Development as motivation

However, Michael's professional career at Liebherr did not begin in Rostock. After graduating from high school, he first studied mechanical engineering at TU Dresden. He came into contact with Liebherr France through a research project and was given the opportunity to work as a graduate student at the Colmar site from mid-2010. The language initially proved to be a hurdle. ‘I really wasn't a language talent at school. But because I was interested in the subject area and invested a lot of time in learning French specialist terminology, after six months I was able to communicate well in the local language, give presentations, and take part in discussions.’

Michael worked at Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. in Virginia for 8 ½ years, first as a calculation engineer, then as a product engineer. His wife later joined the company in purchasing, eventually becoming a team leader. His private life was also characterized by wonderful events. Their children, now aged 10 and 7, were born in the USA and still have dual citizenship today. The children were also the reason for returning to Germany. ‘We wanted to give the children regular contact with grandma and grandpa. However, as we both wanted to stay with Liebherr, we looked to see which plant was closest to our home. And that was Rostock’, says the Neuzell native. The move took place in December 2019, and both started in their new positions in January 2020. He as a development engineer, she in quality assurance. Michael quickly settled into his new job, not least because of the friendly welcome he received from the team. ‘I felt welcome right from the start. Contributing ideas and the desire for personal development are valued and rewarded here. I can also make a contribution to greater sustainability by developing all-electric drive systems. This gives my work a deeper meaning.’

In his work, Michael regularly draws on his international Liebherr network. ‘For me, it's enriching to get different perspectives on technical issues from colleagues at their locations. This broadens your own horizons and encourages you to be open to individual approaches.’

Michael is proud to be part of Liebherr. ‘I have a great job with a lot of creative freedom at a global employer that makes strategically sustainable decisions with foresight and offers me a secure job with top framework conditions. And the benefits are unbeatable, of course’, he laughs.

In his free time, Michael relaxes by riding his motorcycle and also likes to pick up the tools himself to balance out his job. ‘Before moving to Germany, I unfortunately had to give up my classic cars, which I was passionate about restoring. Today, I take care of the maintenance and care of the family vehicles.’ He also carries out repairs to the children's motorcycles himself. ‘They also have an electric drive, of course’, he says with a wink.