50 years of 'Enthusiasm meets technology.' With this motto, SIMON PROtec celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday, 20 February. In 1976, Peter Simon and Heinz Stöhr, both from Passau, founded FERMO GmbH in Pullach near Munich, which is now known as SIMON PROtec. To celebrate this occasion properly, numerous guests of honour, partners, customers, suppliers, friends and companions of the long-established company gathered in Passau to offer their congratulations to the anniversary celebrant.
Suitable for the occasion, the celebrations were extended to an entire anniversary day, which began with an open day at the company headquarters in Passau. Numerous relatives of our employees, regional and national partners, customers and suppliers found their way to the snow-covered Medienstraße and gained an insight into our day-to-day business activities. Visitors were able to experience at first hand what it means to work at SIMON PROtec and, at the same time, learn about an important ingredient in the recipe for success of a 50-year company history: employees who are passionate and dedicated, determined and enjoying their work, putting the former company slogan 'Enthusiasm meets technology' into practice every day.
Among the visitors was District Administrator Raimund Kneidinger, who expressed his gratitude on behalf of the District of Passau. In his speech, he emphasised the importance of preventive fire protection and contrasted it with the often neglectful treatment of this topic by authorities and installers.
The celebrations continued in the evening. Fifty years of company history has led to numerous acquaintances and friendships, as well as countless stories and anecdotes, which were celebrated and shared during the gala evening at the Passauer Redoute in a festive setting. Over 110 guests from seven different countries were invited to the elegantly decorated ballroom.
Long-standing employee Stefan Kreis hosted the official part of the evening and announced the welcoming speeches by the guests of honour, with Martin Weber opening the festivities. In his speech, the CEO first looked back on 50 years of company history, which he himself had been involved in shaping for over 35 years. He listed five key points that he believes are necessary ingredients for building a company with sustainable success. In addition to the necessary amount of luck, a good deal of hard work, the right amount of ambition and a healthy willingness to take risks, he emphasised that the people in a company are the most important factor for success.
Without a team of people who, like me, believe in our success and are fully committed to achieving it, we would not be where we are today.
Martin Weber, CEO of SIMON PROtec
Afterwards, the city and District of Passau, represented by Mayor Andreas Rother and Deputy District Administrator Klaus Jeggle, delivered their welcoming speeches to the guests. Both speakers emphasised the importance of medium-sized companies as drivers of innovation and major employers in the region. In addition, SIMON PROtec has contributed significantly to the safety of people and property far beyond the city and district boundaries for decades with its work in preventive fire protection.
IHK President Thomas Leebmann bestowed a special honour upon the company by handing over a certificate of honour from the IHK. He described SIMON PROtec as a prime example of what makes Passau such a strong business location: 'Owner-managed family businesses that manage to stay ahead and move successfully into the future, even in difficult economic times,' said Leebmann.
The welcoming speeches were followed by an exquisite four-course meal, accompanied by musician Christiane Öttl on the piano.
The official part of the evening was concluded by managing director and company successor Leon Weber, who amused the guests with an anecdote from his childhood when he described his father's work at the nursery as follows. 'My father works in the company, he takes away cardboard boxes in the company car,' says Weber with a smile, who has, of course, fundamentally changed his idea of entrepreneurship over the years. Contrary to the trend among young people in Germany to prefer becoming civil servants, he also expressed his gratitude for being able to take over such a company.
Before enjoying dessert, it was time for more music. The company's own band, SIMON and the actuators, which had been formed especially for the occasion, performed several songs they had composed themselves – catchy tunes guaranteed!
After the performance and the dessert, the guests mobilised their last energy reserves and stormed the dance floor, as the enthusiastic DJ got the party crowd fired up with danceable and celebratory classics from the last five decades. For some, the evening continued well after midnight.
We owe a special thanks to everyone who contributed to making this evening a memorable celebration of our anniversary, and of course to all our guests, who in some cases travelled long distances to celebrate with us.
On to the next 50 years of SIMON PROtec!
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