As part of a company visit by the ‘Communication & Location’ department of the Hanau-Gelnhausen-Schlüchtern Chamber of Industry and Commerce on the subject of ‘Skilled labour from all over the world’, HKS Dreh-Antriebe GmbH recently introduced itself to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and demonstrated its broad cultural diversity.

HKS Dreh-Antriebe GmbH has had its headquarters in Wächtersbach-Aufenau for over 50 years. In addition to the two sites in Wächtersbach-Aufenau, a further plant is operated in Neukirch in Lusatia. Over 280 employees from more than 15 different countries are currently employed at the 3 sites. As one of the leading international manufacturers of hydraulic rotary and part-turn actuators, which are used, for example, in industry or the construction machinery sector, practising intercultural competence and diversity is the basis for successful cooperation and a building block for the company's success.

At HKS Dreh-Antriebe GmbH, a wide variety of nationalities work in all areas of the company. From the management of production planning to accounting or assembly to building services, HKS employs a wide variety of nationalities in the company. Each individual specialist and manager contributes significantly to the joint success of the company with their unique perspectives and competences.

The shareholder Mr Günter Höhn, Managing Director Dr Rost, Operations Manager Mr Craatz and HR Manager Ms Ritzel, as well as other employees of the company, spoke to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce about how they live together with understanding and consideration for one another. There is open dialogue about fasting during Ramadan and employees have already been given the opportunity to use company premises to pray. In other cases, work shifts have been swapped for language courses to promote integration. Employees of the company, who accompanied the visit of the IHK to emphasise the cultural diversity of the company, reported that they never felt alienated in the company and always received the necessary support.

For example, HKS Dreh-Antriebe GmbH not only employs people who came to Germany voluntarily, but also several refugees from Ukraine who left their home country due to the war. Thanks to the cultural diversity of the company and the dedicated employees who are willing to translate for their colleagues, integration is a reality within the company and existing language barriers are overcome.

At a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit qualified specialists, HKS Dreh-Antriebe GmbH values the cultural mix of different nationalities and cultures and the resulting exchange, for example through special festivals or culinary traditions. The diversity of the employees, who come from a wide range of nationalities and cultures such as India, Eritrea, Turkey and Ukraine, form a cross-section of our society and reflect its diversity.

During the visit by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the employees also reported on their journey to Germany and then to HKS Dreh-Antriebe GmbH and the initial difficulties in Germany, for example due to a lack of language skills or a two-tier society.

The management and plant management made it clear to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce that communication on the machines works smoothly and that although tensions are inevitable in such a diverse workforce, all employees pull together in the interests of the company. When challenges arise, they manifest themselves as human problems with each other and not as cultural differences. This successful collaboration and respectful dialogue enables us to find solutions together and shape the future of the company in a sustainable way. The integration of skilled workers from different backgrounds at HKS Dreh-Antriebe GmbH is a decisive step towards promoting social sustainability, as they not only contribute innovative solutions through their diverse backgrounds and experiences, but also help to create a shared working environment.

HKS Dreh-Antriebe GmbH is therefore grateful for the diversity, cultural mix, different perspectives and experiences that its employees bring to the company, as they have been an integral part of its success since it was founded over 50 years ago.

Partner Günter Höhn concludes by appealing for openness in the world of work towards motivated foreign specialists. The consistently positive experiences in his own company have shown that an open attitude, respectful behaviour and cultural diversity can be seen as strengths. It is also important to reduce reservations and fears in the population and promote dialogue, as the shortage of skilled workers means that companies are dependent on international talent to ensure their competitiveness.