“Our 160-year history shows what can be achieved through the power of innovation and a belief in your own abilities” – Dr Sebastian C. Schulte, DEUTZ CEO.
It is 160 years since DEUTZ was founded by entrepreneur and inventor, Nicolaus August Otto, and engineer and industrialist, Eugen Langen. Their invention of the atmospheric gas-powered engine launched many industries, and DEUTZ continues to power and drive vehicles and machinery in key industries such as construction, roads, mining and agriculture.
To mark how far the business has come, a series of special anniversary events including the DEUTZ Employee Festival, was held in DEUTZ’s homeland in Germany. Guests attended from DEUTZ’s global community, the broader business world and the political arena, including 12 employees from DEUTZ Australia.
Around 3,500 people showed their support for the company and took part in a series of events. For DEUTZ Australia staff, it was a valuable opportunity to meet their overseas colleagues face-to-face — a refreshing change from the usual virtual interactions!
DEUTZ Australia Managing Director Craig Chamberlin and Business Development Managers, Ross Harman, Shane Moretto, Dylan McCabe and Ben Jenkinson, as well as Technical Product Support/Trainer James Heys attended the Global Partner Summit and workshop as well as the anniversary celebrations.
Engine Sales Administrator, Brenda Alberts, met her international colleagues in the Service Solutions department who shared advice on how to troubleshoot any processing issues. Ross attended a Moving Strategy meeting and Technical Product Support team member, James Heys, attended a series of training sessions to learn more about new products that will be joining the DEUTZ family.
DEUTZ Australia Finance and General Manager, Elaine Chan, met with the Compliance and Treasury Team and attended an HR Global workshop. Sung Ho, Sales Supervisor in the Engine Sales Admin Team, along with Wasantha Perera, engineering expert from the DEUTZ Power Solutions team, and Elizabeth Balint, a trusted After-Sales Administrator with over 35 years of service, also attended events in Cologne.
For Elaine, it was her first trip to the DEUTZ headquarters in Germany.
“My impression of DEUTZ is one of a deeply innovative and forward-thinking organisation that is rooted in a proud history. The people I met have shown incredible passion for their work and have a clear focus on quality and sustainability, which is inspiring,” she says.
“The biggest highlight of the trip for me was the factory tours and being able to see DEUTZ’s technological advancements firsthand. Additionally, meeting colleagues from around the world and understanding how each team contributes to the larger global vision was a memorable experience. Being part of this milestone celebration has made me feel more connected to DEUTZ’s legacy and future.”
It was also Sung Ho’s first trip to Cologne and he was impressed by DEUTZ’s professional, orderly and systematic operations.
“Before going on the trip, I didn’t really appreciate that we were part of such a global operation,” he says.
“A highlight was the factory tour and seeing how our engines are produced. It was great to see some of the manufacturing processes, such as the use of robots for stock picking and engine spray painting.”
Ben Jenkinson has been to DEUTZ’s Head Office previously and says the facility is ‘amazing’ with ‘very proud employees.’ He enjoyed exploring the DEUTZ Museum.
Ross Harman was on his first trip to Cologne and says his initial impression of the business included how large it was and the friendliness and professionalism of the employees.
“I enjoyed visiting the factory and the DEUTZ Museum. I enjoy history and seeing how our industry evolved was fascinating. It makes me feel very positive about being part of one of the world’s major engine companies,” he says.