Archive for category: Lacroix + Kress

BRAMSCHE, GERMANY — Essex Solutions, and brand partner Lacroix + Kress, proudly marked a major milestone in September with the celebration of 80 years of continuous operations at its joint facilities in Bramsche, Germany. Customers, suppliers, employees, and leadership gathered to honor the longstanding legacy of excellence and the continued role as a global leader in the magnet/winding wire industry.

A highlight of the evening was the “History Walk” – a curated journey through eight decades of company history. Through photos, videos, and exhibits, the development of the companies over the years became tangible, showing their growth from humble beginnings to successful large-scale enterprises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The event was a joint celebration with Plant Managers Jens Bosse and Jörg Hupfeld welcoming guests and hosting the celebration, which began on Friday with guided tours of both facilities. Nearly 20 tours were given before the main evening event, which drew approximately 300 attendees.

Opening remarks were delivered by Bosse and Hupfeld followed by Klaus Borstner, President Essex Solutions Europe; Daniel Choi, CEO of Essex Solutions; Heiner Pahlmann, Mayor of Bramsche; and Guido Pott, Member of the Lower Saxony State Parliament. Each speaker reflected on the shared history of the businesses, emphasizing the dedication and craftsmanship of the people who have driven the success of both companies for eight decades as well as acknowledging the stakeholder relationships that have been cultivated over time.

“Eighty years in Bramsche is a remarkable achievement—an achievement only possible because of the dedication, skill, and cooperation of everyone who has contributed to this journey,” said Choi. “We are proud to commemorate this legacy while also looking ahead to the future of Essex Solutions.”

Borstner added: “Essex Solutions, together with Lacroix + Kress, are reflecting on their shared history as well as honoring the people whose dedication and craftsmanship have made this legacy possible. This anniversary is also a celebration of customers, partners, and employees—both past and present—whose trust and commitment have carried us through eight decades of excellence.”

The social part of the evening was not forgotten: a live band created a great atmosphere and provided musical entertainment late into the night. With excellent food and drinks, guests laughed, shared stories, and celebrated together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The celebration extended into Sunday with a dedicated employee event for current and retired team members and their families. Nearly 400 attendees joined the day of recognition, camaraderie, and appreciation for the men and women whose contributions have sustained the company’s success.

Founded on principles of innovation, collaboration, and quality, Essex Solutions has built a reputation for reliability and leadership across three continents. The Bramsche facilities remain central to the company’s European operations, with Lacroix + Kress and Essex Solutions working together to expand vertical integration and drive efficiency. Recent advancements include the implementation of a unified ERP system, enabling seamless coordination from copper rod production through finished winding wire across both Bramsche operations.

The 80th anniversary in Bramsche was more than a commemoration of history—it was a reflection of the enduring partnerships that have shaped Essex Solutions and Lacroix + Kress over the decades. Beyond honoring employees and their contributions, the milestone also underscored the trust and loyalty of customers who have grown alongside the company. These longstanding relationships, built on shared success and mutual commitment, remain the foundation for future innovation and continued leadership in the magnet and winding wire industry.

We would like to thank all our guests for attending—and, of course, all employees who planned and executed this special event with such dedication. Without you, this evening would not have been possible!

On September 17 and 18, 2025, we joined our sister company Essex Solutions at the Career Orientation Fair (B.O.P.) held at Bramsche Secondary School. Two days filled with exciting and engaging conversations, and plenty of new connections.

The B.O.P. is a well-established event where students can gain insight into a wide range of apprenticeships. This year, participants had the opportunity to gather information, ask questions, and connect with potential training companies at 55 different booths. A “career pass” helped them keep track of their visits and actively engage with employers.

Whether students, parents, or teachers – we had many valuable discussions. We were especially pleased about the strong interest in the apprenticeship for Materials Tester (m/f/d) and in the dual study program “Business Administration and Sustainable Management.”

Together with our sister company Essex Solutions Germany, we were able not only to present ourselves as strong employers but also to refer interested candidates to one another – true to the motto: Strong partnership, strong prospects.

We would like to thank the organizers of the B.O.P. for once again creating a great platform for career orientation this year. Our thanks also go to all visitors for the inspiring conversations.

We’re already looking forward to the next event!

Four of our trainees are now training ambassadors!

We are very pleased that four of our trainees – Lea Krakau, Jana Kolde, Massimilian Schrul, and Jan-Paul Haß – have successfully been trained as training ambassadors.

What is a training ambassador?

Training ambassadors are trainees who provide practical insights about their apprenticeship to students. During school visits or job fairs, they offer insights into their professional daily life, explain the path to their apprenticeship, and answer questions – honestly, authentically, and on equal terms. The goal is to help young people with their career orientation and to raise awareness of the dual apprenticeship.

The training for training ambassadors

Our four apprentices participated in a special training organized by the responsible Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). In this one-day training, they were prepared on how to present their apprenticeship interestingly, which topics are particularly relevant for students, and how to confidently and securely handle groups.

“The training placed a lot of emphasis on approaching each other openly. This will particularly help us in our future assignments to communicate successfully with the students,” said Jana Kolde, apprentice to become an industrial clerk.

How does an assignment go?

When an assignment comes about – for example, through a school or as part of a career orientation event – our training ambassadors prepare individually: They share first-hand accounts of their apprenticeship, everyday life in the company, and experiences from school and practice. The visits usually last 45–90 minutes and are often conducted in teams.

We are excited about the first assignment!

We are proud of the commitment of our four trainees and look forward to accompanying them soon on their first assignment as training ambassadors. Through their efforts, they make a valuable contribution to promoting young talent and strengthening apprenticeships.