Experience 150 Years of Leitz Together - Open Day brings employees, families and generations together
Where people usually work, develop new ideas and manufacture products every day, this special occasion was all about coming together, making discoveries and sharing personal moments. To mark its 150th anniversary, Leitz opened the doors of its Group headquarters in Oberkochen to employees’ families. For one day, they had the opportunity to experience Leitz from an entirely new perspective: family members could discover where their relatives work, while employees gained insights into the working environments of their colleagues. In this way, the event highlighted the many different people and departments that contribute every day to the Leitz success story.
During guided tours of the production facilities, the newly redesigned presentation centre, the administration offices, the logistics centre, the media centre and other areas of the company, there was plenty for families to discover. Tools and tooling solutions were presented, their various applications explained, and visitors were given an insight into operations at the Oberkochen site. Leitz’s international managing directors were also present, giving guests an impression of the company’s global presence. Visitors were able to see what is created at Leitz, where its tooling solutions are used and just how much expertise, experience and precision go into them. The tours provided a vivid impression of the diversity of Leitz’s activities and capabilities.
But the day offered much more than insights into products, processes and workplaces. For employees, it was an opportunity to show their families where they work and share a part of their professional lives with them. Suddenly, stories from everyday working life had a tangible setting, familiar names had faces, and well-known anecdotes took on a new context. It was these personal moments in particular that transformed a look behind the scenes into a shared experience and gave the day its special character.
The company’s history also came to life. The “Walk of Leitz” took guests on a journey through 150 years of family business history. It demonstrated just how closely the story of Leitz is connected with the people who have accompanied and shaped the company over many decades. Since 1876, employees have contributed their expertise, ideas and commitment to the continuous development of Leitz. Many remain connected with the company from their apprenticeship through to retirement, passing on experience while new knowledge and perspectives are continually added. The 150th anniversary therefore tells not only the story of a company, but also the stories of the many people who have been, and continue to be, part of its journey.
“150 years of Leitz have only been possible because generations of employees and family entrepreneurs have built up our Group, continuously developed it and brought it to life. Their dedication, loyalty and strong connection to the company form the foundation of our success,” said Dr Cornelia Brucklacher. As a shareholder and Chairwoman of the Advisory Board, she represents the fifth generation of the owning family and thus embodies the continuity of the family business. This strong sense of connection was also evident in the encounters between former and current employees during the Open Day. Over a shared meal, there was time to reconnect, exchange memories and enjoy conversations together. Memories of earlier times met the Leitz Group of today, illustrating both how much has changed and what has endured over the years.
An anniversary such as this is about far more than figures, dates and milestones. Its true significance is revealed above all in those moments that show what has been created over many decades and what continues to endure today. The Open Day provided a very special setting for this idea and became one of the highlights of Leitz’s anniversary year.
