Job portraits from the DURAG GROUP

Johanna, you are a Specialist Academy at the DURAG GROUP. What exactly is your role and what specific tasks do you have in this function within the Business and Organizational Development department? 

I am responsible for internal and external service training as well as internal product-related sales training. Specifically, this means that I plan, organize and oversee service training for our customers and partners, as well as sales colleagues in the office and in the field, related to our equipment. I also do the same for internal product training, such as product launches for both inside and outside sales. I particularly enjoy working with all parts of the DURAG GROUP, including the teams from DURAG DATA SYSTEMS, SMITSVONK, HEGWEIN, AP2E and GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK.

Organizational skills are therefore extremely important in your professional role, but also because you are the mother of two children, aged three and five. How do you manage to balance work and family? 

Organization is everything. However, a lot depends on flexible working hours, the possibility of mobile working and external childcare, in my case the daycare center. If I have to work longer hours or at different times, if a child gets sick, or if external childcare is canceled, I have to find another solution, sometimes at very short notice. I look at the situation from a mother's perspective. However, it is very important to emphasize that work-life balance also applies when family members, such as one’s own parents, need care or assistance.

Do you have any practical tips for other parents on how to balance work and family life? 

There should be enough space for both, work and family. It helps to build a network. This can be family members such as grandma, grandpa or friends, godparents, but also neighbors. This is especially true for single parents.

Let’s talk about the employer side. To what extent does the DURAG GROUP support you? Are there any special measures and initiatives that help you in particular?

The DURAG GROUP offers a working time model with the possibility of flextime, so that I can organize my working time flexibly, within certain limits of course. I also get part of my childcare costs reimbursed. The option to work from home is also very helpful.

What else would you like to see?

In my opinion, the DURAG GROUP has understood that well-trained mothers offer considerable potential for the economic success of the company. It has already created some appropriate framework conditions that help me a lot as a working mother. Of course, there is still more to do, for example the proposed four-day week. In this context, too, I have found that my supervisor and the HR department are open to innovation and change.

What challenges do you see for working parents?

Reliable external childcare would be the basis, but unfortunately in my case I can’t rely on childcare at all. I live with my family in Hamburg, and of course this can vary from district to district and from daycare center to daycare center, some parents are more affected than others. However, what is noticeable, is that the situation in daycare centers and schools is becoming more and more precarious.

What is needed in order to promote the compatibility of family and career? How can companies like the DURAG GROUP support parents?

Above all with flexibility. This applies both to working hours and to the place of work, for example working from home.

You are a volunteer on the Hamburg Parents’ Association. Can you tell us more about what motivated you to do this?

For almost three years now, I am involved in the district parents’ committee, some of these members make up the state parents’ committee. To be on the district parents’ committee, you have to be a parent representative in a daycare center, so it’s an ascending system. You can always complain a lot, but if everyone does it and nobody does anything, nothing will change.

What exactly do you do in this volunteer role?

The most active part is my role as a parent representative at my children’s daycare center. I am the first point of contact for the management and the parents. The tasks vary, but I usually get involved when problems arise. First of all, there is the loss and/or reduction of childcare hours. Then there are many other problems, such as children who are aggressive towards other children, children who refuse to eat or drink, teachers who do not behave properly when the fire alarm goes off, group mergers when the day care staff is very ill, to name just a few. There are also other tasks, such as organizing and helping with parties and celebrations, such as summer or farewell parties, garden day, and Christmas caroling. There is always something to do, such as participating in audits, organizing birthday presents, or looking for daycare photographers. The district parents’ committee is increasingly about sharing ideas and, if necessary, passing on problems to the regional parents’ committee.

This sounds like a lot of work. How do you balance work, family, and volunteering for the district parents’ committee?

It works with good organization, flexible hours and locations, and with lots of coffee (laughs). I usually make a to-do list for the next day at the end of the day, but definitely at the end of the week. That way I can keep track of everything and work through it in a structured way. But no matter how well I plan ahead, suddenly the daycare gets canceled, a kid gets sick, I get ill myself, yeah, that happens to moms too (laughs), the car breaks down, or, or, or. As soon as one factor changes, I have to completely reschedule and then things usually get canceled or postponed. I'm very lucky here with my colleagues, who cover for me when I’m away, and with managers who understand my situation and are willing to find individual solutions.

Let’s look into the future. What initiatives or projects are you planning in the DURAG GROUP or in the state parents’ council to support parents?

Due to the federal system in Germany, which also regulates childcare and school education, I am speaking from the perspective of a Hamburg mother. I think it's important to share ideas with each other. Everybody has different ideas or suggestions for solutions, which can also be a solution for their own problems in the respective day care center or school. Basically, I am interested in mutual support and understanding. District and state parents’ council are mainly about raising awareness and putting pressure on politicians and officials. I also supported the petition “Every child counts”. With more than 220,000 signatures, this was the largest petition to the German Bundestag in 2024.

Christelle, how did you come to the DURAG GROUP and how long have you been with the company?

I joined DURAG France in 2013 to cover a maternity leave as the Sales Administration Manager. Back then, we were a small team of just five people, so I was both the manager and the executive, wearing multiple hats at once (laughs). During those three years, I gained in-depth knowledge of our products and discovered my passion for engaging with customers and driving sales. Fast forward to 2016, when I got promoted to Area Sales Manager. I guess you could say I sold myself on the idea. 

What highlights do you particularly remember?

One of the most memorable highlights was the 10^th anniversary of DURAG France in 2015, where I was deeply involved in organizing a reception for both partners and customers. Another unforgettable experience was my first client meeting in Belgium. I didn’t have mobile phone, and my brand-new laptop was not yet network-configured. And the technical manager who had all the necessary documents missed the train. So, there I was, scrambling to put together my presentation while riding the train. It was definitely a high-pressure moment, but somehow, I pulled it off and even secured my first order. It was a D-R 820 F, the predecessor of the wet stack dust monitor D-R 909. This is how you learn to adapt and think on your feet, one of the key skills required of a salesperson!

Let’s take a closer look on DURAG France. How long has your branch been in existence and what are its main focuses?

Since 2006, DURAG France, DFR for short, has been offering products and services for the entire DURAG GROUP portfolio in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain and North Africa. The subsidiary, which works with all types of industries, focuses its attention on end users to develop its service activities and offer the full range of products to the market. DFR is very strong in delivering complete, turnkey projects including engineering, products, installation, commissioning and maintenance, using internal resources but also external partners when needed. The main markets in the region are energy from waste, the energy sector, petrochemistry and refinery, cement and chemical industry, steel and glass industry and last but not least university and research laboratories as well as the national Air Quality Monitoring Networks. 

Where is DURAG France located and how has the location developed?

The office is situated in the heart of Rueil Malmaison, a western suburb of Paris, just 12.6 kilometers or eight miles from the city’s center. Rueil is renowned for the Château de Malmaison, once the residence of Napoleon and his first wife Joséphine. The town also attracted Impressionist painters like Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, and Claude Monet, who were inspired by the scenic views of the Seine River that flows through the area. DFR has experienced significant growth over the years, today, we are a key player in the combustion and emission monitoring market. Despite strong competition, DFR has thrived by assembling a highly skilled and complementary team, which played a crucial role in achieving record sales last year, thanks to our ability to diversify and expand our solutions. It's something we’re truly proud of. 

Are there any focal points or challenges for DURAG France?

In terms of content and regional focus, one of the primary challenges for DFR is navigating the competitive landscape, demanding continuous innovation and differentiation in product offerings. Additionally, staying aligned with evolving environmental regulations and customer expectations in France and the broader European market requires constant vigilance and adaptation. The DURAG GROUP as a whole also benefits from these efforts and the corresponding successes.

How do you assess the development potential of DURAG France?

The development potential of DFR’s location in the western suburbs of Paris is substantial. Its proximity to one of Europe's major economic hubs provides access to a vast talent pool and potential clients, fueling further growth. Moreover, as environmental regulations in France and Europe become increasingly stringent, the demand for advanced monitoring solutions like ours continues to rise. DFR is well-positioned to seize these opportunities, leveraging our skilled team and innovative product portfolio to strengthen our market presence and drive sustainable growth.

What do you wish for personally and for DURAG France?

I feel part of a big DURAG family, which is expanding in France, now counting almost 100 people across DURAG France and AP2E. I'm proud to be part of this team and wish it all a bright future. Personally, I wish to see the DFR continue to grow, strengthen its leadership position and remain a source of inspiration within the DURAG GROUP. I want our team to keep flourishing, leveraging its diverse talents and unique spirit of collaboration, to drive innovation and success. To further strengthen our local presence, we have recently created a dedicated LinkedIn page for DURAG France in addition to the general DURAG GROUP LinkedIn profile, allowing us to communicate with our partners in French. I look forward to welcoming many new followers to our social media channels and seeing this community grow to continue our journey together with the same passion and commitment.

Narendar, what exactly is your role at DURAG India and how and when did you join us? 

I am a bachelor's graduate in Instrumentation Engineering and have a diploma in the same field. I applied for a vacancy as a sales engineer in 2018, went for two interviews and got the job as a senior sales engineer at DURAG India in Bengaluru in October 2018. Initially, my responsibilities included preparing quotations for various products, tender submissions and calculations. I was also responsible for responding to technical customer queries, customer meetings and maintaining ISO related documents. In 2021, I was transferred to Customer Service as a Technical Consultant. My job profile was expanded to include creating additional CRM opportunities, registering suppliers, preparing order confirmations and holding order meetings with the production, engineering and shipping teams. 

Can you tell us more about the branch? 

DURAG India was established in 2002. The history of this DURAG GROUP location began in 1997 with a liaison office in Secunderabad. A branch office in Bengaluru followed in 2002 and in 2006 DURAG India Instrumentation Private Limited was established. Our new modern office building in Bengaluru was celebrated with a grand opening in May 2022. Although the actual move took place on October 1, 2021, the official inauguration could only take place a few months later due to the pandemic. The company's headquarters are located in Peenya, the industrial hub of Bengaluru. The total number of employees is currently around 35 in production, assembly and back office. It is a spacious three-story building, with the first floor dedicated to product testing, packaging, warehousing and material loading. The second floor houses the calibration department, a training and conference room, the assembly and cabling area, and the workstations of the production and service managers. The third floor houses the offices and the canteen. 

What are typical characteristics of the local work culture in India and to what extent does the DURAG GROUP benefit from this? 

Our team is characterized by a high degree of flexibility, commitment and an open work culture; we value communication and transparency. As a result, employee turnover is low and everyone is constantly working to maximize their personal skills and, in turn, increase productivity. I think that speaks for itself. 

What are your personal highlights so far at DURAG India? 

On an annual basis, training and interactive sessions are organized with the employees of the distribution partners on the subject of DURAG GROUP's products and services. This event is designed to share ideas and discuss customer requirements for specific applications in different geographic areas. Of course, we also discuss competitive products and much more. It lasts two to three days and always impresses me due to the live interaction with the employees. We learn about their challenges, and they understand our issues with respect to the daily working priorities.   

You came to Hamburg to support DURAG GROUP's customer service team of the site and learn at the same time. How did this come about? 

My stay was initiated by the customer service and sales managers in Hamburg. The first ideas were put forward in November last year and I started working there in January 2024. It wasn't training in the traditional sense, as I worked on typical tasks as part of the team until mid-March. All the tasks I learned in Hamburg are part of my job description in my home country, so I can apply almost 90 percent of what I learned in my work in India. Immediately after my time in Germany ended on March 15, I took over the corresponding tasks in the office of DURAG India. 

What was the content about? 

I learned a lot of new things in the CRM area, for example about different types of tickets. All incoming requests are registered through this ticket system. It was about the process steps involved in solving and processing them. We also talked about generating an order and sales ID and creating order confirmations with the SAP tools. My new role in India includes tickets for the Asia Pacific region and has recently been expanded to include Europe, Middle East and Africa. 

Were there any special experiences in Hamburg during your stay? 

I enjoyed the very good personal exchange with the technical team, where we discussed our approach to certain work projects and the challenges involved. On a social level, the "Hamburg Cleans Up" event on March 5 was new and impressive to me, as we cleaned up the area around the Kollauhof site. And in the last week of my training, a farewell breakfast was organized for me, which was really good and I really enjoyed it. I also enjoyed the private dinners with friends, but also with superiors and colleagues such as Konstanze Müller, Head of Customer Services, and Ujjwal Thakur, Technical Consultant. By the way, the DURAG GROUP rented an apartment especially for my stay and gave me a “Deutschland-Ticket” for the time, a ticket that allowed me to use all public transportation in the country. This way I was able to travel a lot in my free time and went on various day trips to experience German culture up close. I went to Berlin, Lübeck, Lüneburg and Bremen. 

Markus, how and when did you join the DURAG GROUP?

I first came into contact with the DURAG GROUP in 2015, when Hans Jürgen Grimm decided to sell the company named after him. At the time, it was important to him to hand it over to a German company that was active in a similar field to GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK. He wanted to bridge the gap between emissions and immissions. At that time, I helped him to introduce the company to the DURAG GROUP. It was then taken over in the fall of 2015.

What was your career like before that, what training did you do and when did you join the GRIMM AEROSOL team?

Before my time at GRIMM, I studied technical environmental protection engineering at the TU Berlin, specializing in air pollution control, and completed my doctorate on ozone as an air pollutant under Professor Gerhard Israel. He was a luminary in the field of air pollution control and aerosols and many years ahead of his time. My first contact with GRIMM was during my time at university as part of a research project in Berlin to analyze the causes of PM2.5, particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, and ultrafine particles with a diameter of less than 0.1 micrometers. Nano-measurement technology and the EDM 180 particulate matter measuring device from GRIMM were used. After a visit from GRIMM's managing director, I decided to switch to the business world, despite my ties to the university. The opportunity to develop personally in a company with a global brand presence convinced me.

Can you tell us a bit more about the history of GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK?

The company was founded by Hans Jürgen Grimm over 40 years ago in Ainring, where he lived. Due to the company's growth and the production and development manager at the time, another branch was founded in Pouch. In 2018, the DURAG GROUP acquired a new building in Friedersdorf, which has since served as the location for production and development. It offers sufficient space for additional staff and expanded production capacities. The investments in this region are significant and demonstrate the group's commitment. Around 50 people are currently employed in Friedersdorf, while seven employees work in Ainring.

How has the site developed?

It has developed significantly in terms of structures and processes in recent years. This has also been well received by customers. The expansion of the premises also means an increase in production capacity. The sense of togetherness that we promote through joint activities should be emphasized. We have a strong team spirit and this contributes significantly to the success of our site. However, we also face the challenge of recruiting skilled workers.

What highlights do you particularly remember?

During my time at university, I was used to giving presentations - but not in French. Accordingly, my presentation at the "Ambient Air Day" in Paris with DURAG France was something very special for me. Another highlight for me was the "I²SM" in Mallorca, where I was able to present GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK of the DURAG GROUP. My presentation was awarded with a trophy in the shape of a flame as the best presentation of the event. This has had a place of honor in my office ever since. I also have fond memories of the DURAG GROUP partner meeting in 2023 and the first ambient air training for colleagues from the DACH region at the end of 2022. We had an incredibly good atmosphere in Friedersdorf and the feedback from the participants made me really happy!

What are you currently working on?

I'm working with the Academy department to develop a training series that uses videos and web-based training (WBTs) to teach ambient air content. This includes basic knowledge about aerosols and gaseous air pollutants as well as information about the measuring devices. The focus is on the diverse and fascinating applications of our devices. The training courses are divided into different knowledge levels and require no prior knowledge. I have a good feeling that I can make a difference in this area and help our group of companies move forward. The fact that AP2E's ambient air division has now been added to the mix is simply brilliant. Their OFCEAS measuring principle in combination with LPS is the best and most fascinating thing I have ever come across for gas measurements. As with GRIMM, the aim now is to get all that horsepower onto the road even better.

Finally, how do you rate the development potential and what would you like to see?

Our development potential at the GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK site in Friedersdorf is very promising. Thanks to the brilliant measurement performance of our devices, we have an excellent basis for optimizing them even further. I am convinced that by focusing on our core competencies and hiring additional staff, we will be able to achieve many of our goals in the future. Strong sales and internal training programs also play an important role here. For the future, I hope that we will be able to retain qualified employees in the long term by continuing to invest in their development and offering them prospects. We have already achieved a great deal within the DURAG GROUP in recent years. If we can convey this spirit even more strongly to the outside world, I see many more opportunities and growth potential.

Automation and digitalization of metal cutting: From bar loader to high-tech machine 

In 2010, Matthias Schultz's first year at the DURAG GROUP, there was already an automation solution: a bar loader was used to load the relevant material into a CNC lathe. Since then, however, a lot has happened in his field of work. For the past three years, a robotic pick-and-place machine has also been used in production: sawing sections are automatically loaded and unloaded in its turning center. Matthias Schultz looks with us at the DURAG GROUP's path to more digitalization and efficiency.

Schultz started in 2010 as a cutting machine operator in the DURAG GROUP's production department at the Hamburg site as part of a temporary employment agency; after a year, he was hired permanently. In 2023, he took over the position of trainer and, since the same year, he has been deputy head of the mechanics department, where he works with a team of 21 colleagues.

Technical progress has changed his everyday work: "I used to literally stand at the machine all day to load and unload workpieces." In his early days at the DURAG GROUP, components were usually produced on several machines. After drilling, it was off to the milling machine to insert holes or threads, for example.

Highly modern machines for greater efficiency

In the recent past, the company has invested in high-tech equipment that can do both: turning and milling. "Today, a single machine is set up and the robot's workpiece storage is loaded, followed by the complete machining of the components," says Matthias Schultz. Immediately after setup, the person responsible has enough time to devote to other important activities in the production process. "In this way, we save at least one work step and have been able to reduce the time per production order," says the Hamburg native. "From 2020, the year before automation, to 2022, we were able to increase the system's productive time by 57%."

Currently, two of the nine CNC lathes and milling machines in the cutting department enable six-sided complete machining. They work independently and without manpower for a second shift. "A raw part is inserted and a finished workpiece comes out at the end," explains Schultz. The automatic loading of the workpieces also guarantees significantly higher repetition accuracy and precision during the clamping process.

The existing NC program of the processing machine works very simply. It is controlled by numerical instructions and carries out very precise movements and work steps. "Eight parameters have to be entered on the robot in advance. The jaws are then changed and the robot is ready for use. It feels more difficult to use a smartphone," says Matthias Schultz with a twinkle in his eye. Before the robot was introduced, only a two-day training course was required.

Automation, digitalization – and soon AI as well

Particularly with regard to certain parts, automation at the DURAG GROUP is a success story in his eyes. "The components used to be delivered fully machined by the foundry," recalls Schultz. "However, due to bottlenecks during the COVID-19 pandemic, our supplier was only able to deliver the raw parts. So we machined the parts directly on our premises." Thanks to the automated system, production was able to run for almost 24 hours.

"Automation and digitalization are becoming increasingly important in order to remain competitive," says Schultz. "AI is also not that far away in the manufacturing sector." Highly qualified employees who stand at the machine all day, however, will no longer exist. Due to the shortage of skilled workers, there is no way around more automation and digitalization. On the one hand, employees need to be relieved of simple tasks so that they can focus exclusively on complex activities that match their qualifications. On the other hand, higher utilization of the processing machines means greater efficiency.

The 37-year-old is confident about the future of his area of work: "Here at the DURAG GROUP, we have successfully taken the first steps in the right direction. I firmly believe that we will continue on this course. I am convinced that the acquisition of new CNC processing machines will not be possible without automation solutions. And with regard to the digitalization of production, I still see potential for us.". 
 

Verena, International Women's Day has been celebrated on March 8 for around 100 years and is not least about equality in the workplace. How do you personally experience the changing role of women in the business world?

After completing my degree in biotechnology & process engineering, I worked in a mechanical engineering company. Unfortunately, it was still taken for granted that I, as a woman, wrote the notes in meetings. And verbal discrimination had to be accepted "because that's just the way it is". Today, I'm noticing a big change: more and more people recognize sexism when they see or hear it. And they dare to address it openly in the respective situation, which is a great development. Nevertheless, it is women rather than men who notice such things. I am convinced that we need more male advocates who develop a sensitivity for feminist issues. We must not forget that corporate cultures around the world are male-dominated. Women have only been allowed to vote in Germany for around 100 years. We women have only had equal rights before the law for just under 65 years. And we have only been allowed to decide for ourselves whether and what we work for 47 years. Against this background, the status quo is not surprising. It is now up to us and our male colleagues to create a new culture.

How far does the DURAG GROUP ensure equal opportunities for female employees and how has the number of female employees developed over the years?

I have only been with the company since 2018, but I have noticed a change; there are more women in team management and department management positions than six years ago. Nevertheless, women are still more likely to be found in commercial, HR or marketing roles. However, this is not due to the DURAG GROUP, but to our fundamental social norms and conventions. Regardless of gender, the DURAG GROUP offers development opportunities to all employees. However, I think there is still potential for more educational work, programs and initiatives on the subject of diversity, an equal corporate culture and equality.

What exactly is your role at the DURAG GROUP?

I started in April 2018 as Product Manager for our total mercury analyzer. I was subsequently responsible for other products in the PEM portfolio. Then I became mother of a son and since returning from parental leave in April 2022, I have been working as a Product Portfolio Manager for the entire PEM area. Since February 2023, I have been supporting PEM Product Management and Technical Documentation in a restructuring process.

What highlights do you particularly remember?

My role gives me the privilege of working all over the world. International conferences, customer visits and meeting our long-standing sales teams and global partner network inspire me. The diversity of people, characters and cultures gives me new inspiration every time; every encounter, every experience contributes to my personal development. I am very grateful for the opportunity to experience this.

Do you have any impact on the younger generations of women at the DURAG GROUP and what do you wish for future female employees in the company?

We have great young women here. And one of the roles I have chosen for myself is to be a role model for future generations (laughs), but women or men are honestly of secondary importance. I hope that my way of dealing with people and my way of working will be motivating in a positive sense. If I've inspired just one woman to "stand her ground" in the last few years, then I've already achieved a lot. But one thing is certain, women need to support, encourage and challenge each other. We will perhaps always be in the minority in our industry. We therefore need to actively celebrate our skills, our values and, last but not least, our femininity in order to make the best decisions and thus improve cooperation in the long term. I would like future generations of women in the company to be aware that women who choose our industry have a special fighting spirit from the outset. We don't have to adapt to the masculine corporate culture; we are exactly as good as we are. This allows us to contribute huge added value to the company's success.

How did it come about that you applied to DURAG GROUP?

"I had already completed a first apprenticeship as an energy electronics technician at Beiersdorf, but found that it wasn’t the right fit for me there. While looking for a second apprenticeship, I came across a job ad for DURAG GROUP. The medium-sized company size and the short distances between departments immediately appealed to me, based on my impressions at Beiersdorf."

What are your main activities and which of them do you particularly enjoy?

"I look after our trainees, the interns, and the topics of time management and vehicle fleet. I’m also a trainer for our industrial clerks, including those who are also studying. I particularly enjoy the role of trainer. I get to work with mostly young people and give them the opportunity to learn their occupation of choice, to make the most of themselves later in their career and to continuously develop themselves on the basis of their training."

You have been training the next generation of DURAG GROUP employees since 2009. What exactly appeals to you about your job as a trainer?

“Working with young trainees, providing assistance, discussing worries and needs in some cases and coming to a good result in the process – that’s the beauty of my job. I’m also involved in organizing inter-year and inter-training gatherings such as the induction week, team-building activities, project weeks and Girls & Boys Day. These are exciting and important events for our apprentice industrial clerks, electronics technicians and machining mechanics, but it’s also an important and intensive time for us trainers.” 

Were there any experiences or projects during your time at DURAG GROUP that particularly impressed you?

“Two examples come to mind. I think the early recognition of potential in trainees is tremendous. In my time as a trainer, there were many such cases. With one of our trainees, we already knew in her first year of training what position she could fill after her training. After consulting with her, the open position was taken care of internally for a year and a half and kept open for her. The apprentice naturally moved into this challenging position after her apprenticeship and also progressed from there step by step. 

Another example is how the employees deal with new developments. DURAG GROUP has evolved continuously. On the way to becoming a modern company, it was often necessary to introduce new software and ERP systems. These new systems were supported by the open and broad-minded nature of my colleagues and implemented quickly with a lot of work, diligence and commitment. This attitude – of being open to new things – has always surprised me in a positive way.” 

What distinguishes DURAG GROUP from other employers you have known?

“I find the pleasant size of the company positive, and also the nice sense of togetherness and the shared events. The chances of promotion – with the right qualifications – are significantly higher than at other companies. And of course the training is of a very high standard. We see ourselves as being on an equal footing with our trainees even during their training.”

What were the most important milestones in your career?

“Back then, today’s apprenticeship as an electronics technician for devices and systems was offered in two steps, with your apprenticeship as a mechanic followed by training as an electronics technician.” And this is indeed the way Andreas chose to do it at the DURAG GROUP. After completing his training, he was taken on as a technician and just four years later, Andreas was made head of the Combustion Technology department. “As a young man of 25, that was a lot of responsibility to assume – but it was also formative for the future.”

2019, Andreas celebrated his 40th anniversary with the company: “If I hadn’t felt so comfortable here, well I wouldn’t have stayed on.”

What does your work consist of?

Andreas currently heads up both the Electronic Series Production department, which produces flame monitors and instrumentation for environmental metrology, and the Repairs department, where he is responsible for a team of 40: “When I see potential, I try to nurture it.”

His work includes ensuring that deadlines are met, administrative tasks and the monitoring of material stocks: “My job is to keep production running.” Andreas is also responsible for the continuous improvement and ongoing development of procedures and processes.

What developments have you seen during your time with the DURAG GROUP?

At the beginning, the DURAG GROUP was a medium-sized company with a focus on the German market. Thanks to technological progress, it is now possible to manufacture larger quantities and serve an international market. Compared to today’s possibilities, Andreas says the production of that time was like a “craft shop”.

“Even though change can create resistance, it’s good for a company as long as it becomes part of the culture.”

What are the challenges and highlights for you?

“Alongside training and taking on the running of the department, one of today’s highlights is that we can achieve unit quantities we didn’t even think were possible in the past.”

What makes the DURAG GROUP special for you?

“Every possible effort is made to respond to the needs of employees. I like the fact that the atmosphere has remained so friendly and informal despite the growth we have seen. The technology that goes into DURAG GROUP products is very interesting and innovative.

And last but not least, we build products for environmental protection – products you can stand behind!”

Fabien, how would you describe your career to date?

I started my career in field service. Here I had the chance to discover different industries, countries and cultures with diverse and unpredictable challenges. A great opportunity to learn quickly. My first contact with the DURAG GROUP was back in 1996, when I took over the management of an international turnkey project and got to know Jeff O'Gorman and then Norbert Rink, who trained me on emission dust monitors. During this time, I also realized that I was particularly interested in the sales area, which I switched to in 2001.

On October 1, 2009, I joined the DURAG GROUP as Sales & Service Manager of DURAG France. My goal was to establish the subsidiary and market the entire portfolio in the sales territory. In 2014, I became Managing Director of DURAG France and in 2015 I took on the same role for DURAG Italia. In this function, the aim was to further develop the south-western European region for the DURAG GROUP. In 2019, I had the opportunity to move to the Hamburg headquarters and take over responsibility for our global sales and service management. An exciting task - both professionally and personally, as I moved to Germany with my entire family.

What factors have contributed to you staying with the company for so many years? And what is particularly  important to you as Managing Director in terms of team development? 

Over the years, the DURAG GROUP has always offered me opportunities for personal development. I really appreciate that!

In my eyes, team development means building trust, creating transparency, understanding each other, realizing projects together - and doing so with mutual respect and individual responsibility. In our ever faster changing world, the lifespan of skills is rapidly decreasing, so continuous training is more important than ever. However, not everyone can learn at the same speed. It is therefore important to develop tools that meet the needs of all of us.

In the long time you have been with the company, you have certainly had a lot of influence on the development of the company - how would you describe this?

A difficult question! From my first steps at the DURAG GROUP, it was clear to me that our sales department had to act in the sense of "one face to the customer" by marketing the entire portfolio and cross-selling across our various brands and products. Today, with our three business areas combustion and safety monitoring, process and environmental monitoring and tunnel and traffic monitoring we are able to bring transparency to our portfolio and communicate our offerings to the market in a clear and understandable way. Expanding our portfolio and adding strategic products is crucial to our development in order to maintain the interest of customers and employees. In 2017, for example, I had the opportunity to be part of the AP2E Merging & Acquisition team. This was a strategic move for the DURAG GROUP into the world of gas analysis to bring on board an innovative technology for process, emission and ambient air applications.

Furthermore, how has the DURAG GROUP changed over the years to remain competitive?

Having worked in environmental monitoring for more than 30 years, I have seen the positive impact of regulations and implemented standards to improve air quality. The limits for stack emissions have been drastically reduced. Thanks to the continuous efforts of our research and development teams, we have been able to overcome the technical challenges and offer instruments that can measure ever lower concentrations of dust, mercury and gases. Over the last four years, we have been confronted with numerous changes accelerated by the energy transition and environmental challenges. Our powerful innovations in laser technology enable us to achieve precise results in the measurement of fine dust and ultrafine particles as well as in the monitoring of greenhouse gases. The goal of decarbonization being pursued by various industries is leading to a need for alternative fuels, where our expertise in flame ignition and monitoring can play a key role. Hydrogen production and distribution as well as carbon capture require high quality purity. Our analyzers are able to monitor impurities and traces with high accuracy and high performance. OFCEAS technology is used by ¾ of European laboratories for H₂ purity monitoring. 

In summary, it can be said that the DURAG GROUP continuously accompanies the change in industry through the use of innovative technologies and plays a key and pioneering role for new market prospects. With our technologies, we contribute to a cleaner and safer environment.

An anniversary year often offers the opportunity for special occasions. What achievements or projects from the past year have been particularly memorable for you?

During the COVID pandemic, face-to-face meetings were a rarity. That's why we felt a strong need to get in touch with customers, partners and our employees again this year.

To mark our 75^th anniversary, we decided to organize several special events throughout the year: We held two partner meetings in Hamburg and Bangkok with more than 300 participants from our four regions EMEA, DACH, ASIAPAC and Americas. At the same time, we invited our employees to take part in environmental or social activities, such as the "Family and Friends Day", street and water clean-up campaigns, donations to charity and various sporting events. Our summary is extremely positive, as the majority of our employees participated with great commitment!

Finally, let's take a look into the future of the DURAG GROUP: what will the company's future strategic focus and goals be?

The world we live in is in turmoil due to climate change, the global economy, geopolitical interests and technology. We need to adapt quickly to these changes, as they also offer opportunities for our three business areas. At the same time, we need to maintain our high pace of innovation. On the one hand, by investing in new products to complete our portfolio and, on the other, by using digitalization wherever it makes us faster and better.

Björn, when and how did you come to DURAG GROUP?

It was by chance. In 1997, I decided to make good use of the waiting time for my electrical engineering studies by starting a commercial apprenticeship. Because of my initiative application I had the opportunity to get to know DURAG and brought my CV to the visit. After that everything went very fast, I was hired as the second trainee as an industrial clerk in the company. In 1997, DURAG had just 91 employees worldwide, onboarding was very different from today, there was much less effort. I had hardly any previous knowledge in the commercial field, but had already completed an apprenticeship as an energy plant electronics technician for plant engineering and graduated from the technical college for electrical engineering.

What was your working day like at that time and what does it look like now? 

In the early years, things were still very strict. Anyone who didn't use the time card on time at 7 a.m. had a problem. A bell rang punctually for the start of the breakfast and lunch break. Today, of course, it doesn't happen anymore because of flexible working hours and models. During my apprenticeship, I quickly realized that sales was my thing. I ended up in the still fairly new export department, which was pure pioneering work at the time. DURAG was little known outside Europe, DURAG USA had just been founded and HEGWEIN joined the group. Today we can look back on an expanded partner and branch network, fast and global communication with modern media determines everyday life. My current job is multi-layered, strategic and globally oriented.

How was your career path at DURAG? 

After my apprenticeship, I was responsible for the India/Asia-Pacific area in the export sales department and supported the only two globally active field sales colleagues at that time. Later I was Key Account Manager and was responsible for the launch in the tunnel sensor market and drove through Europe with the first prototypes in the trunk. During this time, I also organized the second and third international sales meetings in Hamburg and Berlin as well as in Mumbai for the first partners. After that, I was responsible as area sales manager for the northern region, i.e. from Flensburg to Kassel, and also for Spain. In 2009, I took over the management of the DACH region for sales and service. In the course of globalization and our incredible success story, we added further sales channels. I accompanied the former key account manager in his strategic activities in parallel and took over the job completely from him in 2018. This task is still very versatile and exciting today.

What were your biggest personal challenges?

As the saying goes, you grow with your tasks. It wasn't always easy, but it was always exciting to face new challenges and learn from them. Many things were completely new territory, both for me personally and for the DURAG GROUP, such as the launch of the new tunnel sensor product portfolio or the implementation of global account management.

How has the DURAG GROUP developed over the years?

When I started, there were only a few PCs, a lot was done with a typewriter. The introduction of modern IT equipment came quite quickly, but e-mails did not exist at first; we communicated with customers by telephone, letter and fax. At that time, DURAG was a typically conservative, Hanseatic Hamburg company; everyone knew everyone else. Fluctuation was a foreign word and short lines of communication were common. When things had to be done quickly, I wrote the order myself, went to the manufacturing department to get a flame detector from the shelf, packed it, drove it to the chamber of commerce and customs for documents and certifications, and the next day everything was ready for the shipping company. Over the years, as we grew, there were naturally more export regulations, and the organization became more extensive. Companies like VEREWA and ORFEUS, now P&ST, were added, as well as new processes. Above a certain company size, short official channels are effectively no longer possible. But the roots from back then are still the basis of our actions today. And team spirit has been our success factor from the very beginning.

Has being with the company for so long influenced you? 

I've grown with the company, which has certainly changed me. Today, people tend to change employers in order to gain experience. I wouldn't want to miss my own short external excursion into the world of automation from 2006 to 2009, but since the DURAG GROUP has been constantly changing until today, I have actually been able to gain all these different experiences here. And the topic of environmental protection has also become much more present for me privately through my time at the DURAG GROUP.

Which highlights do you remember most?

The list is long. At the top is the development of our partner networks; the regular international sales meetings in this context were impressive. Or my first business trip to India in 2001, where I met our only local employee at the time, who was in charge of the local partners. Since there were hardly any decent roads in rural areas, it was often pure adventure to get to the customers. In addition, the introduction of the D-LX 100 in 1998 and the D-RX 250 in 2000 were each a giant step forward for DURAG and one of the foundations for success in the national and international market. Last but not least, I like to think back to my first two major CEMS projects. Both were developed together at the customer's site as an idea on the whiteboard and are still part of one of the larger installations in the northern region today. We still benefit from this in the after sales.

What made you stay with DURAG?

Whether initially in the office or later in the field, it was always exciting. Especially the projects and the different people in the field. Not a single day was like the other. Where else do you get the chance to walk around in a refinery in the morning, a steel mill at noon, and a cement plant in the afternoon? There was never a dull moment at DURAG over the years. The company was always changing, not always as quickly as in other industries, but sustainably and continuously. I could always follow my interests and had many development opportunities. Measurement and control technology and automation were always my favorite topics. I can look back on many successful projects that I implemented together with great colleagues and solution partners.

Where do you see the DURAG GROUP and yourself in ten years? 

What we have achieved so far makes me proud and drives me to develop and implement many more projects. I feel connected to the company and wish that the DURAG GROUP will continue to assert itself courageously in the market, conquer new fields and develop into the world market leader in the field of innovative measurement technology. With the product areas we have today, a basis for this has been created.

How long have you been with DUARG GROUP and how did it come about?

I’ve been with the company for just over 36 years now. I originally trained as a retail saleswoman at a jewelry store in Hamburg and also worked there for some time. Then I decided to do some further training, as a result of which I discovered a newspaper advertisement for DURAG GROUP. On October 15, 1987 I started as a clerk in the sales department and was responsible for quotations and orders. 

What was your daily work routine at that time?

At the end of the 1980s there were no PCs at DURAG GROUP. These were only gradually implemented from September 1990 and during the following year. The first real merchandise management system was initiated by Frank Wischnewski in 1992. In my early days at DURAG, we were still working with a preliminary stage called “Twix”, which was a typewriter with a screen. The order confirmations, invoices, delivery bills and work cards were written with it and printed with the so-called Ormig method, a common duplication method at that time, also known as matrix printing. Orders on printed work cards were taken personally from us to the manufacturing departments then. An order confirmation for customers was sent either by letter or fax. A red card was used for urgent orders, and in some cases the equipment ordered with it was picked up directly from the production department, taken to the shipping department and shipped the same day. This was the case, for example, when a light receiver such as the D-LE 603 flame sensor urgently needed to be fitted to the boiler of an existing system.

Can you tell us about your career at DURAG GROUP?

A little later I took over the service area for northern and western Germany. This included planning service calls, scheduling appointments and billing calls. At that time, there was one service technician for these regions, plus several in southern Germany. With the opening of the Berlin Wall in 1989, service locations were added in East and West, customers now had direct contact persons nearby and travel times were shortened considerably. Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland were still serviced by the DURAG sales location South. When digitalization, including new programs and departments, took off, I of course experienced and accompanied it firsthand; it was a completely new working world.

What highlights do you remember most from all those years?

These were definitely the company and Christmas parties and especially the DURAG GROUP party on May 8, 2015, which coincided with the farewell of my former team leader and the Hamburg harbour birthday. We sailed along the Elbe on two old sailing ships, it was a wonderful experience for everyone.

What made you want to stay at DURAG GROUP?

Well, my area of responsibility kept changing and expanding, and that is still the case today. The colleagues stayed, the working atmosphere was just right. And in a blink of an eye, 36 years have gone by.

Christiane, when and how did you join DURAG GROUP?

After graduating from high school in 2003, I wanted to do an apprenticeship and not go directly to university. So I decided to do an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk at DURAG GROUP.

What was your daily work routine back then and how has it changed over time?  

As a big city, Hamburg was of course overwhelming, but here at DURAG GROUP I felt at home right from the start. Everything was more informal at that time and the processes were simply structured. I took on many different tasks and often helped out in departments, allowing me to gain experience in many areas. My current position in strategic purchasing is still very multi-layered, plus it now involves much more complex responsibilities. In particular, the supervision of our digitization projects enriches my everyday work. I’m enthusiastic about them because they definitely move us forward and you can see directly the value they add to our company. The digitization projects in purchasing have prepared our company well for the future.

How was your career path at DURAG GROUP?

After my training as an industrial clerk, I worked in purchasing for twelve years. During that period, I was responsible for a wide variety of product groups, from office materials to electronic components. In 2018, I then moved to Strategic Purchasing and specialized in purchasing semi-finished products as well as castings and drawing parts. I also took on other strategic tasks, such as supplier management and the optimization of purchasing processes.

And how has the company developed during this time, why have you been part of DURAG GROUP for so long? 

In my early days at DURAG GROUP, our processes were simple. Nowadays, the organization is more complex and structured, and to some extent also more anonymous, but that is in the nature of things when a company grows as strongly as DURAG GROUP has. Nevertheless, the sense of belonging in our company is very good. I appreciate the informal and family-friendly atmosphere, and my colleagues are nice. I have developed long-term friendships with many of them.

Where do you see DURAG and yourself in ten years time, what do you wish for? 

I hope that DURAG GROUP will continue to be as successful in the next ten years as it has been so far, while also retaining its informal atmosphere, and that I can continue to contribute to moving our company forward in the future.

Rolf, when did you join DURAG GROUP and what did you do before that?

Following my training as an energy appliance electronics technician, I worked for seven years in mechanical engineering in the field and in the office. After further training as a master electrical mechanic, the DURAG South branch in Bad Boll took me on 16 April 1989. I was responsible for the commissioning and repair of dust measuring devices and various combustion technology products, so for both service and support for the sales department. My area covered southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria. 

What are currently the most challenging projects for you?

Quite clearly: commissioning flame monitors in critical plants so that they also meet safety requirements. This is the case, for example, when several burners and different fuel variants are used. A current example is the installation at a chemical company in Ludwigshafen, where one of the two boilers has been completely free of natural gas and light fuel oil since January 2023. After extensive testing on the old heavy oil boiler, we recommended to the customer the optimum combination of flame monitors for this extremely complex task. As a result, eight D-LX 201 compact flame monitors were installed in parallel operation with eight D-UG 660s and are now operating very successfully. Now, preference is given to firing with liquid and gaseous waste materials from the company’s own production, sometimes in combination. As a result, one-sixth of the internal energy supply for a company with thousands of employees is secured. The identical conversion of a second boiler is expected to follow in 2024.

How has your field of work at DURAG GROUP developed?

A medium-sized company has become a large company and one of the leading companies in combustion and emission monitoring technology. The quality of our products has always been very high. My goal is always the optimum installation of our devices at our customers’ premises to ensure smooth, trouble-free operation and a long and sustainable equipment service life. 

How have you personally experienced your long tenure with the company?

I started my dream job at DURAG in April 1989 and have always been happy to give my full commitment. To this day, I enjoy it very much and like being able to provide advice and support to our various customers, sometimes getting creative to make production and products as trouble-free and safe as possible. The spectrum ranges from conventional power plants to producers of chemical products to food producers. I have been with the company for 34 years as of April 2023, and I’m still pleased to be able to give my best as a specialist in combustion technology. The varied work has always motivated me to do the job with all the energy and creativity I have.

And how are things on a personal level between people?

The corporate culture at DURAG GROUP is very informal, open and appreciative. I find the teams to be extremely friendly in their dealings with each other, and everyone takes their responsibilities very seriously. Overall, I consider our working environment to be extremely modern and future-oriented. We have innovative, good work structures, and the safety equipment for the service staff is perfect.  

What highlights do you remember?

The annual get-togethers in Hamburg with colleagues from the service and development departments are super. I also thoroughly enjoyed the summer events at DURAG GROUP. The absolute highlight was my 25th anniversary in 2014 in Hamburg, to which I was invited with my partner, which simply overjoyed me. In addition, my countless appointments with customers have resulted in some personal contacts that I wouldn’t want to be without.

Where do you see DURAG GROUP in ten years time, what do you wish for?

I hope that we continue to have motivated employees. It would be nice to be able to impress our customers with quick response times in the long run. I also hope that DURAG GROUP will become a leading supplier in the field of combustion and emission monitoring technology. Then I will be able to tell my grandchildren proudly and happily about my countless, varied and interesting assignments for my former employer, whose success I was able to help shape through my work.