In the "war for talent", Ingolstadt-based automotive technology developer BFFT is a firm believer in comprehensive employee orientation, which is a great success with its staff. The latest FOCUS study ranked BFFT Germany's No. 1 most popular medium-sized employer in the automotive industry. The modern headquarters building in Gaimersheim near Ingolstadt represents a major and highly visible milestone on the way to achieving this top ranking. "We believe that contented employees are the key to customer satisfaction," says BFFT CEO Markus Fichtner, "so we aim to provide a working environment in which they can work together as a team in the best possible way and feel comfortable". The architecture of the company headquarters reflects this approach.
The new building, which was opened in 2012, is located in Gaimersheim's modern industrial estate, just a stone's throw from the headquarters of AUDI AG, one of BFFT's most important customers. The facilities include approximately 10,000 square metres of space for both productive departments (such as vehicle technology, hardware/software development, test station construction) and ancillary departments (such as administration, human resources, marketing). "Floor to ceiling glazing supplies natural light to the working environment of all our office and workshop areas," says Fichtner. "As an additional comfort factor for our employees, we also set up a fitness studio, a yoga room and a modern cafeteria on the fourth floor." The architecture and sustainable, energy-efficient air-conditioning system both focus on optimal workflows and processes.
The design of the façade is a visual highlight. The fully-glazed construction creates airy, light-filled offices and workshops which provide a comfortable daylight working environment. The entire façade is fitted with rotating sunshades which automatically follow the movement of the sun. This innovative form of cladding serves both as a shading system and as a figurehead for the company. "Team spirit, openness, fairness and fun at work are all crucial elements expressed in the architecture of our headquarters," says CEO Markus Fichtner of the concept. It opens up new possibilities for creative thought and ideas, and underlines BFFT's aspirations with regard to quality and "doing things differently". "This is absolutely essential," Fichtner continues, "for an innovative technology company which wants to continue developing sustainably with top employees on dynamic markets".
The new building, which was opened in 2012, is located in Gaimersheim's modern industrial estate, just a stone's throw from the headquarters of AUDI AG, one of BFFT's most important customers. The facilities include approximately 10,000 square metres of space for both productive departments (such as vehicle technology, hardware/software development, test station construction) and ancillary departments (such as administration, human resources, marketing). "Floor to ceiling glazing supplies natural light to the working environment of all our office and workshop areas," says Fichtner. "As an additional comfort factor for our employees, we also set up a fitness studio, a yoga room and a modern cafeteria on the fourth floor." The architecture and sustainable, energy-efficient air-conditioning system both focus on optimal workflows and processes.
The design of the façade is a visual highlight. The fully-glazed construction creates airy, light-filled offices and workshops which provide a comfortable daylight working environment. The entire façade is fitted with rotating sunshades which automatically follow the movement of the sun. This innovative form of cladding serves both as a shading system and as a figurehead for the company. "Team spirit, openness, fairness and fun at work are all crucial elements expressed in the architecture of our headquarters," says CEO Markus Fichtner of the concept. It opens up new possibilities for creative thought and ideas, and underlines BFFT's aspirations with regard to quality and "doing things differently". "This is absolutely essential," Fichtner continues, "for an innovative technology company which wants to continue developing sustainably with top employees on dynamic markets".
