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People at Dürr

Half a lifetime at Dürr

Two voices and a story full of change and solidarity

 

Nowadays, it is rare for people to remain loyal to a company for decades. Claudia Stadler and Günter Murmann are among those who have helped shape Dürr over many years – Claudia has been with the company for 38 years and Günter for 44. With a great deal of commitment, curiosity, and passion, they have experienced change, mastered challenges, and actively helped shape the company. In this interview, they talk about their first day at work, personal milestones, and reveal the secret to their success in enjoying long and fulfilling careers.

Claudia Stadler began her career at Behr.

Do you still remember your first day at work at Dürr?

Claudia Stadler: Of course! I can still remember it well—even though it was quite a while ago (smiles). The location was the same, but the campus didn't exist yet. At the time, I was employed by Behr, which was taken over by Dürr shortly afterwards. I had just finished my training at another company, so I was naturally quite excited.

Günter Murmann: Of course! I joined a modern industrial company with friendly colleagues. My first impression was thoroughly positive.

Günter Murmann had his first day at Dürr in March 1981.

What led you to Dürr back then?

Claudia Stadler: I came from the service sector and had completed my training at a transport company. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to apply my knowledge in industry.

Günter Murmann: That was in March 1981. I moved in the middle of my first year of training as a machinist. And Dürr had a training position available—it was just the right fit.

Both have gotten to know several areas of the company.

How have your responsibilities changed over the years?

Claudia Stadler: A lot has happened in 38 years. The positive thing is that I have been able to continue my education and develop myself further. I started as an export and import clerk, then moved to the service department in the spare parts business. There, I very quickly had the opportunity to join as assistant to the then service manager. That was over 30 years ago. Since then, I have worked as an assistant in several areas for various division managers and department heads. Today, I work in engineering in the automotive sector.

Günter Murmann: I grew with the company. After my training, I spent two months on a construction site in Belgium, then worked in parts production in container construction and in the raw materials warehouse. Later, I became a foreman in the “ALBAS” restructuring program during the downsizing of production in Zuffenhausen. Then I moved to application technology in Bissingen, where I worked as a raw materials manager and also assembled side and roof machines. I was deputy foreman in final assembly and helped build three generations of robots – on EcoRails, towers, and other components. Today, I am a production planner for final assembly.
 

Was there a moment that particularly stuck in your memory?

Claudia Stadler: I have a little anecdote from “way back when” (winks). My first profit share was a 50 DM note stapled to a company brochure. At the time, Mr. Behr personally handed these out to each employee with a handshake.

Günter Murmann: Yes, definitely the move to application technology in Bissingen—suddenly, the scope of my responsibilities was completely different.

Claudia, what challenges have you faced over the years—and how did you deal with them?

The challenges mainly lay in the different areas of responsibility, but I always saw these as opportunities and positive challenges for further development. I learned new things in every area, which means that today I can view many business processes from different perspectives. I also worked with many colleagues who have helped me build up a good network.

Günter, are there any projects or milestones that you are particularly proud of?

For me, the most important thing is that our customers are satisfied. On-time deliveries, support with service and construction site assignments, and on-site training—these are the things that are important to me.

Together, they talk about how the company has changed over the years.

You have both known Dürr for several decades now: How has the company changed?

Claudia Stadler: The company has become larger, more global, and more digital.  Mechanized processes used to be the norm, but today they are automated. New technologies have been integrated and the infrastructure expanded. This has also changed the qualifications required of employees so that we can remain competitive. And sustainability is now playing an increasingly important role.

Günter Murmann: Enormously! From a limited liability company to a stock corporation, worldwide growth, globalization—the number of employees has increased tenfold and the product range has become significantly larger.
 

We are also interested in whether they miss anything from the old days.

And do you miss anything from the “old days”?

Claudia Stadler: There are always things you miss or like to remember—in your private life as well as in your career. Nevertheless, it's also nice to keep experiencing new things, discovering new things, and continuing to grow... It's always exciting to witness new processes, developments, and achievements.

Günter Murmann: The family atmosphere. In the past, everyone knew each other – unfortunately, that's no longer possible with the size of the company today.
 

Günter, what made you decide to stay with Dürr for so long?

Dürr is a good company. We work together, and I was able to contribute my experience directly to the customer – whether in assembly or service assignments. Plant engineering is diverse, the product range is exciting, and I have many nice colleagues. The works council also does a good job. I simply feel at home here – in good times and bad. (smiles)

Claudia, what is your secret to staying with a company for so long and so successfully?

The secret is definitely to always look ahead with a positive attitude. I am a very down-to-earth person and have always felt comfortable at Dürr. This has enabled me to develop personally and successfully. That's why I never had any reason to leave the company.

Claudia Stadler and Günter Murmann also have some good tips for new employees.

What advice would you give to new colleagues?

Claudia Stadler: My tip is to show mutual appreciation. Always treat your colleagues the way you would like to be treated yourself. This also applies to our service providers such as Apetito, cleaning companies, and others. Respect and fairness should be a matter of course everywhere.

Günter Murmann: Be open with each other, ask questions, take in information, and critically examine processes. Communication is an important asset—and unfortunately, it is often neglected.
 

And what are your plans for the next few years?

Claudia Stadler: I can already see my retirement on the horizon and am really looking forward to being able to pursue my hobbies more intensively. Until then, however, I will continue to work with the same enthusiasm...in a good mood, resilient, and open to new things.

Günter Murmann: In 2026, I would like to run for the works council again. And as long as I am healthy, I will continue my work as a production planner—for at least five, maybe even seven more years.
 

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