YOU SHOULD HAVE 11 FRIENDS: Two years after the company was founded, MAPAL set up a works team in 1952. Even though its sporting achievements are not known, it is a fine example of the good working atmosphere in the still young company.
APPRECIATION RIGHT FROM THE START
A collegial working atmosphere and a special appreciation of the employees characterise the cooperation at MAPAL from the very beginning. The “MAPALese” see themselves as part of a family and are proud of “their” company. The constructive and hands-on commitment of the employees makes a decisive contribution to the company's success. This is also because employees are given a high level of trust and responsibility - it is not uncommon for capable people to rise from “apprentice” to manager.
The good working atmosphere is supported by numerous measures that MAPAL has been implementing in favour of its employees since the 1950s. For example, free milk for apprentices or the sponsorship of a works football team. Or the annual company outings and Christmas parties, which contribute greatly to the sense of togetherness among the “MAPALese”. An outstanding example of the company's social responsibility - and that of its former boss Dr Georg Kress - is the “MAPAL Help” programme introduced in 1960. It offers support in special life situations and also forms the basis for a company pension scheme.
In 1980, the company shows its appreciation for its employees in a completely different way: in order to “make the time spent working as human as possible” - according to Dr Georg Kress - MAPAL builds a large company canteen, which is called the “casino” because of its high-quality equipment and usability for company events.
The “@mapal” magazine, which will be published for the first time in autumn 2008, also focuses on the employees. Several times a year, the employee magazine presents numerous topics from the company in an informative and entertaining way, giving colleagues from all locations a chance to have their say. The mix of business topics and leisure activities from various MAPAL groups creates a unifying link across all MAPAL Group locations.
There are now a variety of offers that make working at MAPAL attractive. These range from the targeted development and further training of employees, opportunities for mobile working and flexible working hours, as well as offers to promote health and support recreational sports activities, to company bicycles and e-charging stations for cars and bicycles.
IN THE EARLY YEARS, COMPANY OUTINGS were a fixed part of the annual programme. In 1956, the excursion took in Hohenneuffen Castle, Reutlingen, the Bärenhöhle cave on the Swabian Alb and Echterdingen Airport near Stuttgart.
IN 1980, the new company canteen at the Aalen site was opened with a ceremony. It was named the “Kasino” because of its ambience and versatile usability.