Date of Publication: August 31, 2022
Source: Siegener Zeitung
In today’s fast-paced world, where job-hopping has become the norm, staying with the same company for 50 years is nothing short of legendary. Yet Hartwig Scheld from ZENITH has written a moving career story of dedication that spans half a century.
On August 1, 2022, this 64-year-old veteran celebrated his golden work anniversary. Colleagues and old friends from near and far gathered at the company’s base in Neunkirchen to commemorate his professional journey. For Scheld, ZENITH — a company specializing in the manufacturing of concrete block machines — has not only been his workplace, but an integral part of his life.
In 1972, just 14 years old, Scheld left his hometown of Niederdresselndorf and began his apprenticeship at ZENITH. At that time, young apprentices were common. Werner Weiherer, the then head of training, recalls, “Young trainees learn more easily and are more willing to commit.” Over his 37-year teaching career, he trained around 350 young people.
Looking back on his apprenticeship, Scheld reflects emotionally: “That period had a profound impact on me — I didn’t just learn skills, but life lessons too. Professionalism and character were developed hand-in-hand.” He emphasizes that many of his career insights and life values were rooted in those early years.
Over the past 50 years, Scheld has witnessed the ups and downs of ZENITH — from overflowing orders to scarce demand, from stable operations to the bankruptcy crisis of 2004. Yet, the family man from Daaden never wavered. “I never thought about switching jobs. ZENITH is where I belong,” he says.
ZENITH, one of only seven companies in Germany focused on large concrete block production machinery, was the perfect match for Scheld, who had a passion for fluid technology. After mastering his craft, he specialized in hydraulics, later becoming team leader and workshop supervisor. In 2004, thanks to his extensive customer experience and deep understanding of the equipment, he was appointed Head of Global Customer Service, leading a team of eight field engineers.
One of the highlights of his career was a business trip to Quanzhou, China a few years ago, after ZENITH had been acquired by Chinese company QGM (Quangong Machinery). During the visit, QGM showcased its modern operations to the German team. Scheld proudly recalls, “Even after restructuring, our equipment is still 100% made in Germany.” Naturally, to improve efficiency, some components were outsourced to external suppliers.
The bankruptcy in 2004 was undoubtedly the toughest time in Scheld’s career — layoffs, pay cuts, and anxiety were common. “If the company had been taken over by a hostile buyer, that would have been disastrous for me,” he remembers. Fortunately, with QGM’s support, the company was revitalized. Today, ZENITH’s Neunkirchen plant employs over 80 people — a strong rebound from the lowest point of just 42 employees.
Scheld remains passionate about his work, but his retirement is approaching. He is expected to step down in 14 months. A successor has already been selected, and the company plans to restart its apprenticeship program next year, offering new opportunities for the next generation.
Perhaps, one day, a young person will dedicate their life to ZENITH just as Hartwig Scheld did. And he is not alone. His colleague Hubert Motschnig celebrated his own 50-year anniversary at ZENITH last year, while another long-serving employee with 46 years of service is also nearing a well-deserved recognition.
