Baden-Württemberg (Germany) Celebrates First HTEC

"It is clear that there is a serious shortage of machining professionals, both in this area and also across Germany. GIBA is perfectly set-up to support all those small businesses that need well-trained and productive employees.”

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Zaventem, Brussels. October 20, 2011: Haas Automation Europe is delighted to announce the opening of a Haas Technical Education Centre (HTEC) in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The new facility was set-up under the auspices of Haas Factory Outlet (HFO) Baden Württemberg South: A Division of Dreher Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH. Opened officially on September 27th, 2011, it is the first HTEC in the region and the first for HFO Dreher.

The new HTEC is part of GIBA - Gesellschaft für Integration, Beschäftigung und Ausbildung GmbH, and boasts two of the latest generation Haas CNC machines tools: a VF-2 vertical machining centre and a TL-1 Toolroom Lathe.

GIBA is the Association for Integration Employment and Training, which works with adolescents and young adults who lack access to mainstream education or other vocational training. The school offers them the chance to train to a high level of competence in mechanical engineering and CNC machining, and to find well-paid employment in industry.

During the grand opening, Managing director of GIBA, Mr. Wolfgang Hesse told Haas: “We love to work with the Haas CNC machine tools. We acquired our first Haas machine more than 10 years ago and we are still very satisfied with it. We also appreciate the support provided by Haas Automation as a company. Being part of the HTEC programme brings access to an extensive network of industrial partners. Our apprentices have, therefore, the opportunity to train using the very best CNC and manufacturing technology, and the Haas control simulators means they can learn to programme in a risk-free, fear-free and stress-free way.”

Mr Martin Dreher from HFO: Dreher was also present at the grand opening: “GIBA has very good contacts with the surrounding industry,” he said. “After their training here, almost all students are employed by the companies in the neighbourhood. It is clear that there is a serious shortage of machining professionals, both in this area and also across Germany. GIBA is perfectly set-up to support all those small businesses that need well-trained and productive employees.”

Managing Director of Haas Automation, Mr. Alain Reynvoet was also present at the event, and reiterated the company’s commitment to the HTEC programme and its objectives. “Investment in education is an important factor for success in our industry,” he said. “Despite the world’s economic problems we will continue to seek partnerships with schools and colleges because we have a long term perspective and we have a higher aim: to support our customers in every possible way, including their quest to find the best, CNC-trained employees.”

The mayor of Rottenburg, members of the county council, and representatives of industry firms and financial institutions also attended the grand opening.

From left to right: Martin Dreher (Dreher Werkzeugmachinen), Wolfgang Hesse (GIBA), Alain Reynvoet (Haas Automation Europe)