Amstetten, Germany: Melanie Brosig and Oliver Bohrer
It wasn't love at first sight when Melanie (HR specialist) and Oliver (master model maker) met in 2010, but it was still the start of a real HEIDELBERG love story. At the time, Melanie was allowed to do a kind of internship as an employee in the HR department in the area she was responsible for in order to get to know the jobs and activities. She spent a week in model making and met Oliver there. They liked each other straight away, but it took a while before Oliver took heart and asked Melanie if they would like to do something together. Today, 15 years later, they have two children together.
Working in the same company has clear advantages for both of them: a better understanding of the challenges of the job and the fact that they can discuss professional issues more easily. At the same time, this can also lead to discussions if opinions differ.
For both of them, HEIDELBERG is not just a workplace, but also a place where relationships and deep friendships can be forged.
Kennesaw (GA), USA: Sue and Donny Elbert
Sue and Donny met in 1997 when Sue started working as an inventory planner in the parts department where Donny also worked. But despite her colleagues' eager attempts at matchmaking, it took six months before they finally decided to go on a date and their love story began. They have now been married for almost 23 years, have a son and a dog together and, thanks to Donny's daughter from a previous relationship, a grandson. Sue is currently the accounts manager and Donny is now an account manager in our spare parts team.
Together they have 86 years of HEIDELBERG behind them and are celebrating their second anniversary as a couple this year: “We've seen a lot of change over the years. We are proud and grateful for the experiences we have had during this time,” says Sue.
Qingpu, China: John Wang
John has been an employee at the HEIDELBERG production site of Qingpu, China for 20 years and during his time there he has seen how the small local production facility has developed into a fully-fledged plant. And he has also been able to develop steadily with the support of the company: After starting as a fitter for folding machines, he completed a six-month training course in Wiesloch and then gradually climbed the career ladder.
He was even able to complete a degree in business administration with the help of HEIDELBERG and is now a manager in production. This is also one of the aspects that he particularly appreciates about working for HEIDELBERG: the opportunities for personal and professional development. But the culture of cooperation and solution orientation, the support from management and HEIDELBERG's global influence as a market leader in the printing industry also make the company a great place to work for him.
Langgöns, Germany: Stefan Südwasser und Tim Mammitzsch
Tim and Stefan began their careers at Gallus Druckmaschinen AG (GDM), the 100% HEIDELBERG subsidiary specializing in label printing presses and headquartered in Switzerland, as apprentices. Today—many years later—they proudly hold management roles in Langgöns: Tim as Head of Purchasing, and Stefan as Head of Logistics.
Their journey at GDM was shaped by continuous learning, professional growth, and the support of inspiring colleagues—both within GDM and across the wider HEIDELBERG network. Along the way, they not only developed key skills but also built lasting friendships and shared unforgettable experiences.
To them, GDM is more than just a workplace. It’s a place where they’ve been able to grow—personally and professionally—and contribute to shaping the organization. They are thankful for the opportunities they’ve had and are excited to continue being part of this strong and dedicated team.
Wiesloch, Germany: Ralf and Tim Siegert, Norbert Förderer
At HEIDELBERG, the Siegert family’s connection runs deep. Father and son, Ralf and Tim Siegert, both work at the Wiesloch plant—Ralf in quality assurance and Tim as a warehouse clerk in China shipping. But their family’s ties to HEIDELBERG go back even further.
From 1959 to 1999, Tim’s grandfather, Norbert Förderer, worked as a driver at HEIDELBERG—and even had his moment of heroism. In the early 1990s, when a rail wagon came loose and threatened to roll into the central warehouse, Norbert quickly stopped it with a brake shoe, preventing an accident. His quick thinking earned him an award at the time.
Norbert was also the one who encouraged his son-in-law, Ralf, to apply for a job at HEIDELBERG in 1995, leading him to transition from car mechanic to quality assurance. And it didn’t stop there—Ralf, in turn, inspired his own son, Tim, to join the company.
Tim enjoys working alongside his father, and the two still find time to have lunch together now and then. For both, HEIDELBERG remains a great place to work, and they look ahead with optimism for the future of the Wiesloch site.
Kennesaw (GA), USA: Dave Troublefield
Dave embarked on his HEIDELBERG career in 1983 as a field service technician. Today, he serves as the Director of Field Service and Data Strategy, collaborating with Service Managers to enhance business efficiency and deliverables. Additionally, Dave contributes to Data Strategy, supporting service and performance teams by sharing market insights with the global team to develop new products and features.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dave shares:
“I started with HEIDELBERG as a field service tech in February 1983, and later that year, we had a service meeting for all members of service in New York. At this time, it was HEIDELBERG Eastern, owned by the East Asiatic Group. In 1985, I attended my first 3-week training course in HEIDELBERG for SM102 perfector presses. Through the years, I have worked with many great colleagues at HEIDELBERG, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside all of them.”
Dave’s career reflects the importance of experience and teamwork in HEIDELBERG’s service organization. His contributions continue to support reliable service and customer satisfaction.
Brandenburg, Germany: Anke Piezka and Philipp Klucznik
Sometimes paths cross in unexpected ways – like with Anke and Philipp, who are connected not only privately, but also professionally. Their story, however, isn’t a typical company romance. Philipp met Anke during his studies in Dresden. Through his background as a trained printer and his studies, he was already familiar with HEIDELBERG. But it was through Anke’s mother that he got to know the company more closely – and his interest grew.
When a position as Project Coordinator was advertised, Philipp applied spontaneously – and has been part of the HEIDELBERG family ever since.
Despite what clichés might suggest, Anke and Philipp enjoy a great working relationship. “We’re open with each other and have a trusting, informal dynamic,” says Anke. Their shared workplace has created overlaps that go beyond the office – from daily projects to home, garden, and technical challenges. “We tackle many things together,” they say – whether at work or in their private life.
Santana de Parnaíba, Brazil: Silvia Montes
Silvia Montes launched her career over 25 years ago at HEIDELBERG Brazil in the finance department. Today, she leads the service and sales operations in Santana de Parnaíba, São Paulo. As an economist, she maintains a strategic vision, making decisions with both logic and empathy, always focused on building lasting relationships with stakeholders. “I make decisions based on this principle—whether with empathy or, when necessary, with vigor.”
These qualities are crucial for success in Brazil’s volatile market. Montes is committed to shaping a robust, financially stable company that is highly regarded by both customers and employees. For her, it's the people who truly make the difference: “The dedication and forward-thinking approach of each individual drive the company toward its goals.”
Wiesloch, Germany: Ben and Bernd Nerstheimer
On September 1, 2023, Ben Nerstheimer began his apprenticeship as a mechatronics technician at HEIDELBERG, exactly 40 years after his father Bernd started his career here as an electronics technician. Ben’s connection to HEIDELBERG began early: “I’ve had my first encounters with HEIDELBERG since I was a baby. My mother often picked my father up from work, and I had my diapers changed in the car park. You could say HEIDELBERG was ingrained in me from the start,” he laughs. Over time, Ben grew fascinated by the company and its work, especially mechatronics, which led him to apply for an apprenticeship after a student internship.
Bernd, still working at HEIDELBERG after 40 years, says, “What I find particularly great is feeling how enthusiastic Ben is about the training and the company. When he talks about his day, you have to slow him down a bit!” Bernd also hears similar enthusiasm from other parents with children at HEIDELBERG. “The kids just love it here.”
Wiesloch-Walldorf, Germany: Sasa Balen
HEIDELBERG has been shaping the printing industry for 175 years. Sasa Balen is proud to have been part of this history for 34 years - and to have contributed to the company's strong presence with its machines in the market for the production of packaging for the pharmaceutical and food industries. “Quality, teamwork and customer satisfaction are values that are important to me,” says Balen. “It motivates me to solve problems in the production of our complex machines and to achieve the best results as a team.”
He likes to think back to the early 2000s, when HEIDELBERG was particularly successful. However, the crisis that hit the company in 2009 also left its mark on him. For Sasa Balen, the special moments in his job include the visits to drupa - and of course the family days on the factory premises. “Then I can show my family what we produce and where dad works,” he says.
