In June 2025, our students gained exciting insights into the real world of the automotive industry as part of the “Automotive Production” module. During hands-on day-long field trips, they were able to experience the production processes of well-known companies firsthand. The excursions not only gave our students the opportunity to deepen their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, but also to establish contacts within the industry. In addition, they gained a better understanding of the current challenges and future trends in the automotive supplier and manufacturing sectors.

During the 2024/2025 winter semester, the Chair of Manufacturing Technology once again visited Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH—the largest steel subsidiary of the Salzgitter Group—as part of the “Manufacturing Theory” module. On March 6, 2025, 25 students set out to gain fascinating insights into modern steel production.

After a brief introduction to the company and its structure, the participants received a comprehensive overview of the entire manufacturing process—from pig iron production to the manufacture of semi-finished and finished products. The modern manufacturing technologies used in the various plant areas were particularly impressive.

The plant tour began with a ride on the plant shuttle bus, passing the power plant, coking plant, and the imposing production halls. The first stop was at one of the blast furnaces, where pig iron is produced from coke and iron ore. The tour then continued to the steelworks, where the pig iron is processed into steel. Due to operational constraints, the rolling mill could not be visited this year—instead, the students were given an exclusive look inside the galvanizing plant.

In addition, Salzgitter Mannesmann Forschung GmbH was introduced, as was the forward-looking SALCOS® program, which aims for climate-neutral steel production.

The field trip offered students a valuable opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience and to witness the steel-making process firsthand.

From June 26 to 28, 2024, our students enrolled in the new Automotive Production module took part in an exciting field trip.

First stop: the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. Here, the students gained fascinating insights into modern vehicle production. During the tour of the body-in-white and final assembly production areas, they were able to view the production lines, robot-assisted body construction, and the manual assembly line. To conclude the visit, they explored current vehicle models and an interactive factory model in the customer center.

The tour continued to Dürr Systems AG in Bietigheim-Bissingen—a specialist in the planning and implementation of production facilities for the automotive industry. After a brief company presentation, the group gained exciting insights into the research department, which features the latest robot-assisted coating nozzles. The tour of the production halls for painting robots rounded out the experience.

A successful excursion with many exciting insights, valuable experiences, and numerous interesting discussions.

For more information, please see the Modulverzeichnis.