With visionary thinking, courage, and determination, we, as the Grötschel Group, are ushering in a new chapter of our over 170-year company history at the Bernsdorf site, Straßgräbchen district (Upper Lusatia), on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
The ‘iFabrik’ will be implemented in two construction phases: The first step involves the construction of a modern production hall with a high-tech machine park on approximately 4,500 m², followed by the construction of an office and administration building. The construction period is estimated to be around two years. Approximately ten million Euros will be invested, partly supported by public funding programs. Particularly through the Joint Task ‘Improvement of Regional Economic Structure’ (GRW).
With the ‘iFabrik – Zukunftsschmiede Lausitz’, we are opening a new chapter in our over 170-year history. It is not merely about a new building, but an investment in the future of people and the region. The goal is to leverage the opportunities of change, combining innovation and creativity. The iFactory is intended to be a place where technology and craftsmanship, research and practice, as well as young talents and experienced specialists, collectively shape the future.
A particular focus is on the close collaboration between humans and machines: automation and robotics handle routine tasks, while people contribute their creativity, experience, and individuality.
“We are not just building a building – we are building a piece of the future.” – Sven Grötschel, Shareholder of the Grötschel Group
With the iFactory, we clearly commit to the Straßgräbchen site and to the people in the region. The aim is to provide young people with future prospects and actively address the shortage of skilled workers. Together with the Dresden Chamber of Crafts and regional schools, attractive training programs and new apprenticeships will be created locally to spark enthusiasm for technical professions. At the same time, as the Grötschel Group, we strengthen the qualification of skilled workers through targeted
cooperations with universities and research institutes, demonstrating: Craftsmanship is not a thing of the past – craftsmanship shapes the future of the region.
“We want to offer a future to our employees – and open up prospects for young people in Lusatia.” – Jane Ludwig, Managing Director of Grötschel GmbH
The ‘iFabrik – Zukunftsschmiede Lausitz’ is proof of our consistent innovation strategy. For years, we have had our own research and development department, led by Dr. Christoph Großmann. Here, products and technologies are developed that lead craftsmanship into a digital and sustainable future. Current cooperation projects with renowned partners such as the ICM – Institute Chemnitz Mechanical and Plant Engineering e.V., TU Dresden, TU Chemnitz, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, and Fraunhofer IWU demonstrate how serious we are about combining science and practice.
One example is the current research project “HZwo: HyStPOWER10”, which is developing a decentralized hydrogen system for utilizing surplus electricity capacities. Another project involves the development of a modular, portable power generation unit with integrated vane cell wear analysis. The development of a process for semi-automated joint preparation of plastic-jacketed pipes is also among the research projects. This significantly reduces manual effort on construction sites, increases productivity, and demonstrates how research results directly strengthen craftsmanship. We are currently creating new research positions to bring innovations to application even faster.
The ‘iFabrik – Zukunftsschmiede Lausitz’ is intended to become a meeting place – for craftsmen, engineers, researchers, and young talents. The plan is to regularly open the doors to schools and partners to spark enthusiasm for technology and craftsmanship and to develop new ideas together. This is how the ‘Zukunftsschmiede Lausitz’ will gradually be brought to life.
