Competitiveness and Responsible Business Practices in Focus

Parliamentary State Secretary Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter, Member of the German Bundestag, visits Hansgrohe

Schiltach, July 2026. How can industrial companies successfully combine sustainability, competitiveness, and employment? This question was the focus of the visit by Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection, to the Hansgrohe Group in Schiltach. At the company’s exhibition in the Aquademie and at the Schiltach West production site, she gained insights into the development of water-saving technologies and sustainable manufacturing processes. The discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities of a sustainable industrial transformation in Germany and Europe.

Innovations for the Responsible Use of Resources

The focus was on solutions that reduce water and energy consumption in faucets and showerheads. The State Secretary also learned about the company’s sustainability strategy and the contribution of innovative technologies to the protection of key resources.

“We are currently seeing just how important responsible water management is for our security of supply. With the National Water Strategy, we are raising awareness of the value of this resource. Water conservation and comfort can be successfully combined. Such innovations promote sustainable water management, strengthen Germany as a business location, and secure jobs,” Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter stated with conviction during her visit.

During the subsequent discussion with Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, CEO of the Hansgrohe Group, and Frank Semling, Chief Production Officer, the focus was on Germany’s competitiveness as an industrial hub, sustainable production, and the future of jobs.

“Dialogue between policymakers and businesses is crucial to successfully shaping the transformation of the economy and the state together,” said Hans Jürgen Kalmbach. “We are delighted by Ms. Schwarzelühr-Sutter’s interest in our innovations, our production sites, and the people who contribute to our company’s success every day.”