SCHWALBE MOVES INTO HYBRID BUILDING – SCULPTURE WELCOMES VISITORS
HEART OF THE FAMILY BUSINESS SETS NEW STANDARDS WITH SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION METHOD
A new centerpiece at the company's headquarters in Reichshof: Schwalbe has moved into its hybrid building, which was constructed over the past three years on a floor area of around 2,200 square meters. As far as possible, the family-owned company has been guided in its sustainable construction by the cradle-to-cradle principle, according to which only materials that can be recycled at the end of their service life are used.
Frank Bohle, Managing Partner of Ralf Bohle GmbH: "The topic of sustainability has played an enormously important role at Schwalbe for many years. Therefore, it was clear to us from the very beginning that we wanted to value people and nature through a healthy and adaptable building. We have created an inspiring and innovation-promoting working environment that is already leaving a positive footprint for the future. The new building reflects our core corporate values: technical dynamism, human creativity and responsible environmental awareness."
Ralf Bohle GmbH invested around 20 million euros in the new building, which was designed by architect Ralf Janz. While the exterior is characterized by the straightforwardness of the recyclable Alucobond cladding, the materials used inside – including rubber wood, exposed concrete, extensive planting – are much more multi-layered.
The architecture provides a creative framework for Schwalbe's research and development department as well as for marketing and management. A large exhibition on the brand world will bring bicycle culture and Schwalbe's passion for bicycle tires to life. Meanwhile, the roof garden invites visitors to relax and enjoy the view of the Oberberg hills – at the same time, vegetables, fruit and herbs are grown there for the canteen.
New sculpture at Schwalbe's headquarters
All visitors to the new heart of Ralf Bohle GmbH are greeted in front of the building by a new sculpture that immediately catches the eye: 15 meters high, angled several times and colorfully designed. Grand Tour is its name. The four colors reflect the history and philosophy of the company.
The foundation of the sculpture is red. Frank Bohle explains, "The color stands for our unique Schwalbe spirit, which is lived by all employees every day and which also characterized our founding fathers: the passionate commitment and the unconditional will to always become even better."
The blue that follows symbolizes the many journeys across the sea to Asia – in the early days as well as today. The so-called "Grand Tours" are the essence of Schwalbe. Almost 50 years ago, Bohle began importing Swallow brand tires from Korea. In the process, he found a production partner in Hung-A, with whom today there is not only a joint venture, but also a decades-long friendship between two family businesses.
The third color – green – symbolizes the company's commitment to sustainability. For many years, Schwalbe has pursued the goal of acting in an increasingly environmentally conscious and responsible manner. Even before construction of the new company building began, major milestones had been reached with the company's own hose recycling system and the use of green compounds and fair rubber. A pilot project is also currently underway to develop a recycling system for old bicycle tires.
At the top, the sculpture ends with the color orange, a symbol of creativity and innovative spirit that have always been the cornerstone of Schwalbe's successful further development throughout the company's history.
Investment in the future
Since Schwalbe completed its headquarters in Reichshof-Wehnrath in 1995, the company has grown strongly in Germany and internationally. While sales multiplied from 30 million euros at the time to 225 million euros in 2020, the number of employees at the site rose from 60 to 187.
Further information
SCHWALBE | Ralf Bohle GmbH
Press Office
Otto-Hahn-Straße 1 | 51580 Reichshof-Wehnrath
Phone: +49 22 65 109-0 | press@schwalbe.com
www.schwalbe.com