Two countries – one language: hydraulic.

With the aim of continuing to strengthen the cooperation between our branches in Germany and Austria, a large part of our Knoll Hydraulics team traveled to Eurofluid GmbH, our Austrian branch in Tulln at the Danube, on 21 September. A creative and memorable outing for team-building and mutual exchange of experiences.

Friday, 21 September, 10 am, meeting point Bindlach. We set off with the coach in direction Tulln at the Danube. It was a long way for us and our 35 colleagues, three from Chemnitz, 22 from Bindlach and ten from Munich, who joined us during the trip. The more than eight hours long journey passed quickly, and of course without any side effects. True to our outing destination, hot Viennas were served which got us into the mood for our host country, also culinary.  

Without any breakdowns, traffic jams or other problems we arrived as scheduled around 6 pm in Tulln in brilliant sunshine. At the champagne reception we had already long forgotten any stresses of the journey.

After a short and sweet introduction round we split up into five groups. Each group was then allowed to run through various stations of the factory in Tulln, in order to get to know the work methods and also the teams on site. 

In addition to the presentation on Eurofluid, we were treated to exciting insights into the areas of small aggregates, cylinder construction and repair, as well as the parts warehouse. The presentation of the ongoing projects our Austrian colleagues were supporting at the time, was particularly interesting. A fantastic opportunity for exchanging experience and know-how.

We then continued our trip with the coach to the "Urbanistub'n". In a rustic atmosphere, with a delicious three-course buffet and lots of wine, even the last language barriers fell.

We arrived at our hotel "Tullner Feld" around midnight, were some of us explored the well stocked hotel bar. Even the heavy thunderstorm couldn't rob us of our sleep after this eventful day. 

Refreshed and after having breakfast together we went on a guided city tour with the Tulli Express – a type of train on wheels with three wagons. The "icy" round tour at just over 10 degrees Celsius took us past many sights, such as e.g. the Tullner Waterpark, the Minoritenkirche (Friars Minor Conventual Church) including monastery, Hunderwasser's ship "Regentag", Nibelungenbrunnen, Egon Schiele Museum, Danube bridge, Roman Tower, Roman Museum, Tullner Karner, and much more.

The final destination of our round trip was the "GARTEN TULLN" – a national horticultural show established in 2008. Once there, we encountered relatively unfamiliar ground for hydraulic engineers: we could choose the word of herbology or natural cosmetics.

Challenge 1: Herbology workshop. On an herbal excursion we got to know wild and garden herbs for "enjoyment and wellness". The herbs collected on the way were prepared into delicious finger food and herb salt, which we could take home as a souvenir. 

Challenge 2: Natural cosmetics workshop. On a stroll through the gardens of the horticultural show we learnt a lot about the queen of flowers: the rose. Using high-quality raw materials and oils we created a soothing rose lotion and beautifully smelling rose bath beads to take home. "Homemade" natural cosmetics, with which even our toughest guys could imagine taking a wellness bath.

And then it was time for the grand finale of our company excursion: "get out the barbecue". The delicious barbecue buffet was a perfect ending for this memorable weekend. After we said our goodbyes to our Tullner colleagues, team Knoll started their journey home – eight hours to reflect on the many new faces, the exciting workshops and the numerous culinary delights. The unanimous opinion of the team: "We'd love to come back ... or you come to us."