30-08-22
Support for Startups in the Circular Economy
Until October 7, 2022, interested startups can apply for the Accelerator Program by Circular Valley. This program supports them in implementing their innovative business ideas and technologies. KIRCHHOFF Automotive is part of an extensive network that assists the startups.
"What Silicon Valley is for digitalization, Circular Valley is for the circular economy. The goal is to develop concepts for emission control and waste avoidance and recycling," explains Christoph Wagener, Vice President, Research and Product Development, at KIRCHHOFF Automotive.
The program itself runs from December 2022 to February 2023. In it, innovative startups from all over the world work together and take part in customized expert workshops and training modules. The focus is also on individual support from numerous coaches, and access to a network of over 100 partners from business and science - including KIRCHHOFF Automotive.
"In today's world, the circular economy with the goal of conserving natural resources is becoming more and more important. The goal for Germany as a high-tech location must be to take a leading position in this. Circular Valley can play a significant role in bringing together the know-how of startups, science and industry to create circular economy technologies," says Prof. Christoph Wagener.
For more information, visit https://circular-valley.org/tender_batch4
19-08-22
Innovative Together
Together with the hydrogen start-up ENGINIUS, KIRCHHOFF Automotive presents safe and sustainable mobility at the IAA Transportation. Both are companies of the KIRCHHOFF Group.
From September 20-25, 2022, KIRCHHOFF Automotive will present crash-relevant products for the commercial vehicle sector, as a co-exhibitor at the ENGINIUS booth. The booth will be at the world's most important platform for the future of the commercial vehicle industry. Our metal structural parts for commercial vehicles are characterized by decades of experience in processing high-strength steel up to 12mm. Using the latest technologies and an optimal mix of materials, we ensure crash-proof chassis and drive components - even for alternatively powered vehicles.
ENGINIUS is a subsidiary of the FAUN division of the KIRCHHOFF Group and manufactures hydrogen-powered vehicles. The objective is climate-neutral load transport. Here you can read here an interview with Patrick Hermanspann, CEO of the FAUN Group, on the subject of hydrogen propulsion.
05-08-22
A Successful Apprentice Workshop
This summer, nine apprentices successfully passed their exams at the German locations of KIRCHHOFF Automotive. All of them could be hired in full-time roles. Congratulations!
"The apprenticeship was very diverse. I was able to perform various activities in different departments. I am very happy that we have our own training workshop in Iserlohn. Our trainers have always stood by us," says Eren Gülmez.
Educating and training young people is a high priority at our company worldwide. In Germany, we provide training under the dual system, a combination of school-based instruction and practical training in the company. We also enable students in other countries such as Poland, Portugal, and Mexico to gain practical experience in our companies.
06-07-22
The summer issue of K>MOBIL is here!
Two years of pandemic and now a war in Europe. The KIRCHHOFF Group is faced with essential tasks: seeking economic success and social balance as well as further developing our sustainability management. Please read the latest issue of K>MOBIL.
Here you will learn how we are tackling these challenges and what solutions we have already implemented. We see the main topic of sustainability not only as an obligation for future generations, but also as an opportunity to make the companies of the KIRCHHOFF Group even stronger and more economically successful in competition.
We would also like to refer to these contents:
- Ideas become ideals - ENGINIUS is the new brand under which FAUN is putting hydrogen-powered trucks on the road.
- Convincing concept for a highly complex component: KIRCHHOFF Automotive develops new front axle beam
- The new bit from WITTE Tools is held in place simply by placing it on the bolt head
- Mobility without limits - KIRCHHOFF Mobility offers individually adapted vehicle conversions for people with limited mobility, also in e-vehicles
The publisher of K>MOBIL, Arndt G. Kirchhoff, and the entire editorial team wish you an enjoyable read and a relaxing summer. Stay healthy!
30-06-22
Our Suppliers of the Year – Virtually Awarded for the First Time!
On June 23, 2022, KIRCHHOFF Automotive honored its best suppliers of the year with the Supplier of the Year award (SOY) via a festive web conference.
There are three categories: capital and tooling, bought in parts, and raw materials. German mechanical engineering company ARKU, Polish company GRUPA KETY, and Korean steel group POSCO won “best supplier” in each category respectively.
"Particularly in these difficult times, we were able to rely fully on the suppliers who received awards today," said Klaus Lawory, vice president of procurement, praising the effective cooperation between companies. Award selection was determined upon outstanding quality and high delivery reliability, as well as a high degree of further development and technological progress.
17-06-22
A Future Model for Better Sustainability: RSCI Wins Award
The VDA and the Responsible Supply Chain Initiative RSCI e. V. have won the German Award for Sustainability Projects in the supply chain category. Our company is one of the 15 founding members of the initiative.
The association's work focuses on reviewing and further developing the sustainability of companies’ supply chains by means of on-site assessments and corresponding tracking. With the program developed specifically for this purpose, the effort, costs, and ultimately the results can be shared, thus avoiding multiple audits. The program promotes supplier development and contributes to the further development and continuous improvement of sustainability. The aim of the association is to support all players in the automotive sector by establishing a high level of sustainability in supply chains.
"We are delighted that our initiative has been awarded the German Sustainability Award and would especially like to thank all the founding members involved for the good work they have done in setting it up. RSCI will continue to develop, grow, and become an increasingly important tool for corporate due diligence within the automotive industry in the future," said Frank Rehder, RSCI's CEO.
"Companies have a responsibility to the environment and people all over the world. To ensure more environmental protection, occupational safety, and to promote sustainability, RSCI e.V. is of central importance. We are sure that the association will soon be able to look forward to many more members," says VDA Managing Director Andreas Rade.
The "German Award for Sustainability Projects 2022" in the "Supply Chain" category is presented by the news channel ntv, the DUP UNTERNEHMER magazine, and the German Institute for Service Quality.
The picture shows the founding members of RSCI 2021.
Info: Founding members of the association RSCI e.V.:
- AUDI AG
- Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW Group)
- Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. KG
- CLEPA AISBL
- Business Network for Corporate Responsibility AISBL
- Daimler AG
- Dr. Ing. h.c. Porsche AG
- Ford-Werke GmbH
- KIRCHHOFF Automotive GmbH
- Magna International (Germany) GmbH
- MAN Truck & Bus SE
- Robert Bosch GmbH
- Schaeffler AG
- Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) e.V.
- Volkswagen AG
31-05-22
Awarded Again!
Awarded once again: the KIRCHHOFF Automotive plant in Attendorn (Germany) has been re-certified as a recognized training company, and the plant in Esztergom (Hungary) has been awarded the title of "Reliable Employer 2022/2023"!
In the online recertification with 22 test points, the trainers made the strong training at the Attendorn plant transparent. The trainees were also surveyed. Overall, the plant completed the re-certification with an A grade (over 86%).
"In today's world, it has become much harder to find young people for in-person training in our areas. Here, the Training South Westphalia quality seal is a good way to stand out from other companies; we draw attention to ourselves as a company with excellent training and training standards," says Martin Kleine, technical trainer.
The German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK) has awarded the Esztergom plant (Hungary) the title of "Reliable Employer". This is awarded to companies that provide exemplary care for the working and living conditions of their employees. We have once again proven that our employees are the heart of our company. We are proud of this honor and hope that all our colleagues share our joy!
13-04-22
Shenyang Plant Resumes Production
On March 24, there was a production shutdown for all enterprises in Shenyang. Now, the local government is gradually allowing the enterprises to resume production under closed management operation.
Since April, the epidemic situation in Shenyang began to ease. Thanks to everyone's continuous efforts, our plant in Shenyang has finally passed strict government approval and is able to continue providing services to our customers.
At 2pm on April 6, our colleagues returned to the plant and prepared for the fully closed production operation that was to follow. The closed production operation means that employees can only commute between the plant and a quarantine hotel, or just live in the plant altogether. Our colleagues returned to the plant with the necessary living supplies, including clean clothes, hygiene products, and battery chargers, and the company prepared toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, and other necessary living supplies for them in advance.
The team can only return home when the controls are completely lifted – there is no definitive date for it yet.
During the closed operation, the Shenyang plant will refuse all visits and unauthorized outings, and will arrange production schedules according to demand. All staff are also required to take daily nucleic acid tests and implement all protective measures (such as wearing masks all the time, washing hands frequently, regular ventilation, keeping a safe distance, and disinfection). Additionally, no big event is allowed and the number of participants in meetings is strictly controlled.
"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our employees, suppliers, and families for their support in resuming production at the Shenyang plant during this very difficult time. We are grateful for the support and understanding of our employees' families, who have given up the opportunity to spend time with their families in order to help us, and we will do our best to ensure their health and safety. We believe that the difficult time will not last long and we hope that with everyone’s joint efforts, we will soon be able to return to normal work and life”, says Plant Manager Jimmy Gu.
08-03-22
Helping the fleeing people
We thank our colleagues in Poland for their personal commitment to a wide range of relief efforts for people who have fled the war in Ukraine. To date, several millions of people have left their homes and are seeking protection in Poland. But the number of refugees is also rising in Romania and Hungary, and here, too, the employees of our plants are organizing relief efforts. In addition, KIRCHHOFF Automotive will donate 50,000 euros to aid organizations in Poland, Hungary and Romania as a first step.
25-02-22
Support for Startups in the Circular Economy
Until March 18, 2022, interested startups can apply for the Accelerator Program by Circular Valley. This program supports them in implementing their innovative business ideas and technologies. KIRCHHOFF Automotive is part of an extensive network that assists the startups.
"What Silicon Valley is for digitalization, Circular Valley is for the circular economy. The goal is to develop concepts for emission control and waste avoidance and recycling," explains Christoph Wagener, Vice President, Research and Product Development, at KIRCHHOFF Automotive.
The program itself runs from June to September. In it, innovative startups from all over the world work together and take part in customized expert workshops and training modules. The focus is also on individual support from numerous coaches, and access to a network of over 70 partners from business and science - including KIRCHHOFF Automotive.
"In today's world, the circular economy with the goal of conserving natural resources is becoming more and more important. The goal for Germany as a high-tech location must be to take a leading position in this. Circular Valley can play a significant role in bringing together the know-how of startups, science and industry to create circular economy technologies," says Prof. Christoph Wagener.
For more information, visit https://circular-valley.org/tender_batch3.