Two spouses, one employer – at Uhlmann, it’s all about “us”.

Mr. and Mrs. Sießegger, you have both been working at Uhlmann for several years now. Tell us how it that came about.

Rolf Sießegger: I have been with Uhlmann since 2007 – I found out about the position through an internal job advert. I am originally from the heating and ventilation sector, so the varied work in Facility Management immediately appealed to me. And it has worked out well – to this day!

Annette Sießegger: For me, it was a little different: I am a trained educator and worked part-time for many years – with three children and everything that goes with it. At some point, however, it became too much for me, being with children all day at work and then continuing to look after them at home. When Rolf mentioned that Uhlmann was looking for someone in Shipping, I applied – that was in 2017. And I have to say, it was a real stroke of luck.

What was it like getting started – especially for you, Mrs. Sießegger, as someone coming from a different field?

Annette Sießegger: I was made really welcome right from the beginning. We are a small team in shipping, so there was always someone there I could ask. My boss at the time also gave me a lot of their time. Of course, you grow into it – but I always felt supported.

Rolf Sießegger: That’s generally the case with Uhlmann – there are really no stupid questions. People help each other; there is a good sense of community. You notice this in your daily work, and it makes a big difference. That’s why I’ve been here for so long – and don’t want to go anywhere else!

What exactly are your current responsibilities?

Annette Sießegger: I am responsible for shipping spare parts, subsequent deliveries, and individual machine components – including all shipping documents. Everything has to be just right so that nothing goes wrong. I work a lot with freight forwarders and courier services, often at very short notice when something has to go out on the same day. It is very varied – and, above all, entails a great deal of responsibility, because a lot depends on punctual deliveries to our customers worldwide.

Rolf Sießegger: I work in Facility Management. We are responsible for repairs and maintenance of technical equipment such as elevators, sprinklers, and fire alarm systems. If there is a water leak or ventilation is required, we are called out – and that’s often when we’re on call. I always say that our colleagues are our “customers” and they should be able to rely on us.

So you work for the same company – but you hardly ever see each other during your working day?

Annette Sießegger: That’s right. We have different working hours and shifts, so I often only bump into Rolf by chance. Having lunch together in the company cafeteria is rather the exception. Nevertheless, there is this fundamental feeling of being part of the same whole. We know what each other does and both experience the same corporate culture – albeit from different perspectives.

Rolf Sießegger: Exactly. What makes Uhlmann special for us is this strong sense of togetherness. You feel that here, you’re not just another personnel number. There is always someone willing to listen, and collegiality is truly practiced. There is also good communication between departments – people know each other, help each other, and that creates trust. The feeling that everyone is pulling together is not just a cliché, but something that can really be felt in everyday life.

You were both at the Family Day in May too. How did you find it?

Annette Sießegger: Really well organized! We were there with our daughter, our parents, and my sister-in-law – our “family” in the truest sense of the word. There was something for everyone, and plenty to keep the kids entertained too. It felt a bit like a local festival.

Rolf Sießegger: What was particularly nice was that our families were also able to see where we work. Some areas, such as production, are not normally accessible to outsiders. But the whole setting, the atmosphere, was very impressive.

What do you think makes Uhlmann special as an employer?

Annette Sießegger: Definitely reliability. I know that I am needed here, and that gives me security. Even during stressful periods, I feel that we stick together as a team.

Rolf Sießegger: And then there are all the extras: The Family Day, Christmas parties, company gatherings with an event character. When our three children were still small, we often used the Uhlmann vacation apartments, which was a great deal for us as a young family.

What about further training? Is that something that’s relevant for you?’–

Rolf Sießegger: Definitely. Especially in the Building Services department, many training courses have to be completed regularly, from forklift to lifting platform licenses. A lot of this is now done online.

Annette Sießegger: Training is also an ongoing topic for me, whether it’s aviation security, load securing, hazardous materials, or much more. There is a great deal of coordination with the project managers, administrators, and the Export department. And the processes are constantly changing. That’s precisely why it was important for me to learn more. For example, I also obtained my forklift license. This gives me additional security and flexibility in my everyday work.

What are your hopes for the future, both for yourself and for Uhlmann?–

Annette Sießegger: I hope things continue as they are. That Uhlmann remains a reliable, family-oriented employer where you feel seen as a person.

Rolf Sießegger: The same for me. And that we continue to grow together with the company step by step, without losing our cohesion.