Festive celebration opening new production hall

Three days full of events in Lengerich

German window frame manufacturer Gerdes Fenster und Türen is clearly on course for growth. Thanks to the positive developments of recent years, the company was able to move into a third factory in Lengerich, 40 km from the Dutch border, in August 2022 with a 3,700 m² production hall with modern machinery and 500 m² of offices and social rooms. In April 2023, robots also made their first appearance in production. These important milestones in Gerdes' corporate history were celebrated extensively in June 2023.

Festivities for clients and partners, employees and the region

Gerdes has been a Schüco Premium Partner for 46 years and is now one of the leading Schüco processors in Germany. The manufacturer has also manufactured systems for new construction and renovation projects in the Benelux countries since the end of the last century, where more than 80% of the products now find their application. 

"Our new production hall would not have been possible without our customers and partners from the Benelux and Germany. So it was time to say 'Thank you!", explains managing director Thomas Gerdes. And power of attorney Peter Simon-Höke adds, "Of course, our employees also have a big impact in our development. And last but not least, we also owe this progress to our home region 'Emsland' with which we are closely connected." 

Launch on June 2 with customer event

Gerdes decided then, to hold three different festivities. The festival weekend began on Friday, June 2, 2023, with a large event for customers and partners. For this, part of the new production hall was transformed into an impressive event venue. Around 200 guests from Benelux and Germany, such as Schüco, for example, were able to enjoy delicious food and drinks, musical entertainment and a fire show. There was also the opportunity to get an insight into the new production hall and robot system. "We are overwhelmed that we were able to welcome so many guests to Lengerich," said Thomas. 

Peter continued: "We really enjoyed the evening with our clients and partners, as we have close relationships with many of them that have grown over the years. The feedback from the guests was extremely good!"

Party for employees 

The exclusive event for the 110 employees followed on Saturday at the same location. "Every employee was invited to bring their own partner or companion to the event," reports Peter. "In this way we were also able to meet many spouses and had a very pleasant and personal evening together." Thomas: "Having a party with our 'Durchblicker,' that's what we call our employees after all, is always fun! Great that everyone was so enthusiastic about the party!"

Open house on June 4

Finally, on Sunday, June 4, Gerdes held an open day in Lengerich. Thousands of interested visitors participated very actively between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the various fascinating tours of the company premises and modern window and door production. Visitors also got a useful insight into the new, future-proof robotic system, and the Schüco show truck and Gerdes showroom invited inspiration for the next residential project. Thomas: "Naturally, the beer garden (Biergarten) was also well visited. Plenty of delicious food and drinks. It was fun to also see the children of our colleagues and relations at work with all kinds of games we had set up: from the bouncy castle to soccer darts and of course the mini forklift course! We saw many young new forklift talents! Also, several mostly men made frantic attempts to break open our windows with all kinds of tools. Much to the amusement of the women...!"

Forward-looking investments in relationships 

Looking back, Gerdes rates the three event days as a great success. Thomas concludes, "It is always good to be in conversation with your relationship network and keep in close contact. The events provided a very nice framework for this." 

Peter adds, "Of course, the organizational and financial effort to prepare and execute the events was enormous. But it was doubly worth it! And as far as we are concerned, definitely worth repeating."