Opportunities for doers

Unlike in big corporations, where anonymity often reigns and change can be slow, HOERBIGER strikes the perfect balance. It’s big enough to offer a wide range of exciting opportunities across a diverse corporate landscape, yet small enough that every individual can truly make a difference.

At HOERBIGER, we do things differently. With a broad international presence and a diverse range of business models, the company offers the best of both worlds: the resources of a global player combined with the agility of smaller, powerful teams. “6,000 employees may sound like a large number, but when you break it down across our locations, it’s clear that we operate with tight-knit teams focused on key challenges,” says Aladin Huwyler, Head of People & Culture. “Here, no one is just a number – everyone makes a real impact.” For Thorsten Kahlert, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, HOERBIGER’s unique approach was evident from day one. “When I started my first project here, I expected to dive straight into work like at any other company. Instead, I was told, ‘First, you need to understand HOERBIGER and its people.’ Just 48 hours later, I was on a plane traveling the world, experiencing a spirit I had never encountered before in any company.”

Innovation as our DNA
HOERBIGER is a market leader in its core sectors – a success driven by product quality and relentless innovation. But the industries in which we operate are facing massive changes. From transforming traditional markets to pioneering sustainable technologies like hydrogen and battery solutions, the challenges are big, and so are the opportunities. To play an active role in this transformation, we are looking for individuals ready to embrace responsibility and take on challenges, even when the road ahead isn’t always easy. “We’re on an exciting journey,” says Iris Schierhuber, Head of People & Culture in the Compression Division. “Our innovations are driving technological change, and we need people who are passionate about this transformation.”

Stability meets performance
What sets HOERBIGER apart as an employer is its unique ownership structure. With the HOERBIGER Foundation holding the majority of shares, the company enjoys a rare combination of stability and long-term vision – free from the pressures of external investors and market volatility. But while we’re not subject to the usual market forces, we’re still driven by entrepreneurial spirit. Unlike listed companies constantly reacting to external pressures, we set our own ambitious goals and push ourselves to evolve. All of our investments in research, development, and production come from our own resources – this is only possible with above-average profitability and the unwavering commitment of our employees.

International reach, local feel
With 133 locations in 43 countries, HOERBIGER has an impressive international footprint. Yet despite our global presence, we’ve managed to stay deeply connected to our local markets, creating a unique blend of worldwide reach and regional commitment. This allows our employees to build both local and global networks, collaborate across cultures, and grow professionally across borders. And even though we’re a global company, we have preserved a strong, family-like atmosphere. “When you walk into any HOERBIGER location for the first time, whether in Asia, Europe, or the Americas, you immediately feel at home,” says Aladin Huwyler. “The dedication to our customers and the team spirit is what unites us around the world.” This sense of belonging is reflected in the long tenure of our employees. The average tenure of managers is around 15 years, with many leaders advancing through the ranks across multiple international assignments. It’s clear that HOERBIGER offers long-term career prospects.

Recruiting talent: a key challenge
As a fast-growing company, HOERBIGER faces the challenge of recruiting top talent in an increasingly competitive market. We don’t have the brand recognition of the global giants, so attracting the right people takes more than just our name. “Talent acquisition is one of our top priorities,” says Aladin Huwyler. “We treat candidates the way we treat our business – personally, flexibly, and decisively. Our candidates are often impressed by how quickly we move. In the future, we want to ensure no more than two weeks pass between application and contract offer. This approach sets us apart.”

Empowering responsibility and growth
At HOERBIGER, people stay not just because of our structures, but because of the opportunities to make a real difference. Here, independent teams have the freedom to take on responsibility, and with that comes ample room for personal and professional development. Whether through challenging projects, international assignments, or development programs, we support our employees in growing and specializing. “We need doers – people who are ready to take responsibility and contribute,” says Aladin Huwyler. “If you have an idea, you’ll always find a supportive environment to make it happen. At HOERBIGER, stagnation is never an option.”

In the following, you will meet four HOERBIGER employees who share their personal experiences, challenges, and successes at the company. Their stories give a unique insight into the diverse opportunities within HOERBIGER and how each individual contributes to our collective success. Be inspired by their journeys and discover why, for many, HOERBIGER is more than just an employer – it’s a place to grow, thrive, and make an impact.

My career at HOERBIGER started in 2001, right after graduation, as a production assistant. At that time, HOERBIGER in Shanghai was a small company with less than 70 employees. As our business in China grew, so did my responsibilities. In 2006, I became a team leader in Purchasing; in 2014, I became Purchasing and Logistics Manager, and since 2021, I have led Supply Chain Management and Strategic Purchasing for Compression and Safety. One particularly challenging experience was the “bubble production” during the COVID lockdown: 81 colleagues stayed day and night at the plant, slept on air mattresses, and worked tirelessly. This experience – the determination to be there for our customers despite all difficulties – defines HOERBIGER for me. Recently, some colleagues asked me why I love working at HOERBIGER so much. Words like respect, fair treatment, and family atmosphere came to mind. But most importantly, there is the opportunity for personal development and growth. Even after 20 years at HOERBIGER, I never feel boring – there are new challenges every day. I started my career here, and I think I will also end it here.

Vicky Lin

Before joining HOERBIGER, I was a Sales Manager at a Czech butterfly valve manufacturer, working also on supply chain management topics. Wanting to focus more on this field, I applied for the Senior Buyer position in HOERBIGER’s Engine Business Unit. HOERBIGER has an excellent reputation in the industry and offers innovative projects, such as hydrogen-powered engines that not only reduce emissions but also help conserve conventional fuels–a topic of great significance to me. The first thing I noticed when I joined was the strong workplace culture: it is challenging, dynamic, inspiring and at the same time promotes personal growth. As a buyer, I look for the best partners who can help streamline our supply chain and support HOERBIGER’s sustainability goals. Our team is quite flexible and can quickly adapt to changes, backed by the well-defined processes of the Group. HOERBIGER’s culture shows in its openness to explore new paths and promote innovative ideas–an aspect that inspires me daily. After all, hydrogen technology is a relatively new field, and we are constantly breaking new ground.

Dickson Kunjaparambil

For me, HOERBIGER means an environment that fosters growth and innovation every day. My journey began in 2014 at Deublin Brazil, right after I graduated in Mechanical Engineering, and led me through various roles to become a Key Account Manager for Wind Energy. The Deublin acquisition by HOERBIGER in 2019 came with new opportunities and growth expectations – and that’s exactly what I experienced. In 2023, I took the leap and moved to the U.S. for a global role as Global Market Manager for Oil & Gas and Steel. It was a big step leaving my family and friends in Brazil, but the support from all of the team and the warm welcome in Waukegan gave me a lot of confidence. I value the similar cultures of Deublin and HOERBIGER, both of which are very people-oriented. I am especially impressed by the sense of unity within #TeamHoerbiger: working together feels like being with old friends.

Tatiane Rossi Merlo

In 1973, I began my apprenticeship as a toolmaker at HOERBIGER. My training years were especially formative–back then, it was still in a simple workshop with old machines. A special moment was the visit of Martina Hörbiger, who regularly stopped by the plants. I still remember how she stood out as an elegant lady in the workshop and how important direct contact with employees was to her. Over the course of my career, I had the chance to take on many exciting positions, from valve assembly and building the pneumatic business to maintaining hot-pressing tools in the blocker ring production – my last role, which was a dream job for me. Here, I could take on responsibility, make decisions, and manage my work independently. Fifty years at HOERBIGER was an exciting journey that never became boring. The work always brought me joy because it was varied and  consistently challenging. Now, I look forward to retirement, spending time with my family, and pursuing my hobby – horseback riding.

Martin Hartmann