Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Design at the Forefront of the Times – 75 Years of Werner Schmid

Fulda. This year, Werner Schmid GmbH – a company specializing in metalworking, plastics technology, and toolmaking – is celebrating its 75th anniversary. No one at this long-standing family-owned business, which now employs nearly 300 people, could have imagined that a global pandemic would be raging in 2021, the company’s anniversary year. “This extraordinary time, with all its drastic changes, has not only taught us once again how important it is to be able to think outside the box,” says Managing Director Matthias Hauß. “It has also reinforced our commitment to always being open to new, creative solutions—and to occasionally exploring alternative, previously uncharted paths.”

A look back at 75 years of eventful company history shows that this approach has consistently proven successful in the past. From its founding by Werner Schmid in May 1946 as a metalworking company, through its development into a stamping plant, the establishment of its own toolmaking division, and the start of plastic processing, all the way to the successful manufacture of metal-plastic hybrids, Werner Schmid GmbH has always been subject to constant change.

In addition to two relocations, this was accompanied by the ongoing automation and steady modernization of the production areas, as well as by the continuous growth of digitalization. As early as 1971, the first hydraulic and mechanical presses laid the foundation for automated process sequencing in metal forming, which reached a preliminary peak in 2015 and 2018 with the introduction of the first servo presses. “In 1982, the design department said ‘goodbye to the drawing board’; shortly thereafter, toolmaking entered the era of freely programmable control technology with the first CNC-capable machines; in 1998, the first robots made their debut in plastics processing,” explains Managing Director Joachim Hauß.

On the occasion of its anniversary, Werner Schmid GmbH is not only looking back on 75 years of inspiring company history but is also deliberately focusing its attention on the future. From postwar rubble that was processed into window and door hardware, through research projects on the use of naturally renewable raw materials and efforts to increase energy efficiency today, all the way to independent development work in the future, the company has always pursued the same goal –  to create something new that’s in step with the times. Werner Schmid’s vision includes mastering complexity through perfect design and hybrid technology, fostering sustainability through environmental responsibility and long-term relationships, promoting professional development through appreciation and knowledge transfer, and embodying a sense of regional identity through loyalty to the local community and social engagement.

“We identify with the region and the people who live and work here,” says Joachim Hauß. “Together, we want to grow and shape the future.” For many years now, as a founding partner of the nonprofit Perspektiva – an initiative of the Antonius Network – the company has been successfully committed to preparing physically, mentally, or emotionally disadvantaged young people for the primary labor market. In 2018, Werner Schmid GmbH invested in securing long-term growth opportunities at its Fulda location by acquiring the neighboring property.

“We consider ourselves fortunate that, after 75 years of stable and healthy growth, we are still in the market today – despite all current challenges – with plans for the future and secure jobs,” says Matthias Hauß. “Our thanks for this go to all current and former employees, as well as to our customers and business partners.” They have all stood by Werner Schmid GmbH over the past 75 years, overcoming difficulties together, achieving goals, venturing into new territory, and celebrating successes. “Saying ‘Thank you!’ clearly and showing appreciation can be done in many ways – even without face-to-face contact – and is a central part of our anniversary celebrations this year,” said Joachim Hauß.

Since a joint celebration with the staff isn’t possible under COVID-19 restrictions, the company has opted for a creative approach. Through the end of the year, Werner Schmid employees will receive a surprise gift every month, with a focus on individuality and regional character. For example, so far there has been a specially created WS quiz with over 80 questions about the company’s history and a regional cookbook featuring recipes from popular Fulda restaurants. This concept is intended not only to express appreciation but also to create a moment of anticipation each month during these uncertain and mentally taxing times.