A life for induction and innovation 

Farewell to Jürgen Schmidt: A look back at 36 years at ABP Induction

After 36 years at ABP Induction, Jürgen Schmidt is entering the passive phase of semi-retirement. Originally hired as a short-term substitute for an ill employee, he quickly became a mainstay of the company. In a personal interview, he looks back on his time at ABP – with pride, gratitude and a smile.

When Jürgen Schmidt had his first day at work in Dortmund, it was actually only intended as a temporary job for six weeks. „It turned out to be a bit more,“ he says today with a laugh. In fact, this turned into an impressive career of 36 years, during which he played a key role in shaping layout planning and cooling water systems.

The topic of cooling water was particularly close to his heart: „Water is often underestimated, but for me it is the third essential component, alongside the furnace and the electrical system. If the cooling water doesn‘t work, then the entire system doesn‘t work.“ This realization shaped his work for decades. His tasks were not only of a technical nature. Rather, it was the combination of office work, customer contact and assignments in the foundries that particularly appealed to him. „You get to see everything, from the electrical systems to the dust extraction systems to the composition. That‘s what makes the work so exciting.“ At the same time, this versatility also challenged him, but that gave him additional motivation: „You always had to be flexible, adapt to new circumstances and find solutions. That appealed to me.“

The promotion of young talent was also particularly close to his heart. „I was lucky enough to be able to help choose my successor, and I know that my two young colleagues are just as enthusiastic about their work as I am.“ He was well aware of the importance of intensive on-the-job training: „I myself had a mentor who accompanied me for four years – to customers, construction sites and on business trips. This allowed me to experience practical work first hand and learn a lot. I wish the same for my new colleagues.“ He particularly appreciated the fact that ABP always gave him the freedom to develop his own ideas: „I was able to develop new ideas and my suggestions were implemented. That was a real sign of appreciation.“

He has experienced the development of the company first hand – from restructuring in the 90s to the current challenges facing the industry. „I changed jobs several times, from ABB to CMI and finally to Primetals and MHI. The time as a works council member was particularly challenging, especially when you had to back difficult decisions.“ Why did he stand for election? „I felt that new momentum should be set in the works council.“ So I put myself forward – I didn‘t know at the time whether I would be elected.“

Despite all the challenges, he still remembers the team spirit and cooperation: „Employees and production have always worked closely together. You have to strengthen this sense of community.“ Over the years, he has particularly appreciated the people he has been able to work with: „I‘ve met an incredible number of great colleagues here. Some of them have long been more than just colleagues to me – they have become real friends.“

His travels were also a special experience: „I traveled almost all over Europe, from Norway to Portugal. Of course, there was little time for sightseeing, but at least we were there.“ He won‘t be missing the countless kilometers he covered on the highways, though. „The A42 and the A40 – no, I won‘t be needing them anymore!” I‘m going to switch to my bike now.“

His plans for the future? „I‘m taking it easy. I got myself an old desk to restore, I want to continue exploring the Ruhr region and, of course, spend time with my five grandchildren.“ With a twinkle in his eye, he mentions his wish for ABP: „I would be delighted to see the Dortmund site celebrate its 150th anniversary. That‘s really important to me!“