Success stories from the BAUER GROUP

From intern to managing director: 

My professional career began in 1981/82 with my second internship. 

After completing my studies, I was able to join BAUER KOMPRESSOREN directly via a mini-job in testing. From day one, I worked very closely with the entrepreneur Heinz Bauer. Thanks to challenging contract designs, I developed my technical skills and soon took on responsibility for plant engineering. In the mid-1990s, I became head of the entire technical department. In this role, I established many customer relationships and developed tailor-made solutions. From 2002 to 2006, I took on strategic tasks in the holding company and was responsible for the global coordination of technical developments. From 2006 to 2022, I was Managing Director at BAUER KOMPRESSOREN and, in addition to the areas of research and development, I was responsible for all sales activities. I currently continue to support BAUER KOMPRESSOREN with my knowledge and experience as a senior adviser. 

What were some special milestones? 

I was able to make a significant impact on the design of our current line of breathing air compressors. Whether JUNIOR II, PROFI-LINE or VERTICUS – I have had a major influence on many of these developments. The design of many of our large-scale systems is also based on design ideas developed by my team and myself. 

You have been with BAUER for almost 35 years. What makes BAUER special? 

At BAUER, even as a young engineer, I was able to experience how an idea can be turned into a real, marketable product. I have always been able to contribute my ideas freely and creatively. The independent path to the finished product still inspires me today, as does the creative exchange with all functional areas. The close cooperation with a thoroughbred entrepreneur has shaped me and continues to fascinate me to this day. 

Why is BAUER an interesting employer for engineers? 

We are still a technically oriented company. Anyone who is enthusiastic about technology, tinkering with solutions and enjoys product development will find plenty of freedom here. Within the BAUER GROUP, there are professional and international career opportunities with exciting tasks. 

– Stefan Hacker, Dipl. Ing. Mechanical Engineering | Senior Adviser 

My career at BAUER: 

I joined BAUER in early 2001 as a quality assurance assistant. My initial tasks included optimising quality management and data and information management, as well as creating comprehensive and complete documentation in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Directive. 

In 2006, after a short maternity leave, I took over as head of quality assurance for large-scale systems at the Geretsried site. My primary tasks included the structured definition of processes, specifications and documentation in goods receipt, during commissioning and final testing, in conjunction with the optimisation of the systems and testing facilities. During this time, I also found the international customer contact during on-site acceptance tests and customer visits particularly exciting. Together with my team, I laid the foundations for today's technical documentation for large-scale systems. In 2012, I seized the professional opportunity to set up the new test and process planning department at the UNICCOMP production plant. 

I found the change of perspective, now playing a key role in product development during production and ensuring error-free and reliable processes right from the start, a very interesting task. There were many challenges to overcome, such as process-reliable painting, component cleanliness in production and specifications for oil purity in testing processes. Over time, further areas of responsibility were added, such as coordinating prototype processing and structuring and managing various workshops and the associated internal project management. 

Since mid-2017, I have been responsible for quality management and product launches at UNICCOMP. 

What appeals to you most about BAUER/UNICCOMP? 

I have experienced flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes since I started at BAUER. I can contribute my ideas at any time, realise my full potential and implement concepts I have developed with my team. I am very good at balancing the two roles of being a responsible mother and a successful manager. BAUER KOMPRESSOREN and UNICCOMP have always supported, challenged and encouraged me. I still enjoy the varied tasks and opportunities, and I am 100% committed to being a woman in a male-dominated, technically complex world. The flexible working hours and the company's social attitude have also helped to make this possible. 

What message do you have for students/graduates? 

In these volatile times, we must constantly learn, be open to new ideas and dare to find solutions to tasks that seem impossible. Committed students and graduates can make a valuable contribution here and find their place in the BAUER team. 

– Monique Jaehrig-Paul, Graduate Industrial Engineer | Head of Quality Management & Product Launch at UNICCOMP GmbH 

Already in his second generation at BAUER. His father worked at BAUER for over 35 years: 

I started at BAUER in 1985 as a holiday job. During my mechanical engineering studies, I completed both practical semesters at BAUER from 1991 onwards. After gaining initial experience as a development engineer for natural gas filling stations, I became group leader for the design of high-pressure compressor systems. As technical manager, I was initially responsible for R&D and later for large-scale systems. Thanks to my many years of experience, I am now responsible for our Sales Competence Centre (SCC) and the development of large-scale systems together with my team. 

My task(s); 

Together with my team, I am responsible for the technical clarification of complex large-scale projects in a national and international environment, in collaboration with our sister companies and the internal sales department at BAUER Munich. 

The development of large-scale systems covers the entire spectrum from 22 to 315 kW for various gas applications. 

As data protection officer, I am also responsible for compliance with all data protection standards at the German BAUER sites. 

What makes BAUER attractive to students? 

The very wide range of tasks and the insight into the various processes are particularly interesting. Starting with cooperation with sales, through R&D, purchasing/disposition, production, commissioning and documentation. Thanks to team building in our product development process, everyone is integrated into the process and accompanies a development from A to Z. 

What prospects does BAUER offer? 

Through dedicated and consistent work, you can not only pursue a technical career but also take on responsibility for employees as part of a group or even department management team. Our global network of branches offers opportunities to relocate internationally. Our sister companies in Shanghai (China), Norfolk (USA, Virginia) and Bhosari (India) offer opportunities in this regard. Experienced engineers from Munich are always welcome colleagues there. 

My career at BAUER: 

In 2001, I wrote my thesis entitled ‘Development of a holistic pre-assembly concept for screw and piston compressors’ at BAUER KOMPRESSOREN and was able to start working as a quality engineer in the quality assurance department at BAUER immediately after completing my thesis. 

After just a short time, I took on responsibility at a young age as a group leader in 2003 and then as a department manager at UNICCOMP in 2011. Since mid-2017, I have been segment manager for mechanical production, responsible for the on-time and high-quality production of complex components for piston compressors at UNICCOMP in Geretsried near Munich. 

What career opportunities does UNICCOMP offer? 

If you want to develop personally and get ahead, BAUER is the place for you. Thanks to our broad and diverse manufacturing and assembly capabilities, there are many interesting areas of work. We have state-of-the-art manufacturing based on lean principles, complex machining centres with CAD/CAM connectivity and various assembly processes, such as cycle production. We are constantly evolving and therefore always in need of qualified engineers who want to make a difference and help the company move forward. 

What appeals to you most about UNICCOMP? 

Thanks to its wide range of products and enormous vertical integration, UNICCOMP offers a very varied field of activity. In recent years in particular, it has been remarkable to see how the company has expanded at its location and developed into one of the largest employers in the Oberland region. The clear commitment to Germany/Bavaria as a location is particularly important to me. For me, this is the constant drive to take on global competition in order to maintain our leading role in the global market! I would also like to mention the good, friendly working atmosphere and a range of social benefits, as these are not necessarily standard nowadays. 

– Henrik Günther, Mechanical Engineer | Head of Mechanical Production at UNICCOMP GmbH 

My career at BAUER: 

In 1997, I wrote my thesis entitled ‘Holistic Assembly Concept for JUNIOR Systems’ at BAUER. Starting in 1998, I was able to manage interesting projects in production as a production engineer. 

As a member of the planning team at our UNICCOMP production plant, I played a key role in its implementation between 2002 and 2006. Production management at UNICCOMP and the subsequent management of the order centre and production at BAUER were further milestones. As Head of Operations, I was able to gain international experience at BAUER Shanghai. Today, as Head of Project Management, I am responsible for the delivery and commissioning of complex industrial plants on time, on budget and in accordance with quality standards. 

What particularly appeals to you about BAUER? 

The family-owned company BAUER has always appealed to me; my colleagues are very friendly in a special way. The freedom to act and shape things suits my nature. I really like the open culture and the willingness of colleagues to help each other. ‘Mr. BAUER’ really exists. For me, uncomplicated contact with all levels of the hierarchy is important. To this day, I can still make a difference and bring about change. 

What career opportunities does BAUER offer? 

At BAUER, you can develop in many different ways. One of my colleagues, for example, started with his bachelor's thesis in purchasing and was then taken on in project management. Personal flexibility and openness to interesting tasks offer many opportunities at BAUER. I have always been able to develop further without constantly changing companies. 

Are there also international opportunities? 

Definitely yes! I was able to help build up BAUER Shanghai for two years, spent 20 weeks in England working on a major offshore project for BAUER, and have been managing complex technical projects around the globe for years. 

– Olav Weidemann, Graduate Mechanical Engineer | Head of Project Management at BAUER KOMPRESSOREN GmbH 

My career at BAUER: 

After completing my thesis at BAUER KOMPRESSOREN in 1996 on the topic of ‘Development of a cable harness for VERTICUS compressors,’ I was hired immediately and worked as an assistant to the production manager to set up a new key performance indicator system for production. During the preparation of the new UNICCOMP production plant, I joined a team of four in 1999 and was responsible for planning the buildings as well as the electrical and building services engineering. Following the new construction, I took over responsibility for maintenance, repair and occupational safety at BAUER KOMPRESSOREN and UNICCOMP from 1999 to 2005. 

As a project engineer, I moved to scheduling in 2006 and set up the first Kanban systems at UNICCOMP, among other things. These were the first steps towards lean manufacturing. In 2012, I seized the opportunity to head up the order centre. This includes purchasing, scheduling, material planning, goods receipt, shipping and warehousing. 

Since September 2015, I have been responsible for an important part of UNICCOMP as segment manager for piston compressors and am in charge of approximately 50 employees. The position includes complete assembly in the piston segment (blocks, components, cartridges, etc.) and is supplemented by the areas of procurement, order control, QA, production engineering, paint shop and test benches. 

What appeals to you most about UNICCOMP? 

I still find it very exciting to work for a medium-sized company like UNICCOMP. Everyone knows each other in the factory, and the short distances are very efficient. It is important to me to be able to make a difference in the company. UNICCOMP has grown very dear to my heart. I always enjoy the successes we achieve together and experience first-hand how we are constantly improving. 

What message do you have for students and graduates? 

Challenging tasks and the complexity of the possibilities are still fun. The career opportunities within the group are very good. Since I can make a difference in the company, I am still highly motivated even after more than 20 years. Good people get opportunities and make their way with us.  

An ideal employer for people who are committed and want to play an active role in driving change. 

– Michael Schedel, graduate engineer in physics with postgraduate studies in industrial engineering | Production Manager for Piston Compressors at UNICCOMP GmbH 

Innovative technologies, personal development and global prospects await you.