In the middle of the year, students on the Master’s degree course in Marketing Management had the opportunity to take part in an excursion to two well-known Business-2-Business companies as part of the “Capital Goods Marketing and Technical Sales” course led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Wengler: Their path leads to KSB in Pegnitz and Hilti in Nuremberg.
The first stop was KSB SE & Co KGaA in Pegnitz, a global company specializing in pumps and valves. As soon as they entered the extensive factory premises, the students became aware of the size and importance of the company. After a brief welcome and lunch together, they were divided into two groups and taken to the production area. One group gained exciting insights into additive manufacturing, the other into the traditional foundry.
In the additive manufacturing department, visitors were able to see live how highly specialized individual parts are produced using 3D printing. “It was impressive to see how digital models are turned into real components – a technology that is not only innovative but also sustainable,” said one participant. In the foundry, the group experienced first-hand how steel is cast at extremely high temperatures and processed into precise components. Both visits were particularly valuable for the participants, as they gave them a better understanding of the technical processes of an international manufacturing company.
The tour then continued to the Hilti Experience Store in Nuremberg. Hilti, known for its tools and services for the construction industry, welcomed the Hof group with a company presentation. Here, the students were able to deepen their knowledge of the construction industry through an interactive quiz led by various company representatives. The opportunity to test Hilti products for themselves was particularly exciting.
This gave them a direct impression of the quality and user-friendliness of the tools.
The excursion offered a unique opportunity to combine theory and practice. We were able to experience first-hand how large companies such as KSB and Hilti focus on innovation and continuously optimize their processes in order to meet the challenges of technical sales.”
Prof. Dr. Stefan Wengler
