strawa summer party 2022

On Friday evening, September 2, 2022, the local volunteer fire department drove to “strawa Wärmetechnik GmbH” at Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße 4 in Schwabhausen. But there was no fire. The volunteer firefighters led by local fire chief Andreas Keil brought a boat with them, which they were able to buy thanks to a 5,000 euro donation from strawa. There are many gravel pits near Schwabhausen. The metal boat replaces an inflatable boat. This means that the firefighters are ready for action more quickly when it comes to rescuing people on the water, for example in winter after an ice collapse or in summer in the event of swimming accidents. The volunteer firefighters had also brought along a very new rescue and firefighting vehicle and were happy to explain the equipment. Clearly visible at the rear are the rotary valves on the connections for extinguishing water, which were also easily donated to the Schwabhausen volunteer fire department. Local fire chief Andreas Keil is also pleased about this, as it means that nobody has to think about the order in which the valves are connected.

The reason for the visit was the annual summer party of the company, which is based in Schwabhausen and Bad Überkingen in Baden-Württemberg. The summer party had only been canceled once due to the pandemic regulations. The Swabians came to Schwabhausen with the reunification, says Managing Director Ralf Midasch in his short speech. He hints that the company wants to expand further. Even though there were declines in turnover in the first two quarters of 2022, like almost everywhere else, the company is optimistic about the future. The company has also created a cushion, Ralf Midasch continues. In view of the increased prices for every type of energy that can be used for heating, it stands to reason that the surface heating distributors will be in greater demand than ever before. In consultation with the local authority, the construction of a further hall is being considered. He thanked them for their support with this and with the connection to the fast fiber optic network. Schwabhausen Mayor Christoph Schröter (non-party) expressed his thanks for the donation.

The party continues with music from TMR-Radio Waltershausen, drinks and food. The team from Deysingslust in Bad Tabarz served cocktails and refreshing drinks. Members of the BBQ Brothers grilled a tasty snack. Each employee receives a deckchair with the short name of an important product on it, the “ego”, a control drive for intelligent surface heating distributors.

strawa is a sales company and has grown up with distribution technology. The portfolio has long since expanded. It comprises ten product groups, from connection manifolds and control components to fresh water stations. It also includes hot water distributors that remember the habits of the users and provide heat when it is usually needed. Automatic hydronic balancing for panel heating systems is subsidized by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA), emphasizes Daniel Blasel from the management. The products are delivered and completed in the company.

For fresh water, fresh water stations (so-called hybrid stations) are used instead of large hot water storage tanks, as this avoids energy losses and is more hygienic. Surface heating systems are recommended because they can cope with low flow temperatures. The control cabinets can also be integrated into existing systems, where they increase efficiency. Their use pays for itself quickly. Smaller pumps can also be used thanks to the heat distribution being more precisely adapted to demand. This also saves money. Efficient heating without loss of comfort is becoming increasingly important in view of current developments. Hydraulic balancing can also be used in a surface cooling system.

strawa needs new employees for its expansion. As the wholesale business sells products under its own brands, the company is not very well known as an employer. Customer contact is often limited to planners and installers, even though there is an extensive support program for them, from online seminars to commissioning on construction sites. Six different qualifications are advertised, from commercial to production. Apprenticeships are also included. However, this requirement should not be seen too doggedly. “Anyone who can do something is in demand with us,” says the management.

strawa Wärmetechnik GmbH has over 60 employees, not including the sales force. The products are sold throughout the entire German-speaking region of Europe. This is one of the reasons why we are also looking for internal sales staff.

(Text & pictures: Peter Riecke)