Where Uhlmann is part of the family

The connection between Uhlmann and the Schick/Werz family goes back a long way. Ingrid Schick joined the HR department in 1990 after changing careers. After returning to work, she worked in the mailroom and then at the front desk. Thanks to her experience in human resources, she was eventually given the opportunity to work in travel expense reimbursement. “I just grew into it,” she says. “Thanks to my wonderful colleagues who helped me and showed me the ropes – and my willingness to learn new things.”

Michael Werz began an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic that same year. At the time, there were several big names to choose from in the region, and he chose Uhlmann. He worked in manufacturing for many years; today he works in assembly. For both of them, becoming part of the Uhlmann team was a special moment back then. “Anyone who worked at Uhlmann had made it,” Michael recalls. “It was like a knighthood – and to be honest, it’s still a bit like that to this day.”

When the two began their careers at Uhlmann in the late 1980s, the family was already well known within the company: Ingrid’s brother worked as a mechanic and other relatives were also employed by Uhlmann – which helped shape the family’s positive view of the employer.

Meanwhile, Ingrid’s niece and another nephew also work at Uhlmann, in different roles. Christiane Werz joined the company in 2001 as a technical drawer apprentice. After working in various departments, her career eventually led her to format design. “I originally wanted to go into architectural drawing,” Christiane recalls. “But after my school internship at Uhlmann, it was clear to me that this was the direction I wanted to go in.”

Christoph Werz, on the other hand, joined Uhlmann in 2015 for an internship semester, gained international experience as a student – and stayed. He now leads a team in Sales. “I used to focus more on large corporations,” he says. “But I soon realized: This is a good fit professionally, and on a personal level too.”

The fact that four members of the Schick/Werz family currently work at Uhlmann was never planned – yet it is no coincidence. As varied as their paths to the company and their respective roles may be, they all share the confidence that they are in good hands here.

What sets Uhlmann apart as an employer isn’t just on paper – it’s evident in our day-to-day interactions. Everyone in the family agrees on this, no matter what area they work in.

“Everything went smoothly after my parental leave,” says Christiane. “I was able to return to work sooner than expected and was warmly welcomed into my new department.” Christoph also highlights the difference compared to other employers: “In large corporations, it’s often all about numbers and profits. At Uhlmann, financial results are never prioritized over the well-being of employees.” Above all, Ingrid can see how much has changed as a result of digitalization and automation. “You have to constantly rethink things – especially when it comes to systems designed to speed up or simplify processes. But you get swept along with everyone else – that’s what matters.” And Michael? He sums it up pragmatically: “Yes, it did used to be smaller. But the human connection – that hasn’t changed.”

At Family Day 2025, all four family members had the opportunity to get to know Uhlmann outside of their day-to-day work – together with their partners and children. For many, it was the first time they had shown their relatives where and how they work. And it was a great opportunity to meet people you rarely see in your day-to-day life or outside work. For Michael, it was a reunion with his best workmate from his apprenticeship days. Ingrid’s daughter met some coworkers from her summer job. And Christoph adds: “When you visit there as a family, you really realize how deep the connection runs.”

Uhlmann is always around, even at home. Christoph explains: “One of my daughter’s first words was ‘Uhlmann’. When she’s playing, she sometimes says ‘I’m off to work now too – to Uhlmann.’ ” And then there’s Christmas Day – the traditional family gathering, which brings together up to 50 relatives from all over Germany. And it usually doesn’t take long before Uhlmann comes up again – with memories, stories and the question of who might be the next to join us.