People behind REHAU: Like father, like son

People behind REHAU:
Like father, like son

23.09.2022

REHAU is a family company – Hans-Martin Bachmann and his son Lukas Martin Bachmann are a living example of REHAU values and traditions. They are both plant managers, Hans-Martin in plant FE Werk 2 Feuchtwangen, Lukas first in Rehau and now in plant Werk Visbek. In this interview, they talk about what it means to be not only father and son but also colleagues – and what it is like to grow up with REHAU.

Hans-Martin, you have been working at REHAU for almost 33 years, you have worked in South Africa, Rehau, Visbek and Feuchtwangen. What does REHAU mean to you?

Hans-Martin: When I started at REHAU, within the company the workers and salaried employees were not referred to as employees, but as REHAU members (Editor's note: Hans-Martin uses the German word "Angehörige"). A member is more than an employee, almost a family member who makes his or her best possible contribution to the family, but is also supported by the family in all situations. REHAU has grown and changed enormously since then, but I still consider myself a member of the REHAU family.

Lukas, REHAU has always played a role in your life. What are your first memories of the company?

Lukas: My first memories of REHAU come from our time in South Africa. I was five years old and remember visiting the plant. I was particularly excited by the machines and products. I was all the more pleased when I was allowed to fly to Fort Jackson for two weeks in 2014 for a working group and to see the plant again after almost 20 years – this time as a REHAU employee. Basically, I always associate REHAU with the opportunity to grow and change personally and locally. I experienced this with my father as a child, and I experience it similarly with myself today.

Why has your father become a role model for you – also professionally?

Hans-Martin Bachmann

Lukas: That's difficult to answer because it would go beyond the scope of this article. Basically, I admire my father and he is a role model for me in many areas. Even outside of REHAU. However, the desire to become a plant manager comes only partly from his role model function. REHAU and the job are simply fun – regardless of what my father does.

Hans-Martin, what advice did you give your son for school, university and career?

Hans-Martin: Not much. Lukas knew what he wanted even as a teenager. For example, he wanted to get his hunting license when he was 16, because my father was also a hunter. I didn't support that because I thought it was nonsense. So he simply took his hunting license after graduating from high school at 19. I also didn't influence his decision to start his professional career at REHAU. That was his own wish.

Your son has been plant manager himself since 2020. You can feel how proud that makes you. Is there anything you could learn from your son?

Hans-Martin: In some respects, Lukas is more straightforward than I am. I think that's good and would like to be more so in the future, depending on the situation.

Lukas Martin Bachmann

Do you regularly exchange ideas about your job? And do you always agree on how a plant should be run?

Lukas: Of course we exchange ideas, but more as needed and irregularly. I try to benefit from the experience of a plant manager of many years, although I don't do everything the way my father does. We don't talk about leadership as much; it's more about factual issues or support between the plants. Everyone handles leadership differently; a lot happens intuitively.
Hans-Martin: Yes, that's how it is. Technical exchange, yes, but otherwise: Lukas does it his way. When it comes to leadership, Lukas has received exemplary and intensive training at REHAU; I try to make up for that with 25 years more experience.

Your job involves a lot of responsibility. How do you both manage to switch off – and what role does your family play in this?

Lukas: I enjoy spending time with my wife, my two small children and my dog on the weekends. I can also really switch off when I pursue my favorite hobby – hunting. Alone on a raised hide, the peace and quiet of the forest and nature around me, and letting my mind wander – this is where I can switch off.
Hans-Martin: Our two children (Lukas and his sister) have been out of the house for a long time now. Nevertheless, the family and of course my wife are still the center of my private life. Cooking, gardening, cycling and especially tennis take my mind off things.

Lukas, if you look into the future: What would you say if your son decided at some point that he too would like to become a plant manager at REHAU?

Lukas: I would not interfere in his decision. However, this has nothing to do with REHAU, but with the fact that my son should ultimately do what he enjoys professionally. In this respect, it would also not play any role how REHAU is positioned. Nevertheless, I would like REHAU to maintain its values such as reliability and trust in 30 years' time and to continue to operate in the long term as we do today. Then I could recommend employment at REHAU to anyone – and that would include my children – with a clear conscience.

Thank you very much for the interview, both of you!

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You'll find insights into new technologies, further development of know-how and interviews with employees worldwide here.