The new value stream factory is one of the largest construction projects in the company's history. The enthusiasm of those responsible for the new building was correspondingly high at the topping-out ceremony: "For us, this is a decisive contribution to securing jobs here in Glatten in the long term," says Andreas Beutel, Managing Director of Schmalz. "With the value stream factory, we are creating the conditions to be able to produce here on site in the long term and at competitive conditions. At the same time, this value stream factory is also a model for our other production and manufacturing activities in our subsidiaries worldwide." Andreas Beutel thanked all those involved in the construction work and wished the employees in production that they would quickly fill their new workplace with life. He concluded his speech by lighting up the company logo on the new building. Ulrich Bühler from Stahlbau Bühler in Altensteig delivered the topping-out speech.

The building offers a modern work process concept: all of the company's work in the factory will be based on so-called value streams. Production, technology and logistics are arranged in such a way that as little time as possible passes from the customer order to the delivery of a product. With its three production floors, the new factory will increase the existing production and logistics area at Schmalz by 11,500 square meters. As with the previous buildings - such as the new office building, which celebrated its topping-out ceremony in August - Schmalz is also focusing on sustainability in the value stream factory: for example, the efficient energy standards are 50 percent below the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance.

The building will have large exterior glass façades at the front and a transparent, light interior. The ground-breaking ceremony for the building took place in November 2017 and it should be ready for occupancy in the summer of next year. The architectural firm Schneider from Rohrdorf designed the Wertstromfabrik.