Modern furniture demands maximum functional versatility in order to meet the wishes of end consumers. An im-portant prerequisite for this versatility are fitting systems which allow furni ture designers unrestricted creativity and which nevertheless can be efficiently manufactured. The demands for operat-ing comfort, reliability, quiet running and high load rating are on the increase in all developed markets and on all con-tinents. The most up-to-date response from GRASS is called Dynapro, a newly designed concealed slide system which more than meets the changed product requirements of furniture users.

The new Dynapro slide system.Individuality replaces uniformity.

Individuality is the buzzword of our times. Tailor-made products play a special role in virtually all areas of our lives – and naturally that includes our furniture. Page II/III

Maximum functional versatility.

New ProDucTIoN facIlITy IN GöTzIs/ausTrIa. State-of-the-art machinery for Dynapro.Page IV

New coMforT IN The wall cabINeT.Kinvaro flap systems: design and function in synthesis.Page VI

Grass – The New braND.A new image for the future. A forward-looking design.Page V

MoveMents Boredom – a thing of the past. The concealed slide system for absolute design freedom.

Meeting the end consumers’ wishes for modern furniture with Dynapro.

The development of Dynapro is not only based on comprehensive international market studies, but also on the results of many personal interviews with craftsmen and customers in industry and retail.

High-quality drawer with Dynapro.

Inset drawer with Dynapro.

tiomos – the spectacular hinge generation will be launched in 2010. Tiomos was presented exclusively for the first time at the international trade fair for suppliers to the furniture indus-try in Cologne. At Sicam, this new generation of hinges was already fully accessible to the professional public. The enthusiastic feedback from both events confirms: “the short wait until 2010 is worth it”.

Dynapro design trends at Küchenmeile A30. TheKüchenmeile exhibitors shape the latest design trends. For this reason, the design freedom offered by GRASS Dynapro was a welcome

see you soon at the ZoW exhibition. We look forward to your visit in Bad Salzuflen, 8 to 11 Feb ruary 2010.

CusTomer magazIne

InMotIonIssue 1/2010

boost. Manufacturers of well-known brands such as Allmillmö, Bax Kit-chens and Zeyko use Dynapro’s ver-satility and differentiation potential to create their individual designs. The concealed system was shown with Soft-close damper, with Tipmatic Plus and with Sensomatic opening systems, amongst others. The exhibi-tors were extremely satisfied with the exhibition and Dynapro’s per-formance. They will install the new concealed slide system in their new models from December.

furniture with Dynapro: expression of crea tivity and lifestyle.

there is already worldwide demand for the new con­cealed slide system. A develop-ment project such as Dynapro involves years of intensive teamwork. You could say that this “baby” has many “fathers” in different functions and areas. However, according to Andreas Fleischmann, “the key to success is in intensive contact with our customers. Their views and needs directly influence our concept.” The product manager continues: “There are solid reasons for the demand for Dynapro worldwide, including in the USA. Back in 2005/2006, during the concept phase of the project, we carried out surveys and made personal con-tact with industrial, retail and craft-based companies in order to establish their needs. Through a market research institute in Zurich we sent out ques-tionnaires to an even larger number of customers all over the world. This gave us an accurate and complete picture of our customers’ needs.” According to Andreas Fleischmann it is quite a chal-

synchronisation for ex­tremely quiet running without mid­way knocking. Unlike conventional concealed slide systems, Dynapro is the only system worldwide featuring synchronisation. Jürgen Ahlfeld, Head of Development at GRASS, cites the comment made by furniture users: “The movement of a slide is not just an acoustic, but also a tactile experience. Generally, mid-way knocks are perceived as disagreeable by users while an un-interrupted movement is seen as smooth and comfortable.” According to Ahlfeld, “The mechanically syn-chronised sliding action of the rails guarantees the type of superior comfort that users will be familiar with from the GRASS Nova Pro and DWD-Dynamic-XP drawer systems.” Dynapro’s outstanding running cha-racteristics remain unchanged, even when operating under heavy loads. Weights of up to 60 kg present no problems for the system.

It’s nice when a slight tug is enough. “Just have a look at how easy it is to open the drawer – that is a sure way of judging a tech-nically matured functional system,” explains Jürgen Ahlfeld, “and here again Dynapro scores top marks with its performance.”

3D adjustment option for perfect alignment. Dynapro is the first concealed slide system worldwide that features integrated three-dimensional adjustment. The entire drawer can be adjusted verti-cally, horizontally and in its angle of tilt. This is the first time that the 3D adjustment mechanism, which has long been a standard feature of double-wall drawer systems, has been fully adopted in a concealed slide system. All adjustments can be carried out without tools, with ad justers being easy to grip and

lenge to really understand the various needs of the market. And it is an even greater challenge to find a solution and a comprehensive system that meets them all.

A variety of customer needs are linked to one innovative whole. Over 90 % of manufacturers have asked for optimised adjustment

manipulate. Jürgen Ahlfeld sums up: “An optimum alignment can be produced with just a few easy manual adjust-ments.” In addition, Dynapro provides substantial savings potential for indus-trial and craft-based furniture makers: thanks to the concealed slide system with three-dimensional adjustment me-chanism, the production of four-sided drawers can be changed to three-sided. There is no need for a second front to be mounted in parallel with the exter-nal front panel. With Dynapro, the front panel alignment can be performed using the 3D adjustment facility.

special accessories for supe­rior comfort. Thanks to Dynapro’s compatibility with all GRASS comfort systems, the fittings are extremely versatile. With Softclose, the success-ful damping system, Dynapro drawers close gently and softly. With Tipmatic Plus, the mechanical opening system, it is possible to fit handle-free drawers with large front panels which will open upon a slight touch. And with Senso-

functionality and design. room for ideas and uniqueness.

That’s how beautiful comfort can be.

Jürgen ahlfeld, Head of Development, commenting on the invisiblebut all the more effective benefits of Dynapro.

andreas fleischmann, Dynapro product and project manager speaks about development of the new slide system.

options as well as easy, smooth and silent running of the concealed slide system. But an equal number have also asked for rugged construction and a high load rating. Project manager Fleisch-mann vividly remembers the ironic question of one of the engineers in the development team: “What is it you want – an HGV or a luxury limousine?” And his response at the time: “Both in one. But

The concealed slide system seems to ‘have wings’ and yet glides smoothly in its track, evenwith heavy loads.

it would be even better if the thing could fly.” Today Fleischmann says “that state-ment did not exactly make me popular, but it made clear the customers’ wishes for minimal pull-out force, applications without handles and optimum damping – and the team took that very seriously.”

the platform for creative and economical furniture design.

Important subjects in the many conver-sations with manufacturers were the trends in furniture design and the de-velopment of consumer needs in the different markets. In essence, the answer was the same as that of many independent surveys: functionality and design are not contradictory. Furniture is an expression of personality and life-style. Beautiful furniture must include

‘Luxury’ in everyday life. Dynapro – opens andcloses easily and softly.

The synchronisation ensures that there is no mid-way knock or uneven running as found with conventional systems.

The 3D adjustment makes Dynapro a highlyeconomical movement system for the future.

Compatibility with all grass systems is the basis for functional versatility and comfort.

With Dynapro, the slide rails move without resistance or unpleasant noise. This makes the slide system extremely well suited for installation in living room furniture.

matic, the electro-mechanical opening system, Dynapro drawers open almost as if by themselves. In combination with these exceptional movement systems, Dynapro offers maximum operating comfort.

functionality as an integral compo nent. That was also confirmed by a current study carried out in Germany. 83 % of those interviewed value fitness for pur-pose and functionality, 68 % see their furniture as an expression of their life-style, 66 % as an expression of their personality and 54 % as an expression of creativity. Andreas Fleischmann sum marises: “We have focused on each individual customer need one step at a time, in order to achieve a comprehen-sive and integrated objective – to offer furniture manufacturers a unique and well-engineered platform for efficient, creative furniture making.” “Dynapro is the ideal

system for distinctive,creative furniture designand economical furnituremanufacture.”

“Functionality and comfort combine with aesthetics to form a unified whole.”

andreas Fleischmannproduct manager,Dynapro project manager

Jürgen ahlfeldHead of Development of the grass group

InmoTIon. THe CusTomer magazIne. Page II/III

Functionality and lifestyle are the two values rated by consumers in their furniture.

source: statisa.com/emnid 2009

Perc

enta

ge o

f res

pond

ents

100 %

75 %

50 %

25 %

0 %

83.1 %

Fit for purpose,functional

expression of my lifestyle

expression of my personality

expression of my creativity

not reallyimportant for me

68.1 % 66.2 %

54.5 %

2.6 %

The new production facility in Götzis/Vorarlberg.

a clear signal at international trade exhibitions.

The manufacture of Dynapro requires state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated logistics.

The new design by GRASS at the Interzum and SICAM exhibitions.

Dynapro production line with state-of-the-art assembly lines.

grass exhibition stand at Interzum. a futuristic temple in an ancient mould.

measuring station in the new buildingProduction of Dynapro profiles

The development of Dynapro repre-sents a milestone in several ways. For furniture manufacturers, Dynapro is a concealed slide system hitherto unavailable in this form, a system with unique and exciting applications. From the point of view of GRASS and its employees, Dynapro also represents something else – it symbolises the re alisation of a vision. On the one hand, there is the project and product devel opment from 2005 to market readiness – a process which helped to galvanise the merger of the companiesMepla-Alfit and GRASS to form what is now the GRASS group. And on the other hand, there is the design and implemen tation of a new production

This year once again, Interzum was the per fect international stage for pre-senting innovative movement solutions to its almost 50,000 trade visitors from all over the world. The start of Interzum coincided with the launch of the new GRASS corporate design, and the new exhibition concept was facing its first test. “The fact that the trade visitors assessed both very positively is con-firmed by the record number of visitors to the exhibition stand and the positive feedback throughout,” sums up Frank Nessler, Sales and Marketing Director at GRASS.

An exhibition stand as a walk­in business card with the potential to impress. The objec-tive was an emotional presentation of the new GRASS brand and its extended range of functional movement systems. The focus had to be on three new product solutions and practical applications of already established series. At the same time, the briefing called for an unmistakable stand design as a clear sign with recognition value. The end result exceeded all expecta tions: from the invitingly open layout to the use of highly sophisticated lighting technology through to the all-pervading musical

An unmistakable image for the brand. “GRASS is a brand with tradition. And yet: owing to its merger with Mepla-Alfit and the integration of Hetal, the brand had to find a new stra-tegic orientation,” emphasises Harald Klüh, Global Brand Manager at GRASS. In the years to come, he wants to give the GRASS brand an unmistakable complexion, focusing on high customer satisfaction and the firm’s ongoing commitment to developing inno vative product solutions. “We see a brand-focused corporate strategy as a pre-requisite for long-term success,” stresses the brand manager. “GRASS stands for trendsetting product de-velopment, technical precision and progressive thinking.” It follows that GRASS positions itself as a modern

process which involves four locations at the same time, and also includes the construction of a new building and manufacturing line. All this was instru-mental in turning our vision into reality and creating our future.

sounds – the GRASS exhibition stand was clearly distinct from other presen-tations. The stand itself gave the im-pression of a futuristic temple based on ancient examples. From the outside it was purist and open, while in the cen-tre it was illuminated by a huge green luminescent LED cube. With this radi-ant, striking presence, GRASS was able to attract a lot of attention. The large

up-and-coming brand based on tradi-tion. “Although that may sound contra-dictory,” says Harald Klüh, “the develop-ment potential of the GRASS brand is based on solid foundations. With over 60 years’ experience, it is credible to claim that the company is orientated towards lasting values.”

Corporate design: consistent and expressive. The new corpo-rate design has a decisive impact on the significantly modernised appearance of the GRASS brand. Large green col-our surfaces in combination with light and elegant motifs create an ex tremely striking impression which lends expres-sion to the modern, purist ap proach. The different design elements are har-moniously matched and merge into a conclusive overall image of colour, picture and typography. “A com plete and complex appearance needs more than just a logo,” says Head of Marke-ting Andreas Marosch. “A consist ent corporate design does not leave the fundamental elements of its appear-ance to fashionable taste or individual moods, but understands these as part of its overall strategy”.

the colour green as the focus of interest. “Colour is faster than form,” quotes Harald Klüh, referring to one of the most important principles of communication. “Colours have an immediate, spontaneous and emotional effect.” So it was all the more important for the brand manager that the colour green experienced a renaissance at GRASS. A striking colour climate was

2005 – what belongs together, grows together. At the end of 2005,neither the name Dynapro nor the sys-tem existed. And some uninitiated em-ployees wondered what was behind the “MAG 100” code (Mepla-Alfit-Grass 100). Others wondered what product man-

agers, developers, engineers, marketing and sales colleagues of both companies were cooking up behind locked doors – they were, after all, still employees of independent com panies at different locations. And besides, they probably saw each other as competitors. But behind those doors they were soon to be united by a common goal. The dream of a new slide system invoked a lot of energy and enthusiasm. The individuals soon crystallised into a team which is now at the frontline of today’s GRASS group.

2009 – production at four lo­cations. The concealed Dynaprosystem is not an Airbus. Nevertheless, the comparison is not out of place be-cause just like the Airbus, the system is manufactured at different locations and requires sophisticated logistics. Director Thomas Müller, who is responsi ble for technology and development, sees this as a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. “Of course, our manu facturing process demands an excellent logistics system. We have to take into ac count that the Reinheim, Salzburg, Höchst and Götzis locations are all involved. But it also has the invaluable advantage that we can use the competencies at all locations to best effect.” For Thomas Müller, high productivity and quality management are top priorities. He takes the view that distributing the work over different loca-tions and structuring the manufacturing process into modular entities is “an appropriate process for global industrial companies – a vital ingredient.”

Final assembly at Götzis. In-dividual components of the Dynapro slide system are manufactured at Rein-heim, Salzburg and Höchst. The final assembly takes place at Götzis in the recently completed production building. It houses state-of-the-art punching and assembly machinery, which was largely in-stalled with the aid of in-house expertise. The first floor houses the very heart of the production process. There, the Dynapro sets come off the automatic assembly line, are thoroughly tested and then prepared for despatch. Thomas Müller and his production engineers are clearly proud of the system and the build-ing: “We have invested a lot in this facility, which is a clear and strong commitment to Götzis and Vorarlberg as a location.”

white high-gloss surfaces and the lu-minous light cube could be seen from afar and invited visitors to join GRASS on a journey from the outside to the inside. With the slogan “INSIDE MEETS OUTSIDE”, GRASS focuses on the in-sides of furniture and emphasises the almost symbiotic relationship of inner movement functions and outer design principles in modern furniture design.

“A winning debut” – GRAss at the first sICAM. There were two reasons for celebrating at the exhi-bition centre in Pordenone. For SICAM, it was the fact that the exhibition was able to welcome 13,000 trade visitors from nearly 80 countries. For GRASS, it was the fact that visitors were just as enthusiastic about the new brand pres-entation and innovations as they were

about the exhibition. Equally as pleas ing was the outstanding acceptance of the new Tiomos hinge generation and the new Dynapro concealed slide system – a trend that has strengthened even further since then.

developed around the new green, which defines a fresh, dynamic and modern approach.

Fascinating world of images.“Recognition is a question of consist-ency,” explains Harald Klüh, referring to the briefing for developing a specific GRASS visual language. In order to increase the distinctive feeling of the communicated image, the marketing team decided on an unusual principle: each photograph, without exception, had to contain the newly defined corporate colour. Green glass panels ensure a high degree of recognition and, what is more, they convey the idea of transpar ency in an almost perfect manner.

the language of the brand. For Harald Klüh the copy text is a char-

acteristic part of corporate identity. For this reason, guidelines have been defined for emotional as well as factual types of copy. The GRASS style is short, modern, self-assured and balanced in its rhythm. “All copy statements are to be understood as short stories which, apart from the content, also convey a brand-specific recognition value,” elab-orates the brand manager.

Music as an integral compo­nent of holistic brand com­munication. For Harald Klüh who, in November 2008, took over global brand management at GRASS, music is a personal passion. As a composer, the manager applies his musical talents at GRASS. Recently he has composed and recorded the corporate song enti tled “Feel the move” for GRASS. In Klüh’s

The new branding is implemented systematically throughout the entire company and productcommunication.

“The new production build­ing is a clear commitmentto Götzis as a location.”

Thomas müllermanaging DirectorTechnology and Development

“Our movement systemsturn a static cabinet into a living piece of furniture. That is the quality we want to convey with the GRASS brand.”

“The new corporatedesign conveys thedynamic of the brandin a refreshing way.”

Harald Klühglobal Brand manager

andreas maroschHead of marketing

InmoTIon. THe CusTomer magazIne. Page IV/V

The Grass brand received not only a new coat of paint but, more importantly, an integrated corporate design.

elegant, modern and self-assured.

a moving design for Grass , the movement specialist.opinion, “when brand communication and music can be combined in such a wonderful way, there is a release of new energies.” For someone with his musical inclinations, it is natural to see music as an integral component of holistic brand communication. “The extent to which musical branding can change the perception of a brand has been known for some time, not just since Telekom AG presented its audio logo.”

40 years of dedicated serv­ice. Johann Moser started his career at GRASS in 1969. He joined the com-pany, then known as Lautenschläger, as a toolmaker. In 1976 he passed his master craftsman’s examination, work-ing as foreman, and then later as Head of Department. Johann Moser proved his competence as Head of Process Engineering and later as Head of Qual-ity Management and Quality Assurance. His work ethic and commitment were such that he gained “procura” status (authority to act and sign on behalf of the company) and his current position as Works Manager. Johann Moser likes to look back but even more, he likes to look ahead: “During the management workshop we formulated our new vision. And we give everything to achieve our goals.”

40 years of pioneering spirit. In 1969, Willy Brand became Federal Chancellor of the FRG and Richard Nixon President of the USA. Many of us were not yet born at the time, and others may not remember. Two who can remember are Werner Schmidt and Reinhard Woinesich. Because they asso-ciate this part of world history with a de-cisive step they took in their young lives, the day they started work at GRASS. And beyond that, Werner and Reinhard associate this period with an incredible pioneering spirit and a passion to get ahead. At that time GRASS developed one innovation after another: the first concealed furniture hinge, the first roller slides, the first full-extension drawer worldwide.

Werner Schmidt draws a parallel with today: “When I think of the new Dynapro concealed slide system and the new Tiomos hinge generation, I sense the same pioneering spirit as in those days.” Reinhard Woinesich adds: “Today we have a stronger, more powerful vision than ever before. We want to be the best and that shows in our new products.”

35 years of competence. This year, twelve employees can look back on 35 years of service at GRASS. Just like all the other long-serving mem-bers of staff, they exemplify decades of commitment to values at GRASS, to cooperation and to passionate involve-

ment. What makes them outstanding is their experience and competence. To pass on this competence to the young-er up-and-coming generation is what motivates Reinhard Lecher. Reinhard started as an apprentice at GRASS in 1974. Today he is a trainer himself and, as Head of Training for apprentices, has trained generations of skilled employees with his team. When he speaks of them, his eyes light up: “New production in-stallations such as those for Dynapro are highly complex and need real ex-perts for their construction, control and maintenance. That’s why I’m so proud of our youngsters.”

131 long­serving members of staff, 131 role models. A vision needs people who share it, sup-port it and make it a reality. It needs employees such as these long-serving staff members at GRASS – their com-mitment, their will, their heart, their example. To thank them is a pleasure. Joining them as well as all our young-er and new employees in shaping the future is an exciting task.

easy to open, effortless access to the inside of the cabinet and gentle, silent closing. Kinvaro flap systems by grass are an expression of a modern lifestyle.

our thanks also go to our employees’ families.

reinhard Lecher: the younger generation ben-efits from his 35 years of experience.

Gündogdu AktasHüseyin AtayIna BabingPia BarberaKarl BeckerMichael BüchlerGuido CupaioloJesus Doblas-Arreza Hans-Jürgen EberhardtRainer FischerRalf Girrbach

Sadik AcaMarkus AlbrechtSeref AlkinUros BrajovicHannes DienerKerstin DinsmoreOsman ErtenMarija FrasFrank FürböckKarin GächterJochen GrabherAndreas GrassReinhard GruberAli IlhanDario IvosSenol KaraaslanMunib KarnerAxel KnippertzAnton KochIda KriegerHarald NardinIsmail OeztürkKenan PasHans-Dieter PlößerNurettin PolatJürgen PothHabibullah RasulliChrista RuoffSadik SaskinDieter SchnetzerBastian SchockHeike SchraderEmilie SeibertovaStanislava SirovaMartina StaigerAndreas SteidlCihangir UgurPeter Zawrel

15years at GRASS

20years at GRASS

Georg BuxmannNorbert ClausHans-Christian EberlMarkus FelderHarald MischitzBernd Schleicher Sonja SchulerVolker ÖstreichChrista TuriErich Woinesich

Ali AkcayRobert BeckGeorg EitelBernhard FischerJohannes HämmerleFranz HuberPeter KropfReinhard LecherFriedel MaserAntun SarecGudrun SchumacherHüseyin Zorlu

Adolf FehrHeinz GöttmannWolfgang KlaiberOtto KoppJohann MoserHeinz-Walter PothLudwig StühlingerWerner SchmidtReinhard Woinesich

Günther AmannWilfried GöttmannWerner Jung

25years at GRASS

30years at GRASS

35years at GRASSS

40 years at GRASS

45years at GRASS

Kinvaro – a magical name for a magical system. a life for Grass.Grass-heTal in Alpirsbach. An outstanding location for innovation and quality. Grass honours 131 employees for their length of service. Decades of passion and service.

Since the middle of the year, Hetal fit-ting systems have been distributed under the GRASS brand. At Interzum and other subsequent trade fairs around the globe, trade visitors had the chance to see as-tonishing innovations such as the Kinvaro flap fittings and the Quaturis corner cup-board system. Florian Hettich’s team has been known to produce numerous new developments in both these areas for many years. The company, which is also part of the Würth group, employs some 200 highly committed employees. They are now part of the “movement”; they want to be the best in their field and show it with their products and performance. Summing up, GRASS now offers out-standing depth and breadth in its range of movement systems.

Kinvaro flap systems. Mod­ern storage concepts for wall cabinets. It is a known fact that, now as before, wall cabinets are among the most popular storage options in kitchens. However, the best storage spaces are little used when the flap sys-tems do not invite frequent use of the wall cabinets. For this reason GRASS offers the Kinvaro flap systems which are easy and silent to use, ergonomically designed and comfortable to operate, and provide strong and reliable functionality. Kinvaro flap systems form a perfect synthesis of design ambition and functional move-ment in the spirit of modern interiors.

the future starts now. Kinvaro L-80, Kinvaro S-35 E and Kinvaro F-20 E, which are all expected to be available on the market in 2010, give us some idea of how wall cabinet doors will move in future. Kinvaro L-80 is a parallel-action fitting which moves the flaps upwards in

parallel with the cabinet to give access to the required storage area. It provides extremely smooth movement action, needs very little force to open and appeals through its silent operation, great stability and ease of installation. The ad-justable closing damper system matches

the rest of the Kinvaro range and creates a uniform closing style within the entire flap spectrum. The Kinvaro S-35 E and Kinvaro F-20 E are even more exciting as they are the avant-garde of the age of electronic flap systems. In keeping with the well advanced electrification of move-

ments in the kitchen, wall cabinets are also the focus of attention. Both systems are very easy to install for both industrial and craft-based kitchen manufacturers.

InmoTIon. THe CusTomer magazIne. Page VI/VII

It’s time for Tiomos.at Grass, reinheim there is much to do.

Reinheim is an attractive, quiet town near Frankfurt. Staff at the GRASS Competence Cen-tre for hinge systems, product develop-ment, design and toolmaking are full of enthusiasm and anything but quiet. And for good reason. The new Tiomos hinge generation is a fascinating development that will be launched in 2010. Now that the target is clear, work is proceeding swiftly. The kinematics specialists, deve-lopers, design and production engineers are proud of the fantastic feedback from customers. Tiomos by GRASS marks

a new era of intelligent and highly func-tional hinge systems. Tiomos is based on the latest development and produc-tion technologies. Very easy opening, with excellent functional values based on the newly defined kinematics, unique stability and an adjustable integrated mechanism without rebound effect all ensure that this hinge outperforms everything we have known to date.

“We give everything toachieve our goals.”

Johann moserWorks manager, grass Competence Centrefor Plastics, salzburg

Amid glorious weather, more than one hundred senior managers from GRASS met for a three-day workshop in the newly renovated resort of Valavier in Vorarlberg’s Brandner-tal. Together with top management, they developed the new GRASS vision, “We want to be the best”. “Our goals are as challenging as the high surrounding peaks of the Alps, but we are fit enough to conquer them, although the path may be steep at times,” emphasised Frank Nessler, Sales and Marketing Director. Likewise, Thomas Müller, Director of Technology and Development, referred to the strength of the new vision with a mountaineering metaphor: “Climbing mountains is deeply satisfying, even addictive.” Finance and Administration Director Christoph Walter added: “If you can see the peak, you want to climb it and are prepared to give everything to achieve that goal.” In a striking presentation, Thomas Müller, Christoph Walter and Frank Nessler illustrated the special importance of the unified orientation and presented numerous strategies relating to the new vision. The subsequent marketing presentation seized on this topic and gave many vivid examples of how the GRASS brand will communicate in future. The emotional highlight was provided by a live performance by Harald Klüh of the new GRASS song “Feel the move”. This was followed by an address by Robert Friedman, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the GRASS group and Chairman of the Central Management Board of the Würth group, with the title “Positive company culture as a competitive advan-tage” in which he made it amply clear that the Würth group fully supports GRASS. This becomes very evident when considering not only the 90-million-euro investment over the last three years, but also the planned investment for the coming years. Frank Nessler summed up the three-day workshop as follows: “It is fantastic. We are a team, have shared goals and pursue them with all our passion.”

“We have ambitiousgoals. Together, we will achieve them.”

Frank nesslerDirector sales and marketing

More than one hundred senior managers made the management workshop a fantastic experience.

one team. one aim. one passion.

Great plans in a small village in the alps.

Clemens GrasserRichard HeinzelmannManfred HuberAndrea JanetzkoChristoph KaufmannHayrettin KayisciErgün KilicSezayi KocaogluSlavko KojicMilan KokanovicHildegard LazarPeter MennelMarie-Josee MerkleSava MileticManfred NaglerWalter RebernikBernd RingAlexander SachsElsa SachsDetlef TheesRosalba Troia di StefanoEdhem VeladzicReinhard WaldingerKlaus WilhelmMaria WiesekeJosef Norbert YalcinTalip Yüce

Thank you

Hubert BartaGuiseppe BasileArmin BrunnerIbrahim CingüEzinet ColakGünter EberhardtElfriede EichholzGerhard FischerChristian FritzIngrid HaistMarkus HerperLothar NemtschokGudrun NothackerWalter PetrovskyHubert ReinalterMario RossiAbuzer SaskinWerner SchäferSandra SchneiderBruno WachterAlois Weiss

editorial information: owner, editor and publisher: grass gmbH | a-6973 Höchst/austria | grass Platz 1 | www.grass.eu | Design: grass marketing, editors: die3 – Pr agency, www.die3.eu. errors and omissions excepted.

With an investment volume of almost two million euros, GRASS has up-graded its in-house apprentice training workshop to state of the art. The 900 m2 facility at GRASS offers apprentices the very best conditions for training to become skilled craftsmen in metal-working, machine tool mechanics and toolmaking.

GRASS has run its own apprentice workshop in Höchst since 1978. This facility has now been upgraded as part of an extensive modernisation plan – in April 2008, a brand-new, modern production shop went into operation at the Höchst site featuring an energy concept which is quite unique through-out Austria. The company’s 65 appren-tices, seven of them girls, now have the

Johann Lafer and allmillmö fit well together - the award-winning television chef andthe award-winning kitchen. That’s why Johann Lafer cooks in allmillmö kitchensat home and at his cookery school. The electronically controlled and electricallypowered Sensotronic drawer system by GRASS helps the busy chef in his variedduties whether he is preparing a rose-flavoured couscous or a tuna steak. Goodcooking is just made easier with so much comfort, functionality, elegance and goodlooks. Johann Lafers’ fan base is extensive, and counts amongst them many GRASSemployees. Not only because of his allmillmö kitchen with GRASS Sensotronic, butabove all because of his recipes and his wonderfully likeable way of teaching theseto keen amateur cooks throughout Central Europe.

Just before going to print, a news item reached the customer magazine editorialoffice. The jury of “Jahrbuch der Werbung”, which every year nominates the bestcommunication work in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, has included the newGRASS exhibition concept and the new GRASS website in its list of exemplary de-sign creations. Both are an expression of GRASS’s innovative brand presentation.Congratulations!

benefit of air-conditioned premises for training, offices, an apprentice com-mon room and measuring room as well as the very latest machinery. “With the refurbishment of our apprentice work-shop we are once again demonstrat-ing our commitment to our Vorarlberg location. By expanding our facilities we are creating the capacity to train even more skilled workers in future,” explains GRASS Finance and Adminis-tration Director Christoph Walter.

Broad training thanks to ro­tation system. The basic training takes place in the apprentice work-shop. This is where the apprentices learn their workbench skills, the op-eration of milling, turning and grind-ing machines, CAD drawing and CNC

programming. “Young people need perspectives and a sense of achieve-ment, but also challenges. That’s why our apprentices are directly integrated into the production process right from their second year,” explains Reinhard Lecher, head of apprentice training at GRASS. As part of a rotation system, the young people receive a broad range of training in a wide range of specialist departments: from punching die and diecasting mould making and special machine construction, to prototyping, CNC machining and quality assurance and through to metalworking, develop-ment testing and the various mainte-nance sections in production.

Apprentice bonus and career opportunities. “Skilled workers

with the very best training are a major cornerstone of our business success. That’s why we invest a lot in our ap-prentices. It also means that hard work and ambition are rewarded,” says Director Christoph Walter. GRASS or-ganises apprentice trips and skiing days as well as courses in a wide range of subjects, such as first aid or rhetoric. Moreover, apprentices can earn them-selves high bonuses during their train-ing. Based on the motto of “today’s apprentice, tomorrow’s manager”, ex-cellent career opportunities can open up once an apprenticeship has been completed. The further education of-fers supported by GRASS range from vocational “A” levels and master crafts-man’s examination to MBA courses in the USA.

opening of the new training workshop in höchst.

Mr lafer’s new kitchen. award for the newGrass design.

learning for the future, because growth needs competence.

Grass sensotronic moves celebrity chef’s “fantastic kitchen”. last minute news.

Johann Lafers’ new kitchen: design model arT PICCo Filigrano TIPTeC sensoTro nIC.

Tomorrow’s skilled workforce: grass apprentices are regularly amongst the best when it comes to intermediate and final examinations. The new training workshop with its modern equipment offers ideal working conditions.

“By extending ourtraining facilities we cantrain the technicianswe need for our growth.”

Christoph WalterDirector, Finance and administration

InmoTIon. THe CusTomer magazIne.Page VIII

artik

el-n

r: 71

969-

00