On his summer tour 2022, Mayor Dr. Ulli Meyer wants to draw attention to traditional crafts. "We have many local craftsmen in St. Ingbert who enrich people and the economy with their know-how and are strong employers. I am pleased that I can get to know the craftsmen and their work personally," the mayor said happily.
As a village locksmith, Gerald Becker founded the company Metallbau G. Becker GmbH in 1969, says the current owner Hans-Georg Philipp. He himself joined in the mid-90s when short-time work was introduced at his previous company and Gerald Becker wondered why the "Owwerweerzbacher boy" was at home so much. He hired him on the spot. And just as quickly, he decided to sell the company to Philipp in 2002, when he was planning to become self-employed – "that's how it works in the village, everyone knows everyone and everyone helps everyone," emphasizes Mr. Philipp. Today, in addition to the boss, five metalworkers and one office employee work in the company. Together, they manufacture customized single items made of steel for private and industrial customers – from bicycle stands and balcony railings to fences and steel stairs, as well as emergency staircases, steel beams for ventilation and fire protection systems, and building extensions – which are also delivered and installed on site. One of the major projects included the construction of the "blau" outdoor swimming pool in St. Ingbert. A specialist who delivers reliable quality work.
Does craftsmanship still have a golden foundation?
The biggest problem is finding new talent. "The order books are full, but I don’t have enough people to work quickly enough," explains the trained metalworker. Another issue: rising prices. "I can't immediately pass on all the rising raw material costs to my customers, but at the moment the prices for raw materials are only valid for 8 to 14 days," complains the 57-year-old. Like all entrepreneurs, he is afraid of the developments in the energy situation. "This will lead to further gigantic price increases," says Philipp. This concern is confirmed by Mayor Dr. Ulli Meyer, who carefully reviews the welding work that the metalworkers produce in the enclosed hall, based on plans and materials. "This is craftsmanship with brains and hands," he confirms. "We must ensure that craftsmanship and companies remain internationally competitive and create jobs. We all, including the city, face great challenges. I wish you much success even in tough times."
Another issue occupies the company almost daily: The welding specialist business was established as a village enterprise in a wide-open field. Later, the land was sold and converted into building land. For the current residents, noise pollution is often a problem. "We keep our workshop doors and windows closed in summer and winter, even at 35 °C," emphasizes the prudent entrepreneur. "But the operation was there before the residential houses, and where work is done, chips fall," he continues. The same applies to the inevitable truck traffic to and from the company premises. On this topic, local councilor Lydia Schaar wants to bring all parties involved, as well as the administration of the city of St. Ingbert, together at a table as soon as possible to discuss possible solutions in the spirit of considerate coexistence. A special request in this context goes to the parents of the children of the neighboring Montessori school: Please do not bring your children to the door by car! The children can safely cross the zebra crossing in front of the parish church and use one of the stairs to the school.
