Today had to be my favorite day of the trip so far! We started the day off super early, the bus left at 7:20 to depart on our first company visit, Hoerbiger. 

I wasn’t too stoked about the early wake-up, but after about an hour’s nap on the bus, I was excited to see what our first German company had to offer. The visit was split up into two parts, the industrious side of the company, as well as the automotive side. We were introduced to their main product, the pieza microchip. We first learned about the different production lines and market strategies that Hoerbiger had to offer for the industrious side of things. It was shocking how different the work culture was at the company, and how they overvalued their employees. The company offered 3 day at-home work weeks, a gym, and even paid thousands of dollars for adjustable standing/sitting desks!

After visiting the offices and production line for the microchips, we hopped on the bus to go to their automotive factory, where gears for gearboxes were produced. We learned several key factors affecting the company’s supply chain during our company talk. Things like the emerging e-automobile industry, supply shortages during Covid, as well as labor shortages within the country. For example, the company delivers most of its products and supplies through the Swiss Canal. When a massive tree fell down, blocking the pathway, the canal had a severe backup for the following 6 months. Hoerbiger shifted its strategy by changing to train and air transportation, raising their costs of shipping. 

After the conclusion of our company visit, we took a trip to the Laber Bergbahn (the gondola) and Oberammergau. The countryside was absolutely gorgeous! Nothing like I had ever seen in my life. The amount of green space was plentiful and overwhelming. I took some of the greatest pictures in a while at the top of the mountain. Jason especially enjoyed the view and raised me up to help me see.

Oberammergau is a completely different feeling than the city of Augsburg, it seems like life moves a little slower in the countryside. There were tons of mountain ranges to ski on, and it seemed there were more tourists at Oberammergau. Although Augsburg is a more concentrated fast-paced city similar to Pittsburgh, Oberammergau offered a slower pace, with many natural sights to see.