Today was another busy day! We woke up extra early to do our first company visit: Hoerbiger. My company presentation that I will present by the end of the week is about Hoerbiger. Hoerbiger produces technical products for many industries, including automobiles. We were able to tour two different facilities: one in Altenstadt and the other in Schongau. Both facilities produced different products for different industries.

We visited Altenstadt first, where they produced compression valves. These valves could be used for laser-cutters to ventilators. The sheer range of applicability for this technology was staggering. Furthermore, every batch produced is customized so that the customer receives a product that can meet their specifications. After a brief introduction to the valves, we were given a tour of the manufacturing process. We saw the beginning of the valve (with a Piezo chip) to the end, where the valves go through rigorous testing. Overall, this product’s future seemed very stable and advances with technology, and, therefore, was the larger facility of the two.

After a short bus ride, we arrived at Schongau to visit the second facility. Here, the facility produced rings for ICE cars. Once again, we were given a tour of the process. Much like the valves, Hoerbiger customizes the specifications every order, and, in some cases, designs the rings themselves. Due to the increasing demand of electric cars, this facility will drift away from during ICE rings, and towards electric vehicle parts. This adjustment will cause the facility to lose profits in the short-run but could stabilize in the long-run. This was addressed in a few of the talks that came after the tour. Overall, while both facilities were impressive, I found the valves to be the more impressive product.

After a quick lunch at Hoerbiger, we left and traveled close to the German-Austrian border: specifically, a village called Oberammergau. Oberammergau has two claims to fame: they put on the Passion every decade (the last play was preformed last year) and the gondola that takes you to the Alps. Since the Passion was preformed last year, we visited for the gondola ride. Although the weather was bad when we first arrived, we were able to ride the gondola and see some breathtaking views! We were even able to see Augsburg, which is about two hours from the village!

After descending the gondola, we were given free time to shop and eat Abendessen. I went with the rest of the girls to a German restaurant and order a traditional Schnitzel with Pommes. After dinner, we had a little time to explore some of the village. The village offered amazing views of the Alps. The village, albeit a bit touristy, shows elements of a stereotypical German village. For example, the majority of the buildings have the iconic red roof. Also, many of the buildings were intricately decorated with art from the Renaissance era, which is common in smaller villages. Unfortunately, our time was cut short and we had to return tomorrow. Tomorrow, we have another company visit, however it will not be as intense as Hoerbiger’s. Bis später!

German Words used:

Abendessen = Dinner

Schnitzel = Fried pork cutlet

Pommes = French fries

Bis später = Until later!