cooperation. In addition, I also have fond memories of the 2014 World Cup when I watched the Germany vs. Brazil game with my colleagues. It was fun to cheer and get mad when our team lost, we spent a lot of time together during this World Cup in our home country. And a third highlight: we now organize “Churrasco” or BBQ in a restaurant to celebrate reaching a sales target. Furthermore, the “DURAG Academy” learning platform is a great way to expand our knowledge, and the access to the head office with tools such as Teams or CRM makes our collaboration very effective.

Can you give us some information on the location and size of DURAG BRASIL? How has it developed and what were the challenges?

The branch is located in São Paulo, Diadema City. From here, the company operates throughout Brazil as DURAG BRASIL, supported by sales partners and as part of the international DURAG GROUP. Since the DURAG GROUP entered the Brazilian market, the company has developed steadily. To date, we have had to deal with several economic crises in Brazil, but especially in the last two years, we have been able to significantly increase the sales of DURAG GROUP products. Since 2022 the company operates under the new name DURAG BRASIL.

Are there any content or regional focuses and challenges?

Personally, it was a big challenge to start in an area where I had little prior knowledge. But I like to learn myself and I also enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience directly with my colleagues After all, an introduction to the company's processes is also important for new team members so that they know how to approach their tasks. In my new role in After Sales and Service, there are also many new challenges and things to learn. However, I particularly enjoy supporting my team and growing together with them.

How would you describe your corporate culture and what would you personally wish for the location?

In a constantly evolving working environment, respectful interaction and teamwork are fundamental aspects of our day-to-day business. Due to the size of our team of ten, we are able to gain experience in a wide variety of areas, but we also have to share our knowledge efficiently so that all processes run smoothly. I hope that this respectful and result-orientated cooperation - hand in hand - will continue in the future at DURAG BRASIL.

Automation and digitalization of metal cutting: From bar loader to high-tech machine 

In 2010, Matthias Schultz's first year at the DURAG GROUP, there was already an automation solution: a bar loader was used to load the relevant material into a CNC lathe. Since then, however, a lot has happened in his field of work. For the past three years, a robotic pick-and-place machine has also been used in production: sawing sections are automatically loaded and unloaded in its turning center. Matthias Schultz looks with us at the DURAG GROUP's path to more digitalization and efficiency.

Schultz started in 2010 as a cutting machine operator in the DURAG GROUP's production department at the Hamburg site as part of a temporary employment agency; after a year, he was hired permanently. In 2023, he took over the position of trainer and, since the same year, he has been deputy head of the mechanics department, where he works with a team of 21 colleagues.

Technical progress has changed his everyday work: "I used to literally stand at the machine all day to load and unload workpieces." In his early days at the DURAG GROUP, components were usually produced on several machines. After drilling, it was off to the milling machine to insert holes or threads, for example.

Highly modern machines for greater efficiency

In the recent past, the company has invested in high-tech equipment that can do both: turning and milling. "Today, a single machine is set up and the robot's workpiece storage is loaded, followed by the complete machining of the components," says Matthias Schultz. Immediately after setup, the person responsible has enough time to devote to other important activities in the production process. "In this way, we save at least one work step and have been able to reduce the time per production order," says the Hamburg native. "From 2020, the year before automation, to 2022, we were able to increase the system's productive time by 57%."

Currently, two of the nine CNC lathes and milling machines in the cutting department enable six-sided complete machining. They work independently and without manpower for a second shift. "A raw part is inserted and a finished workpiece comes out at the end," explains Schultz. The automatic loading of the workpieces also guarantees significantly higher repetition accuracy and precision during the clamping process.

The existing NC program of the processing machine works very simply. It is controlled by numerical instructions and carries out very precise movements and work steps. "Eight parameters have to be entered on the robot in advance. The jaws are then changed and the robot is ready for use. It feels more difficult to use a smartphone," says Matthias Schultz with a twinkle in his eye. Before the robot was introduced, only a two-day training course was required.

Automation, digitalization – and soon AI as well

Particularly with regard to certain parts, automation at the DURAG GROUP is a success story in his eyes. "The components used to be delivered fully machined by the foundry," recalls Schultz. "However, due to bottlenecks during the COVID-19 pandemic, our supplier was only able to deliver the raw parts. So we machined the parts directly on our premises." Thanks to the automated system, production was able to run for almost 24 hours.

"Automation and digitalization are becoming increasingly important in order to remain competitive," says Schultz. "AI is also not that far away in the manufacturing sector." Highly qualified employees who stand at the machine all day, however, will no longer exist. Due to the shortage of skilled workers, there is no way around more automation and digitalization. On the one hand, employees need to be relieved of simple tasks so that they can focus exclusively on complex activities that match their qualifications. On the other hand, higher utilization of the processing machines means greater efficiency.

The 37-year-old is confident about the future of his area of work: "Here at the DURAG GROUP, we have successfully taken the first steps in the right direction. I firmly believe that we will continue on this course. I am convinced that the acquisition of new CNC processing machines will not be possible without automation solutions. And with regard to the digitalization of production, I still see potential for us.". 
 

Verena, International Women's Day has been celebrated on March 8 for around 100 years and is not least about equality in the workplace. How do you personally experience the changing role of women in the business world?

After completing my degree in biotechnology & process engineering, I worked in a mechanical engineering company. Unfortunately, it was still taken for granted that I, as a woman, wrote the notes in meetings. And verbal discrimination had to be accepted "because that's just the way it is". Today, I'm noticing a big change: more and more people recognize sexism when they see or hear it. And they dare to address it openly in the respective situation, which is a great development. Nevertheless, it is women rather than men who notice such things. I am convinced that we need more male advocates who develop a sensitivity for feminist issues. We must not forget that corporate cultures around the world are male-dominated. Women have only been allowed to vote in Germany for around 100 years. We women have only had equal rights before the law for just under 65 years. And we have only been allowed to decide for ourselves whether and what we work for 47 years. Against this background, the status quo is not surprising. It is now up to us and our male colleagues to create a new culture.

How far does the DURAG GROUP ensure equal opportunities for female employees and how has the number of female employees developed over the years?

I have only been with the company since 2018, but I have noticed a change; there are more women in team management and department management positions than six years ago. Nevertheless, women are still more likely to be found in commercial, HR or marketing roles. However, this is not due to the DURAG GROUP, but to our fundamental social norms and conventions. Regardless of gender, the DURAG GROUP offers development opportunities to all employees. However, I think there is still potential for more educational work, programs and initiatives on the subject of diversity, an equal corporate culture and equality.

What exactly is your role at the DURAG GROUP?

I started in April 2018 as Product Manager for our total mercury analyzer. I was subsequently responsible for other products in the PEM portfolio. Then I became mother of a son and since returning from parental leave in April 2022, I have been working as a Product Portfolio Manager for the entire PEM area. Since February 2023, I have been supporting PEM Product Management and Technical Documentation in a restructuring process.

What highlights do you particularly remember?

My role gives me the privilege of working all over the world. International conferences, customer visits and meeting our long-standing sales teams and global partner network inspire me. The diversity of people, characters and cultures gives me new inspiration every time; every encounter, every experience contributes to my personal development. I am very grateful for the opportunity to experience this.

Do you have any impact on the younger generations of women at the DURAG GROUP and what do you wish for future female employees in the company?

We have great young women here. And one of the roles I have chosen for myself is to be a role model for future generations (laughs), but women or men are honestly of secondary importance. I hope that my way of dealing with people and my way of working will be motivating in a positive sense. If I've inspired just one woman to "stand her ground" in the last few years, then I've already achieved a lot. But one thing is certain, women need to support, encourage and challenge each other. We will perhaps always be in the minority in our industry. We therefore need to actively celebrate our skills, our values and, last but not least, our femininity in order to make the best decisions and thus improve cooperation in the long term. I would like future generations of women in the company to be aware that women who choose our industry have a special fighting spirit from the outset. We don't have to adapt to the masculine corporate culture; we are exactly as good as we are. This allows us to contribute huge added value to the company's success.

How did it come about that you applied to DURAG GROUP?

"I had already completed a first apprenticeship as an energy electronics technician at Beiersdorf, but found that it wasn’t the right fit for me there. While looking for a second apprenticeship, I came across a job ad for DURAG GROUP. The medium-sized company size and the short distances between departments immediately appealed to me, based on my impressions at Beiersdorf."

What are your main activities and which of them do you particularly enjoy?

"I look after our trainees, the interns, and the topics of time management and vehicle fleet. I’m also a trainer for our industrial clerks, including those who are also studying. I particularly enjoy the role of trainer. I get to work with mostly young people and give them the opportunity to learn their occupation of choice, to make the most of themselves later in their career and to continuously develop themselves on the basis of their training."

You have been training the next generation of DURAG GROUP employees since 2009. What exactly appeals to you about your job as a trainer?

“Working with young trainees, providing assistance, discussing worries and needs in some cases and coming to a good result in the process – that’s the beauty of my job. I’m also involved in organizing inter-year and inter-training gatherings such as the induction week, team-building activities, project weeks and Girls & Boys Day. These are exciting and important events for our apprentice industrial clerks, electronics technicians and machining mechanics, but it’s also an important and intensive time for us trainers.” 

Were there any experiences or projects during your time at DURAG GROUP that particularly impressed you?

“Two examples come to mind. I think the early recognition of potential in trainees is tremendous. In my time as a trainer, there were many such cases. With one of our trainees, we already knew in her first year of training what position she could fill after her training. After consulting with her, the open position was taken care of internally for a year and a half and kept open for her. The apprentice naturally moved into this challenging position after her apprenticeship and also progressed from there step by step. 

Another example is how the employees deal with new developments. DURAG GROUP has evolved continuously. On the way to becoming a modern company, it was often necessary to introduce new software and ERP systems. These new systems were supported by the open and broad-minded nature of my colleagues and implemented quickly with a lot of work, diligence and commitment. This attitude – of being open to new things – has always surprised me in a positive way.” 

What distinguishes DURAG GROUP from other employers you have known?

“I find the pleasant size of the company positive, and also the nice sense of togetherness and the shared events. The chances of promotion – with the right qualifications – are significantly higher than at other companies. And of course the training is of a very high standard. We see ourselves as being on an equal footing with our trainees even during their training.”

What were the most important milestones in your career?

“Back then, today’s apprenticeship as an electronics technician for devices and systems was offered in two steps, with your apprenticeship as a mechanic followed by training as an electronics technician.” And this is indeed the way Andreas chose to do it at the DURAG GROUP. After completing his training, he was taken on as a technician and just four years later, Andreas was made head of the Combustion Technology department. “As a young man of 25, that was a lot of responsibility to assume – but it was also formative for the future.”

2019, Andreas celebrated his 40th anniversary with the company: “If I hadn’t felt so comfortable here, well I wouldn’t have stayed on.”

What does your work consist of?

Andreas currently heads up both the Electronic Series Production department, which produces flame monitors and instrumentation for environmental metrology, and the Repairs department, where he is responsible for a team of 40: “When I see potential, I try to nurture it.”

His work includes ensuring that deadlines are met, administrative tasks and the monitoring of material stocks: “My job is to keep production running.” Andreas is also responsible for the continuous improvement and ongoing development of procedures and processes.

What developments have you seen during your time with the DURAG GROUP?

At the beginning, the DURAG GROUP was a medium-sized company with a focus on the German market. Thanks to technological progress, it is now possible to manufacture larger quantities and serve an international market. Compared to today’s possibilities, Andreas says the production of that time was like a “craft shop”.

“Even though change can create resistance, it’s good for a company as long as it becomes part of the culture.”

What are the challenges and highlights for you?

“Alongside training and taking on the running of the department, one of today’s highlights is that we can achieve unit quantities we didn’t even think were possible in the past.”

What makes the DURAG GROUP special for you?

“Every possible effort is made to respond to the needs of employees. I like the fact that the atmosphere has remained so friendly and informal despite the growth we have seen. The technology that goes into DURAG GROUP products is very interesting and innovative.

And last but not least, we build products for environmental protection – products you can stand behind!”