Kamen SPD parliamentary group visits VAHLE
Local politics at VAHLE - a look at the emerging campus, insights into robot production and an exchange on skilled labour, urban development and infrastructure.
The Kamen SPD parliamentary group, led by parliamentary group chairman Daniel Heidler, visited Paul Vahle GmbH & Co KG at its headquarters on Westicker Straße today, Thursday. The visit centred on the VAHLE Campus, a forward-looking investment project with a volume of around 60 million euros. During a tour with CEO Achim Dries and COO Henning Stelte, the guests were also given an insight into modern robot production and innovative production technologies.
"For us, the visit from the SPD parliamentary group is a strong sign of appreciation and interest in a forward-looking industry," says Achim Dries, CEO and Managing Director of the VAHLE Group. "Personal dialogue with local politicians is particularly important in order to jointly promote sustainable development and innovation at the Kamen site." As a traditional family business with over 100 years of history, VAHLE is now one of the world's leading suppliers of energy and data transmission systems for industrial automation.
During the visit of the SPD parliamentary group, which was also accompanied by Silvia Gosewinkel, member of the state parliament, the focus was on the VAHLE Campus, which is expanding the existing site on Westicker Strasse with a view to the future. A modern company area with new administration, highly automated production and a multifunctional event location is being created on around 50,000 square metres. With an investment volume of over 60 million euros, VAHLE is sending out a clear signal in favour of the Kamen location.
Daniel Heidler, Chairman of the Kamen SPD parliamentary group, was impressed: "In economically challenging times, a commitment on this scale is anything but a matter of course. It is a strong signal for Kamen, the region and also for Germany. VAHLE impressively demonstrates how a company with regional roots and an international focus takes responsibility and strengthens the location. This bold commitment creates jobs, strengthens the local economy and sends an important signal for Germany as an industrial location."
In the subsequent discussion, the participants had an in-depth exchange of views on the key challenges facing Kamen as a business location. Among other things, the focus was on securing skilled labour through educational cooperation, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, sustainable commercial development and transport links to the new campus. VAHLE's role in regional networks was also discussed in detail.
As the city's largest employer with more than 650 employees in Kamen and over 900 employees worldwide, VAHLE has a special social and societal responsibility. Together with representatives of local politics, issues relating to social infrastructure, the promotion of further training and sustainable employment as well as regional commitment were therefore also discussed.
The SPD parliamentary group reaffirmed its willingness to continue the dialogue and provide constructive support for future-oriented industrial projects.
