Friedhelm interviewed by our marketing colleague Eva Kampe.

After exactly 48 years and 4 months with the company, the time has come: Friedhelm, one of our longest-serving colleagues, is starting his well-deserved retirement. In the course of his career, he has not only experienced the history of the company, but also actively shaped it. Not only the good times, but also the challenges were crucial for his career.

When Friedhelm started his apprenticeship as a cutting machine operator almost half a century ago, the company was still called Osnabrücker Kupfer- und Drahtwerke (OKD) – the first of many names he experienced. ‘I have lived through six or maybe seven different company names. But no matter what the name was, the core of the company was always the same: innovation, quality and the solidarity of the staff,’ he recalls.

The transition to cunova was particularly formative for Friedhelm. The change from KME Special Products & Solutions to an independent unit not only meant a new direction, but also many changes. ‘That was the biggest change I have experienced,’ he says. ‘It wasn't always easy, but we have achieved a lot as a team.’

Friedhelm with his colleagues and foremen.

Ups and downs: a retrospective

Of course, there have been difficult times in the 48 years, too. Friedhelm talks about times when economic uncertainty has shaken the company. ‘There have been years when customers have been unable to pay or when our processes have been thoroughly tested by other external influences. In such situations, the importance of solidarity and improvisation has become apparent.’

Challenges like these have shaped Friedhelm. At the age of 34, he took on his first management position, an experience that left a lasting impression on him: ‘It was difficult at the beginning, but I loved working with people and motivating them. Openness and honesty were always particularly important to me in this regard.’ A special milestone: on 1 December of this year, Friedhelm would have celebrated exactly 30 years as a foreman.

His motto throughout all these years was: We can only make it together. ‘A company like ours can only function if we work together. There was a time when I was going through a very difficult period in my personal life. My foremen had to help me through it. It's a great feeling to have the support of a strong team and I can't thank them enough for their commitment back then.’

Friedhelm with his colleagues in production.

A positive outlook on the future

During his 48 years with the company, Friedhelm never lost the joy of his work. ‘I always enjoyed coming to work. Even in challenging times, I could look at myself in the mirror at the end of the day and know that I had done my best.’

When asked what advice he would give to younger generations, he has a clear tip: ‘Dealing with local people is crucial. The basis is the colleagues at the plant, and if they are motivated, everything else runs smoothly.’

For the future of the company, Friedhelm hopes for one thing above all: stability and a clear direction. ’Unrest is good for no one. I hope that cunova continues to focus on its strengths and that the staff maintains the passion that I have always appreciated.’ The past months and years in particular – in a very challenging industry environment affected by global crises – have taken a toll on colleague cohesion. Friedhelm Kanke hopes that his former colleagues will regain their old strength. In this respect, cunova's new corporate values could provide valuable support.

Friedhelm at his old workplace, the milling machine.

A new chapter

Friedhelm has clear plans for his retirement: more time for his four grandchildren, regular exercise and maybe even a part-time job that continues to challenge him. ‘I'm not the type to sit around. A new chapter is beginning for me, but one thing is for sure: there's no room for boredom in my life.’

On 22 November this year, Friedhelm officially retired – with a breakfast for his closest colleagues and a satisfied smile.

We thank him for his hard work and commitment and the many valuable years.

Dear Friedhelm, we wish you all the best for your retirement and hope to see you again at the Christmas market or on other occasions.