Bonding - More than materials | Herrmann Ultraschall

faction. The latter changes, of course, because the requirements change, ‘Internet of Things’ and ‘Industry 4.0’ to just name a few things. If we manage all of that, we will preserve a lot of jobs.” THE 3RD GENERATION That is one of the reasons why Walter Herrmann has founded a family foun- dation that is to preserve Herrmann Ultraschall. “All of my parents’ descen- dants have a sort of shareholder right and a certain financial benefit from the company. First and foremost, however, sufficient money must always remain in the company; that is clearly regulated,” says Thomas Herrmann. There are successors, at least in theory. “My sister has a son; I have a son and a daughter. However, all three have opted for an apprenticeship or a degree in a subject other than ultrasonics. We did not press them to do anything, because we want the children to be happy,” adds Walter Herrmann. The “next generation” is still to come; outcome uncertain … He knows what is happening – Walter Herrmann still has an eye on things. ence – through a good conversation at the workplace, a joint undertaking, and sometimes simply just by listening.” Doing good is very important to the Herrmann family. “When I was a kid, we had nothing. We lived in rented ac- commodation; I shared my room with my sister – now I would like to give something back. In my opinion, people who have a certain wealth should always do something good, because the world is often unjust,” continues Thomas Herrmann. Due to his engagement and his style of life, he feels that he “makes the dif- ference,” that he can make something happen. “It is perhaps just a small con- tribution, like in the story of the starfish: Thousands of starfish lie on the beach and a single man throws one after the other back into the water before they dry out. A man comes past and asks him what he is doing, saying that it was crazy because there were so many starfish lying there and he could not save them all. ‘It makes no difference.’ ‘Yes it does,’ says the other, ‘it does for this one here’ – and he throws it into the water.” WE ARE ONLY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE TECHNICAL POSSIBILITIES Even after 60 years in the business, neither of the two Herrmanns is resting on what they have already achieved. “Where will Herrmann Ultraschall be in the next 50 years ... that’s a good question,” says Walter Herrmann with a laugh. “What I do know for sure is that we are still at the very beginning with ultrasonic technology. There is certainly still a long road ahead of us.” And where does this road lead? Growth, in order to secure the company’s future. “Otherwise, there is no defined revenue target. We want to expand our market leadership further by increasing customer satis- In my early 20s, I already thought about what my purpose in life is. It’s then a matter of aligning your priorities in life accordingly,” explains the CEO of Herrmann Ultraschall. “For me, my first priority is my wife, then come the kids,” he says, laughing. “And to be able to follow my passion. That applies not just to the company, but also to life outside of Herrmann Ultraschall. I do voluntary work; my wife Astrid is also active. My focus was always on whether I can leave a mark on the world and not whether I would some- day lead an international corporation. I want to come into contact with people and see that I have made a real differ- “DESCRIBE YOUR FATHER IN 3 WORDS: GENEROUS, STRONG-WILLED, PASSIONATE.” “YOUR SON IN 3 WORDS: DETERMINED, ALPHA DOG, SOFT HEART, AND INTELLIGENT.” A certain awe of nature and enjoying the forest as a retreat for finding new ideas are part of the common denominator of the two company owners. 92