MANAGE THE GROWTH

A report on the global sales meeting held by Thomas Mobile HydraulicsPage 14

TANK LEAK DIAGNOSIS MODULE

Smart new system, cutting-edge design

Page 04

REVIEW OF 2017

Milestones in a very busy year

Page 12

MAIN TOPIC:

REPOSI-

TIONING OUR-

SELVES FOR

THE FUTURE

[ COLLOQUIUM 01/2017 – THE MAGAZINE OF THE THOMAS GROUP ]

Dear Readers,

In the last edition of Colloquium we talked about the impact on Thomas of chan-ges in our markets, about the strong growth generated by those changes, and how we are responding to them. In this context, the structural changes that lie ahead in 2018 are merely a consequence of what has gone before. In this edition we will be reporting in detail on our extended Management Board and looking back at the highlights of 2017. All our business decisions and activities revolve around people. They determine our culture and the way we collaborate. Success requires teamwork. We would therefore like to express our gratitude to our customers, employees, business part-ners, and all those who helped to make 2017 so successful.

Above all, we thank God for supporting us through another busy year. On this note, we wish you and your family a prosperous 2018.

Ihre

Dietrich Thomas Markus Krauss

WHAT EXACTLY IS OUR BUSINESS? PAGE 03

TLDM – A SMART NEW SYSTEM WITH A CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN PAGE 04

IN BRIEF – THE LATEST NEWS PAGE 06

REPOSITIONING OURSELVES FOR AN EXCITING FUTURE PAGE 08

FUTURE NOW – THOMAS AT THE 67TH IAA PAGE 11

MILESTONES IN A VERY BUSY YEAR – A REVIEW OF 2017 PAGE 12

MANAGE THE GROWTH – GLOBAL SALES MEETING PAGE 14

STAFF NEWS PAGE 15

NEWS FROM THOMAS’S CONSTRUCTION SITE PAGE 16

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL

PRIZE DRAW INSIDEWhether good or bad, please let us know what you think of our Colloquium magazine. It only takes a few minutes, and by way of a thank you we’ll enter you in our prize draw. (See page 7 and insert)

03

Before you can develop new components, you have to gain a thorough understanding of the entire system. Our experts specialize primarily in electromagnetic actuators for fluidic systems. This involves developing products whose lowest common denominator is nearly always an electromagnetic actuator that performs its role as part of a complex system such as the gearbox, engine, etc. Our developers also need to maintain an overview of the many different systems in which Thomas products are used.

In this context, Thomas has been an established systems supplier for some years. “If we are to remain competiti-ve, we must offer our customers added value,” explains Dr. Axel Müller, Director Product Management (Exhaust Gas, Energy, and Thermal Management). “Our aim is to go beyond existing solutions by identifying precisely what our customers need from the system as a whole and then developing an approach that is superior to the current sys-tem. That could mean reducing the amount of installation space needed or making a part that combines a number of functions previously performed by different compo-nents.” One example of such a solution is Thomas’s tank leak diagnosis module (TLDM), which was developed on the basis of a pump. The TLDM is equipped with a sensor and communicates with the vehicle using smart technolo-gy (see the next page for a more detailed description of how the TLDM works).

Recent years have shown that Thomas has taken the right strategic path. “Today’s success does not guarantee our future,” observes Dr. Axel Müller. “That’s why we keep looking to develop all the time: observing, understanding, improving, and embracing promising new ideas. Our cus-tomers appreciate that and have confidence in us.”

1 6

5

4

3

2

ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATORS

Electromagnetic actuators still play a key role in drive technology. Mirro-ring the development of new vehicles over recent decades, the actuators used in those vehicles have had to keep pace with ever more stringent demands.

WHAT EXACTLY IS OUR BUSINESS?

1. Armature

2. Casing with hole and

bearing bushing for the

armature

3. Coil with molded

connector

4. Pole core

5. Armature rod with

return spring

6. Rubber diaphragm for

protecting the armature

chamber

A CLASSIC PRODUCT: DIAGRAM SHOWING

THE STRUCTURE OF A THOMAS SOLENOID

[ THOMAS TECHNOLOGY ]

TLDM – A SMART NEW SYSTEM

WITH A CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN

TANK LEAK DIAGNOSIS MODULE – TLDM

By law, cars in North America and Asia must be fitted with a system that can diagnose a leak in the fuel tank. This involves increasing or reducing the pressure. Over a certain time, this change in pressure makes it possible to diagnose a leak. Current systems are usually fitted with a vane pump to create pressure. However, vane pumps are sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and dirt. The TLDM being developed by

Thomas is designed to be more resis-tant to those environmental factors. Although it generates a greater flow, the module occupies roughly the same minimal space as a vane pump. Its main components are a pressure-temperature sensor (sense) and a pump control mechanism (think) as well as a pump and a valve (act). SENSEThe TLDM sensor is a vital compo-nent, as it makes highly accurate

measurements that can detect even the tiniest holes in the fuel tank sys-tem.THINKThanks to the integrated electronics for the solenoid actuator, the TLDM is independent of the customer’s own control devices.ACT The valve and pump work together to create the necessary high or low pressure.

The “Sense – Think – Act” principle at work in a system that tells you if the tank is leaking.

[ THOMAS TECHNOLOGY ]

TLDM – A SMART NEW SYSTEM

WITH A CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN

TANK LEAK DIAGNOSIS MODULE – TLDM

05

The TLDM is being developed in close collaboration with Thomas’s Plastics unit (CP). The current focus here is on tools and the overmolded circuit board design. Other areas of expertise will be integrated from the Plastics unit as the project advances. The project has once again shown how valuable it is for Thomas to have its own in-house Plastics unit. From an overall perspective, too, the TLDM represents a big step forward. The module works using a pump based for the first time on a gas (air) rather

than a fluid (e.g., fuel or AdBlue®) as in all Thomas’s previous pumps. This new departure for Thomas (air-based pump, sensor and dry mounting in air-petrol vapor mixtures) has invol-ved an enormous effort in terms of the underlying technology. In this case, the main development work is performed by the Exhaust Gas, Energy, and Thermal Management unit. The TLDM is a good example of Thomas’s unconventional approach – one that aims to create maximum benefits for our customers.

„For this project, they key factors

in successful product development

are in-house expertise, simultane-

ous development work with the

company’s central units, and col-

laboration with outside partners.“

Diego Lehmann

Director Product and Process

Development

„SENSE – THINK – ACT“Thomas develops solutions for new vehicles and mobility concepts, equipping them with a

ground-breaking level of sensor technology, software and electronics. Taken as a whole, we

call this approach “smart actuation”, based on the “Sense – Think – Act” principle.

SENSE

Integrated sensors detect

physical indicators such as

direction, pressure, power,

and temperature.

THINK

Specially developed hard-

ware and software compo-

nents analyze the data and

make decisions based on

that analysis.

ACT

The resulting decision leads

to a specific action, e.g.,

a movement performed

using a hydraulic, pneuma-

tic, mechanical, or kinematic

system.

[ THOMAS NEWS ]

WELCOME TO THE INNOMOTION PARK!

Although our site remains the same following the inauguration of a new access road (see back cover), our address changed in July to:

THOMAS WINS INNOVATION AWARD

At Thomas, we are determined not to rest on our laurels, and in July 2017 this was independently confirmed by the TV celebrity scientist Ranga Yo-geshwar and Professor Nikolaus Franke from Vienna University of Econo-mics and Business, who selected Thomas for a Top 100 Award, the most prestigious accolade for innovative SMEs.

During the independent selection procedure, the judges were particularly impressed by the culture of innovation at Thomas and by the company’s innovation processes. “Making innovative products is an exciting chal-lenge – one that requires passion. It’s not simply a question of looking for what is right or wrong,” says Dietrich Thomas, describing the team’s approach. Being an innovative company is not just about introducing mo-dern process management systems and developing sophisticated high-tech products. “We want to create a healthy environment in which people feel able to relax and give full rein to their talents so that they can apply themselves 100% to the business of innovation,” explains CEO Markus Krauss.

In brief

Thomas Magnete GmbH

Innomotion Park 3

57562 Herdorf

Germany

In brief

EXPANDING OUR BUSINESS IN CHINA

For some years, Thomas has been supplying the Chinese mobile hydrau-lics market directly from Shanghai. In 2017, we set up our own Automo-tive office in the giant business metropolis. The role of the six-member team – drawn from our Automotive, Purchasing, and Mobile Hydraulics units – is to further expand our operations throughout China.

For Thomas, the market situation is very favorable. “The automotive market here is growing faster than just about any other region in the world, and if we want to take advantage of that we need to build up our business significantly in China itself,” explains Jürgen Heck, Head of Engine Management and Chas-sis and responsible for business expansion in China as part of his future Management Board role. We’ll have more on China in the next issue of Colloquium.

AACHEN COLLOQUIUM 2017OCTOBER 9-11

In fall 2017, alongside 64 other international compa-nies, Thomas had its own stand at the Aachen Collo-quium, Europe’s largest vehicle and engine technology congress. With over 100 specialist presentations, this was a great opportunity for participants to find out about and exchange ideas on the latest developments in the automotive industry.

The associated exhibition highlighted the latest indus-try products, systems, and trends. “The Aachen Collo-quium is a firmly established event in our calendar,” observes Paulo da Silva, Sales Manager (Engine Ma-nagement and Chassis). “This is where industry players discuss new ideas at the highest level, and because of its relatively modest size we know many of the participants. Unlike at many other trade shows, there is plen-ty of time to talk face to face. That combination is really valuable to us.” The team representing Thomas took back a great deal of information to Herdorf and will now pass it on within their respective areas.

In brief

In brief

07

New faces on the Management Board

REPOSITIONING OURSELVES FOR AN EXCITING FUTURE

„My motto in almost every situati-

on that life throws at you – how-

ever stormy and disruptive things

may get – is that strength comes

from inner peace, and there is al-

ways a way.“

MARKUS KRAUSSBorn 1967, Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.)

and Business Management (Dipl.-

Kfm.)

• Started out as a trainee and pro-

ject manager with Bosch before

working as a consultant at va-

rious international companies,

with assignments in the US and

France

• Joined the Management Board at

Thomas in 2003, overall respon-

sibility for operational manage-

ment

• Due to take over as Chair of the

Management Board (CEO) with

responsibility for strategy, fi-

nance, IT, business processes, and

quality management, and additi-

onal responsibility for the Com-

mercial Vehicles business unit

• Married with a Dutch wife, dedi-

cated family man and father of

five children from nursery to uni-

versity age, committed Christi-

an, active member of a Christian

community

• Weakness for fast cars

• Markus generally takes a pair of

running shoes on his frequent

business trips, and relaxation

is going for a joint family run in

Daadener Wald.

The market shift towards e-mo-bility and vehicle drive concepts based on sustainable energy sour-ces was clear even before the ex-haust emissions scandal, although probably no one was fully prepa-red for the speed of this transfor-mation within just a few years. Companies that have not yet reac-ted to these developments are at risk of missing the boat.

If we are to meet the challenges of increasing globalization and digitalization, declining fossil fuel resources, and extremely fast-gro-wing markets in Asia and elsewhe-re – we need to be right at the top of our game – strategically, orga-nizationally, and in terms of ex-pertise. At Thomas, we recognized years ago that we have to keep pace with the changes happening in order to maintain a strong po-sition going forward. In the fore-seeable future, vehicles with tradi-tional combustion engines as we have always known them will give way to new designs based on alter-native drive systems. At the same time, people all over the world are increasingly mobile. New vehicles are expected to provide every con-ceivable feature, putting ever gre-ater demands on manufacturers and their suppliers. That Thomas is ‘growing’ in its role has been de-monstrated in the truest sense of the word by the company’s perfor-

mance in the years since the 2009 financial crisis (see page 10).

“We have grown from a workforce of around 200 after the last global economic crisis to over 700 today. That puts new demands on us in many areas,” explains CEO Markus Krauss. “We need to create new office space and adapt our exis-ting structures. Many of the things that used to run on their own now have to be channeled in the right direction and incorporated into carefully regulated processes.” As well as expanding our existing areas of business, the company has established new units and de-partments, including its own Plas-tics Technology unit (2012) and new product development depart-ments focusing on different areas, e.g., electronics and sensors. “To put it simply, as well as increasing our revenue, we now find oursel-ves dealing with much more com-plex requirements. Of course, that also involves making changes at Management Board level.”

Back in 2014, when Christoph Tho-mas joined the company, it was decided that his father Dietrich Thomas, Chairman of the Ma-nagement Board (CEO) since 1982, would begin his well-earned reti-rement towards the end of the de-cade while retaining a seat on the Advisory Board.

Strong growth, rapid market changes, and a long-planned

succession on the Management Board. There are years in

the life of every company when everything seems to hap-

pen at once. Of course, many of those changes don’t occur

overnight, and ideally – as in the case of Thomas – the com-

pany will have made suitable preparations to ensure that it

is well prepared.

09

CHRISTOPH THOMASBorn 1984, graduate in engineering

and business administration (Dipl.-

Wirtschaftsingenieur)

• Appointed Head of Transmission

Management at Thomas in 2014

after several years as a develop-

ment project manager for a major

automotive supplier

• Future Management Board res-

ponsibility for the ongoing stra-

tegic development of the auto-

motive business (New Business)

and for the fast-growing Mobile

Hydraulics

• Married, two pre-school children,

number three expected to arrive

just as he takes up the new Ma-

nagement Board role

• Loves natural materials such as

wood

• Lives out his Christian faith in

both his personal and professio-

nal life

• Strong networker with a flair for

innovation and a keen eye for

emerging trends

• Hobbies: spending time with his

family, sport (in summer and win-

ter), and reading.

„Thomas is a unique family busi-

ness, and I’m looking forward

to helping shape the company’s

future. I don’t just want to talk

about our values but to put them

into practice.“

[ THOMAS AS STRATEGIST ]

Markus Krauss has spent 14 years on the Management Board with Dietrich Thomas and will now take over the position of CEO. At the same time, Christoph Thomas will join the Management Board from the Transmission Management Unit, which has been highly suc-cessful in recent years under his leadership, so that Thomas can re-main in family hands. From Janu-ary 2018, the Management Board will consist of three members.

Markus Krauss and Christoph Thomas will be joined by Jürgen Heck (currently Head of the En-gine Management and Chassis unit, Thomas’s largest business unit in terms of revenue and per-sonnel), who will be responsible for the company’s technology-oriented business units. As a te-lecommunications engineer and long-standing CTO at a supplier of innovative electronic modules to the automotive industry, he will contribute his vital expertise to the company’s strategic realignment based on the “Sense – Think – Act” principle.The new senior management team will begin work in January 2018. Dietrich Thomas will stay on for a time in the role of coach to ensure a smooth transition and then serve as chair of the Advisory Board from 2019. With this combination of proven expertise, continued family involvement, an agile, market-ori-ented structure, and a wide range of potential business opportuni-ties (partly based on experience in other sectors), we are confident that Thomas is well equipped to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

[ THOMAS AS STRATEGIST ]

„I see my job as building on the

strong competitive position and

the excellent skills base we have

already established. As a member

of the Management Board I know

I can continue to rely on our work-

force, and I look forward to sha-

ping our future with them.“

JÜRGEN HECKBorn 1966, graduate in telecommu-

nications engineering (Dipl.-Ing.)

• Joined Thomas as Head of Engine

and Transmission Management in

2014 after many years in CTO posi-

tions, e.g., a technology-oriented

electronics firm in the automotive

sector. Developed products such

as head-up displays and wireless

charging to series production

level.

• Will take over Management Board

responsibility for the Automobile

business unit, Technology, Actua-

tors, Electronics, Plastics Techno-

logy, Supply Chain Management

and Operations as well as Auto-

motive Business Development in

the Chinese and U.S. markets.

• Married, four children ranging in

age from confirmation to university

• Sees the Christian faith as a key

element of his children’s upbrin-

ging

• Hobbies: jogging, reading, cyc-

ling, and motor-biking

• Rapidly established in his role at

Thomas, Jürgen is well-known for

his cheerful disposition and for

his native Hessen character.

210

150 20

0

1990 1995 2000 2005

13 15

34

63

280

2010

68

266

2015

127

533

2017

162

700

Plan 2020

195

800

Rev

enu

es, M

il. E

uro

Emp

loye

es

„I have every confidence in the new senior management team – the same confidence that my father showed in me when I succeeded him as chairman all those years ago,” says Dietrich Thomas. “I am in the fortunate position of being able to hand over at a time when the compa-ny is doing very well, although my successors face some major challenges dealing with enor-mous market changes. Having said that, I believe we have al-ready laid firm foundations, and I’m confident that my successors are prepared as well as possible for the future. I am looking for-ward to my new role as coach to the senior management team, and I wish the new Board every success and God’s blessing.“

[ THOMAS AROUND THE WORLD ]

11

THOMAS AT THE 67TH IAA

Thomas presented its own new strategy “Sense – Think – Act” at the joint “Young Businesses” stand of the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA). For a detailed re-port on our new strategic focus, please refer to the last issue of Colloquium. “It was clear from the IAA that we are on the right path with our new strategy,” observes Jürgen Heck, Head of Engine Management and future Board member (see our main topic for this issue on page 8). “The event highlights lots of new ideas and research studies that are set to transform the market at tremend-ous speed. One thing is clear: the entire industry is expe-riencing a huge upheaval.”

It was clear from the many talks we held at our booth and elsewhere at the venue that most industry players share our view. Our innovative presentation, based on haptic technology with a touchscreen and black box, was desi-gned to put across our “Sense – Think – Act” principle.

Many of our exhibits highlighted our latest development work on new solutions that combine an array of sensors, software, and electronics.

The highpoint of the IAA was a meeting of the Rhineland-Palatinate Automotive Initiative: Dr. Volker Wissing, Rhi-neland Palatinate’s Minister for Economic Affairs, ended his tour of the IAA at our booth and spoke to Dietrich Thomas and Markus Krauss about the main features of our products.

“Future Now“ – The slogan for this year’s IAA (International Motor Show) was reflected in

nearly all the exhibition booths, with talk of e-mobility and new technologies on everyone’s

lips. From compact city models through to futuristic racing cars, just about every single ma-

nufacturer was gearing up to deliver new drive systems and promising greater sustainability.

„SENSE – THINK – ACT“

MayTHOMAS AUTOMOTIVE:

NEW SITE IN DETROIT

Thomas has enjoyed considerab-

le success in the U.S. over the last

ten years, especially in the field of

Mobile Hydraulics. In March 2017,

Adam Trella took up the position of

Sales Director USA at our new Au-

tomotive Sales office in Troy, Michi-

gan (30 mins from Detroit). More on

this in the next issue of Colloquium.

March

REVIEW OF 20172017 may well go down in the company’s annals as the most eventful yet in the fifty or

so years since it was formed, so we thought we should put together a brief review to mark

those key milestones over the last 12 months. Growth, personnel, new markets, trade shows –

a wide range of topics, all demonstrating that if you want to succeed you have to keep moving.

IFPE LAS VEGAS: FIRST LARGE-

SCALE TRADE SHOW BOOTH IN

THE U.S.

This was Thomas’ first-ever trade

show appearance with its own

huge, individually designed booth.

Covering an impressive 37 square

meters, the booth allowed us to

present the company using a care-

fully planned range of communica-

tion methods. A tough act to follow

next time around!

March 7-11

THOMAS LAUNCHES

FACEBOOK PRESENCE

Thomas goes social media! The la-

test information on trade shows,

new apprentices, and all the current

news so that our followers can keep

right up to date.

March 15www.

facebook.

com/Thomas

Magnete

THOMAS SETS UP NEW ACADEMY

How can we best respond to the per-

vasive shortage of skilled workers

on the one hand and on the other

to the increasing demands made of

existing employees? We believe the

answer is to remain proactive, and

to this end we set up our new Tho-

mas Academy. Under the leadership

of Michael Hofmann, the Academy

offers a range of skills development

and training courses to ensure that

all our staff are properly equipped

with the knowledge and expertise

they need in their respective fields.

More on this subject too in the next

issue of Colloquium.

[ THOMAS AROUND THE WORLD ]

1367TH INTERNATIONAL

MOTOR SHOW (IAA)

Thomas presented itself once again

to an audience of industry visitors

and trade journalists at the joint

“Young Businesses” booth of the Ger-

man Automotive Industry Association

(VDA). It was clear from the IAA that

our “Sense – Think – Act” strategy is

perfectly in tune with current trends

across the entire industry.

September 12-15

+++ TRADE SHOWS

IZB (WOLFSBURG), IFK,

AACHEN COLLOQUIUM,

AND MANY OTHERS

+++ INTRODUCTION OF SAP

+++ FAMILY DAY AT THOMAS

with inauguration of new

building in May

+++ PROJECT

Developing the Thomas

brand

Events in 2018

October 9-11

AACHEN COLLOQUIUM

The Aachen Colloquium, Europe’s

biggest vehicle and engine technolo-

gy congress, is a little gem. It brings

together people from every part of

the industry for a series of lectures

and discussions at the highest level.

Thomas has its own stand at the ex-

clusive event.

NEUE STRATEGY

„SENSE – THINK – ACT“

Thomas’s new strategy was devised

in response to the rapid pace of

change in our markets, in particular

the trend towards e-mobility and

the increasingly widespread use of

smart components in networked

vehicles. Our new “Sense – Think –

Act” strategy involves pooling our

skills and harnessing them to pro-

duce tangible and future-proof be-

nefits for our customers under the

slogan “smart actuation.”

June

CAREER AND FAMILY

ACCREDITATION

Thomas does everything it can to

help employees manage their work,

family, and personal commitments.

Following an audit by berufundfa-

milie Service GmbH, we are now an

officially accredited “family-friendly

company.” See page 15

June 3

INNOVATION AWARD

In June 2017, Thomas was selec-

ted for a Top 100 Award, the most

prestigious accolade for Germany’s

most innovative SMEs. See page 6

under the heading “In brief.”

June 10

INAUGURATION OF NEW ACCESS

ROAD TO “INNOMOTION PARK”

See the back cover for more details.

June 13

November 23

KICK-OFF FOR INTRODUCTION OF SAP

[ THOMAS IN THE FUTURE ]

Our Mobile Hydraulics unit held its Global Sales Meeting on August 30 and 31, 2017, at the Lindner Hotel in the Westerwald. The event was attended by sales personnel, other staff whose role involves direct con-tact with customers, and the local managers of all our international sites. In light of the rapid global ex-pansion of mobile hydraulics, the overall slogan for the meeting – “Manage the Growth” – was highly topical. “The event is held every two years. It is a great opportunity to discuss sales issues with colleagues from our vari-ous international sites,” explains Mi-chael Lutz, Head of Sales and Marke-ting within the Mobile Hydraulics unit and responsible for organizing the Global Sales Meeting. “We spend two very intensive days talking about our strategy, the market situation, our products, and everything else.” The participants had prepared business plans and presentations on a huge

range of topics, partly to bring each other right up to date and partly to stimulate discussion of the challenges that lie ahead. The group examined facts and figures relating to products, revenue, and sales markets and dis-cussed current and future strategies to ensure that the unit stays ahead of the market. The main focus was on the current burst of rapid growth, a trend to which the Mobile Hydraulics unit also needs to respond.

“Of course, one of the issues is that although we work in different parts of the world we are still a single unit with a common objective. We are all equally affected by this growth, albeit in completely different ways, and the best approach for dealing with it is to adopt a joint strategy. And that is ex-actly why we are here,” explains Dr. Jens Krallmann, Head of the Mobile Hydraulics business unit.

After a great deal of theory, the group moved on to a practical team-

building activity in the form of a tas-ter session on the hotel’s well-equip-ped golf course. As most participants were beginners, there was much to learn and much amusement.

GLOBAL SALES MEETING OF THOMAS MOBILE HYDRAULICS

MANAGE THE GROWTH

„All in all, it’s always a great op-

portunity to talk things over and

exchange ideas with colleagues.

The Global Sales Meeting is de-

finitely one of the main reasons

why we work so well together as

a team – both professionally and

on a personal level.“

Heinz Strickler,

Head of Sales and Marketing at

Thomas in Brookfield (USA)

15

Apprenticeships are the best way for industrial firms to attract future skilled workers. Thomas places great importance on in-house training, as the latest figures clearly demonstra-te, with 52 young people underta-king apprenticeships covering nine vocational areas. Out of this total, 12 are with us on four different dual work-study courses.

Christoph Kohl is in charge of our ap-prentices and work-study trainees, and he is very aware of the responsi-bility that is involved: “Our job is to help these young people and equip them with the skills they will need in their future career. Equally, we need to ensure that the company trains and retains skilled workers at the highest level. That’s the ideal way of securing our future.” There will be more on the subject of apprentice-ships at Thomas in the next issue of Colloquium.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT THOMAS

THE FUTURE IS NOW

The AOK company running challen-ge in Siegen is the biggest in Ger-many. Although our HQ in Herdorf lies in Rhineland-Palatinate, many of our employees either live in the neighboring town of Siegen or in North-Rhine Westphalia or go the-re to shop or visit places of interest in the wider region. As a result, the Siegerland Run is a long-established tradition at Thomas.

July 12, 2017, saw 30 runners at the start line wearing gray tops with the logo “Thomas läuft!” (Thomas runs!). The event attracted runners of all calibers – enthusiastic ama-teurs looking to set a new personal best and somewhat less athletic ent-rants who would be content to reach the finish line at a more sedate pace. Spirits were high in spite of the vari-able weather. We’ll be back in 2018!

THOMAS RUNS!

HEALTH

Family life can be challenging – dealing with children, relatives needing care, and sudden emergencies. The support given by Thomas to help staff reconci-le their work and family commitments in every area has now been officially recognized by berufundfamilie Service Gmbh. Following a successful audit, Thomas was awarded the berufundfamilie certificate in Berlin on June 20, 2017. Flexible working hours, comprehensive social benefits, and individual arrangements to deal with emergency situations are just some of the ways in which Thomas makes it easier for employees to reconcile their work and family commitments. “We are delighted by our certificate, but of course it comes with an obligation to keep on improving,” says the company’s Occup-ational Health Officer and HR Manager Jeanette Jäger.

IT’S OFFICIAL! THOMAS AWARDED “FAMILY-FRIENDLY” STATUS

WORK-LIFE-BALANCE

[ THOMAS STAFF ]

[ THOMAS IN THE FUTURE ]

der

go

lden

efad

en.d

e

The new “Innomotion Park” access road was officially inaugurated at a mo-dest ceremony on July 13. Representing three generations of the Thomas fa-mily, Hermann, Dietrich, and Christoph opened the one-kilometer stretch of road together with various colleagues who had been involved in the project and local politicians. Following the inauguration, the company now has a new official address (see page 6). The first vehicles drove along the new ac-cess road as soon as it was opened.

Everything is running to schedule in the new building. The roof and skylights have now been fitted, and the installation work is advancing rapidly. “The ex-terior will be pretty much completed by the end of the year,” believes site ma-nager Andreas Kipping. It looks good on the inside too. The communications wiring is already in place, and the flooring has been poured.

“It’s all looking very positive,” says Andreas. “We’re on schedule, and there have been no unpleasant surprises during construction. So everything is pro-ceeding as planned.” Provided there are no setbacks, it should be possible to open the building in May.

IMPRINTThomas Magnete GmbH

Innomotion Park 3

57562 Herdorf

Tel. +49 2744 929-0

www.thomas-magnete.com

Editor (and person liable under

German press law):

Katja Teixeira

Corporate Communications and

Marketing

December 2017, all information

subject to change without notice

RUNNING SMOOTHLY

News from Thomas’ construction site