Like father, like son
Liebherr connect generations. The moving story of the father-son duo Jörg and Maik Neumann impressively shows how deeply rooted shared values, mutual trust and cohesion are at Liebherr - and how these factors characterise our cooperation.
269. Jörg Neumann's personnel number already gives you an idea that he must have been an employee from the very beginning. He has been working for Liebherr at the Rostock site since 2006, initially as a welder and later as an experienced trainer in production.
He has successfully trained many colleagues, most of whom still work for Liebherr today, at the company's own Liebherr Academy and taught them his trade. ‘Becoming a trainer at such a globally recognised company was a dream come true for me. I have never enjoyed coming to work so much and am proud of what we have built up and achieved here together over the last few years.’
Since Jörg Neumann started at Liebherr, a lot has indeed happened in Rostock's overseas harbour. Today, over 1,800 employees work for the crane manufacturer, including Jörg's son. Maik Neumann studied mechanical engineering and wrote his bachelor's thesis in 2016, followed by his master's thesis at Liebherr in 2018. Since then, he has been a permanent employee and is now responsible for continuous improvement processes (CIP) in production.
‘My father played a major role in my choice of employer. Even before I went to university, he raved about the special team spirit and the togetherness here.’ Maik is currently working on a qualification programme for specialists and managers to establish and promote the topic of lean management at the Rostock site. Even the Liebherr trainees are to be made aware of the topic of process optimisation at an early stage.
My father played a major role in my choice of employer. Even before I started my studies, he raved about the special team spirit and the togetherness here.
Once you have yellow Liebherr blood in you, the company will never let you go.
Jörg Neumann's time at Liebherr Rostock came to an end after almost 20 years. His son Maik Neumann still wants to make a difference and help shape the crane manufacturer.
Even though the two have few points of contact in their day-to-day work, they try to see each other regularly. Even if it's just to say a quick goodbye after work. During factory tours with guests, however, Maik always takes the time to greet and hug his father and introduce him to the visitors. ‘I always take this opportunity to mention that Liebherr is a family business and that the most important man in my opinion works here’, he smiles at the recurring ritual. When the two of them talk about and with each other, it quickly becomes clear that they are very close. When Maik was eight years old and his parents separated, Jörg gave up his job as a fitter to be there for his son. Today, they enjoy spending time with their family, children and grandchildren.
Jörg Neumann's professional career at Liebherr came to an end in October 2024, when he took his well-deserved retirement after 18 years. ‘What I will miss most is the team spirit and the many personal relationships that have grown here over the past few years. But I am sure that these will continue. Once you have yellow Liebherr blood in you, you will never let go of the company.’ One or two tears were shed on his last day. ‘We're both built close to the water anyway’, adds Maik. Just like the Liebherr maritime cranes on the quayside.
