When the elementary school visits the workshop

A project day with the Heimbach School in Fluorn-Winzeln

That day, our workshop was a little noisier than usual. Twenty-four children from Heimbach School in Fluorn-Winzeln came to visit—and not just to watch. Together with the Heimbach School Support Association, we organized a project day: getting hands-on with wood, building things themselves, and trying out their own ideas.

The Heimbach School Visits Our Workshop

Why this is important to us

We believe in investing in our region—and, by extension, in the people who grow up here. Our goal wasn’t to stage a promotional event, but to show that a visit to a company doesn’t have to be stuffy: that we can explore and tinker together, and in the end, take pride in a great result.

Step by step, the quick-release mechanism takes shape

Two groups, many stations

After arriving, we split into two groups. One group worked on the lift tables—drilling, hammering, screwing—all under supervision, but using their own hands and keeping a close eye on safety.

At the stations, participants didn't just watch—they got hands-on

The other group toured the entire building, from the workshop to the administrative offices. Reiner Ruggaber, who founded RUWI over twenty years ago, also took the time to answer the children’s questions.

With guidance, but using your own hands

A portable insect house

Each child built their own insect house. And got to take it home.

To that end, each child made a small quick-release clasp—to use as a keychain for their pants pocket. A memento of a day when they accomplished something on their own.

Tinkering is encouraged

During the tour, we asked a question we really meant: What would you do differently at our company? The answers were honest, imaginative, and sometimes surprisingly clear. We demonstrated in many ways how a company operates today—the 3D printer bearing the “Heimbachschule” logo was just one example.

And then there was the ping-pong table

We discovered together that day that a lift table, when set at the right height, actually makes for a pretty good ping-pong table. And since a good day calls for a good break, we enjoyed a butter pretzel in between.

What we wanted to share

In the end, it was about more than just an insect house and a keychain. We wanted to show the children that each of them has the power to innovate—and that it’s worth pursuing their own ideas.

Thank you to the Heimbach School Parent-Teacher Association, with whom we worked together to organize the day, to the teachers, and to our entire team. Days like these are time well spent.