The excursion, led by federal team member Timo Roth, began shortly before 12 noon at the factory gate of Wieland-Werke AG in Vöhringen. Dr. Kuhn and Dr. Käufler were already waiting for the group, who also took them on a guided tour of the company. Once everyone had arrived, the personal protective equipment was put on. Wieland-Werke attaches great importance to the prevention of accidents. Afterwards, we headed to the canteen for lunch together. During the meal, all the participants and the two group leaders were able to get to know each other better.

After lunch, Wieland-Werke AG gave a presentation in the newly renovated office building for research and development. We then moved on from the offices to the technical centre for casting and forming. Here, small-scale tests are carried out on what will later be mass-produced on the large systems. A recycling plant is currently being built on the site, in which copper-containing scrap is to be processed for production. We then went to the production facilities for press-drawn products, which are equipped with presses with a pressing force of up to 68 kN. We were able to observe these live during the production of semi-finished products. We also visited huge rolling mills for flat products. After the exciting tour through the company, we took off our safety equipment and took a final group photo.

The further journey took us to the youth hostel in Ulm, where we checked into our rooms before spending the rest of the evening eating together in Ulm.

The next day, after breakfast, we travelled to ZwickRoell GmbH & Co. KG. After a round of introductions with Mr. Niedernberger and Mr. Brendel from ZwickRoell, over a very tasty coffee, Mr. Niedernberger gave a company presentation. This was followed by a presentation by Mr. Brendel about ZwickRoell as an employer.

After the presentations, the group went to the ZwickRoell Testing Lab, where contract testing and training are carried out. All products were presented to the group there. After this overview of the complete product portfolio, we went to the mechanical production area. This is where the digitally supported machining of semi-finished products is carried out using milling and turning machines, welding work and similar. Following the development process of the testing machines, we then moved on to the assembly of series and special machines. Once all the questions had been answered, the group moved on to the canteen for a truly excellent lunch. Afterwards, a group photo was taken and the participants said goodbye.

Young-DGM would once again like to thank the companies and guides for the interesting insights into the two companies. Further insights into the DGM's extensive work with young talent can be found on our website.