Please note: this text is a translation of the orginal press release. Please refer to the original file in German at the end of the page.
A dynamic work environment and personal insights behind the scenes: Under this theme, tooling systems specialist BENZ Tooling opened its doors on July 4 for a large family celebration at the new ONEnewBENZ campus in Kinzigpark, Gengenbach. Around 600 employees, their family members, and former employees took the opportunity to spend a fun-filled day at the modern campus while celebrating the company’s 80th anniversary.
In his speech, Managing Director Jens Held looked back with pride on the success story of this long-established company, which began in 1946 in the Kinzigtal valley, right in the midst of the postwar reconstruction period.
“80 years—that’s quite an achievement. 80 years in which a small manufacturing plant for agricultural goods in Haslach in the Kinzig Valley has grown into a globally respected tool and machine system company.”
Jens Held, Managing Director of BENZ Tooling
In light of current geopolitical and economic challenges, as well as the rapid changes in global markets, he deliberately focused on the future: “That is precisely why our strengths are so important right now: expertise, a spirit of innovation, and the solidarity that sets us apart. Today we celebrate this shared history—and, of course, the future that lies ahead.”
Gerhard Federer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the parent company Dürr, to which BENZ Tooling belongs, also highlighted in his remarks the company’s continuous development in an ever-changing market environment.
Mayor Sven Müller praised the company’s new location, which found a new home in 2025 through the consolidation of its two plants at the ONEnewBENZ Campus in Gengenbach:
“I am particularly pleased that you have remained true to your guiding principle, ‘Regionally based, internationally successful.’ By deciding to build the new BENZ Campus in Gengenbach, you are making a conscious commitment to our city and the region. That is not something to be taken for granted.”
Sven Müller, Mayor of Gengenbach
District Administrator Thorsten Erny also reflected on the development of the site in Kinzigpark. He recalled the groundbreaking ceremony in February 2023, which he had attended while still serving as mayor of Gengenbach, and praised the transformation of the once-vacant lot into a state-of-the-art corporate campus. He noted that the investment of approximately 30 million euros represents a strong commitment to the Ortenau District—which, as the “Black Forest Power Region,” ranks among Germany’s strongest economic regions—especially during economically challenging times. Through photovoltaic systems and modern heat pump technology, the new campus combines consistent sustainability with an innovative work environment.
What made the family celebration special was that, by design, there was no traditional, formal tour. Instead, employees personally guided their family members through the factory floors. The employees provided highly personalized insights into their own daily work and made the internal processes more accessible.
“Today, you, dear employees, are also in the spotlight. You can show your families where you work, what you develop, what you contribute to every day, and what you can be proud of.”
Thorsten Erny, District Administrator
A special highlight for the visitors was the live demonstration on the production floor, where they could marvel at a modern CNC machine in action under real-world conditions.
BENZ GmbH Werkzeugsysteme, headquartered in Gengenbach, employs approximately 300 people and is part of the HOMAG Group, which has been part of the internationally active Dürr Group since 2014. The company is one of the leading suppliers of tooling and machine systems for industrial applications.
Nadine Flassig
Marketing & Communication
+49 7803 504300-350
Nadine.Flassig@benztooling.com
BENZ GmbH Werkzeugsysteme
Kinzigpark 3
77723 Gengenbach, Germany
BENZ Tooling is one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of components and systems for tool and machine tooling technology. The company employs about 300 people and is represented in over 30 countries worldwide.
