Hirschmann Electronics Holds Inauguration <br>for Newly Renovated Headquarters

Company executives and community leaders cut the ribbon to inaugurate Hirschmann's newly renovated headquarters in Chambersburg, Pa.

July 12, 2005 — As Lift and Access 360 reported in March, Hirschmann Electronics (PAT) has undergone a number of changes in the past year, giving the company reason to celebrate its achievements and newly renovated company headquarters in Chambersburg, Pa.

On July 7, Hirschmann invited business colleagues, customers, and several community members, including Cecilia Parker, a representative from U.S. Congressman Bill Shuster's office; Rob Kauffman, the Pennsylvania State Representative for the 89th district; and Paul Luka, chairman of the Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, to attend the building inauguration and open house event.

One reason for the company's celebration was the launch of Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH (HAC), which integrates the Automation and Network Solutions (ANS) and the Electronic Control Systems (ECS) divisions and now operates as a subsidiary of the Hirschmann Group, Neckartenzlingen, Germany. The HAC product range extends from network components for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet through fiber interfaces for different field bus systems up to electrical actuator and sensor connectors, as well as the systems for load indication and load moment limitation and controls marketed under the PAT, Hirschmann, and KRÜGER brand names.

According to Reinhard Sitzmann, chairman of the board of Hirschmann Electronics and Hirschmann Automation and Control, this change enables the Hirschmann Group to better concentrate on the specific requirements and demands of industrial customers. “This clear focus and the flat hierarchies allow fast decisions and more flexibility,” he said.

After fusing these divisions together, the company also consolidated the Germantown, Md., and Chambersburg facilities and brought all operations to Chambersburg. From there, the building was remodeled to make room for all its team members. “This is not a remodeled version of PAT ECS — what you do see is the new headquarters of Hirschmann Automation and Control,” said Mark Hendel, president and chief executive officer of HAC, at last week's open house. “We're developing an atmosphere to promote a common vision and provide outstanding product services and support.”

Laurie Burns, the Hirschmann Group's vice president of sales, said the company plans to increase its business in the next five years, and the two areas they intend for it to take place is in Asia and the United States. “For us to do this, we need more good people,” Burns said. “Our good people are such an asset; we have to celebrate and recognize them.” A number of employees at the open house received years of service awards, including Brian Corwell and Chris Herster, who received 10-year service awards, and Eric Mowan, Jerry Socks, John Rudy, and Gary Peck, who received 15-year service awards.

Hirschmann also was recognized at the open house by the Chambersburg Community Development office for extending its building lease another five years. According to Luka of the Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, Hirschmann (then PAT America) was one of the first tenants in Chambersburg Industrial Park. “This company has grown, expanded, remodeled, and the ribbon cutting today is just another step in the process,” he said.

The Hirschmann Group has production sites in Germany and Hungary and subsidiaries in Europe, the United States, and Asia. In 2004, the Hirschmann Group achieved a turnover of just under €300 million ($365.9 million USD). The company has 1,800 employees worldwide.