| Bizerba's youngest employees run one of Germany's oldest junior companies: After the founding of the apprentice company Bigefa in 1984 and a successful testing phase, the entry into the commercial register took place in 1985. Because: "If we do it, we do it right," was the opinion of the then managing director Günther Kraut. Thus, Bigefa became one of the first legally and economically independent junior companies in Germany.
Bigefa is a GmbH (limited liability company) founded by Bizerba, where apprentices become their own bosses. In practical work, one day per week, they learn, for example, to manually implement operational processes that are otherwise automated at Bizerba through SAP. This allows them to immediately apply the theory learned in vocational school in a practical setting.
In collaboration with the training department, apprentices can also develop and manufacture their own products and then market them through Bigefa. Additionally, Bigefa engages in external partnerships, with a preference for regional manufacturers who produce sustainable products and operate according to social principles. Another task of Bigefa is to plan, organize, and participate in an exhibition for Junior Companies which is a part of the famous infa trade show in Hannover.
Bigefa is well-known and appreciated by many Bizerba employees, perhaps because it provides several highly regarded services. For instance, Bigefa organizes the water bottles provided to newly hired employees; they sell chocolate products internally during Easter and Christmas, among other items. Additionally, as a service to Bizerba, Bigefa offers guided tours, such as for clients, new hires, or school groups. The apprentices receive special trainings for these tours.
Taking on full responsibility at Bigefa also means planning the business year and designing a marketing plan for products and services. This includes preparing annual financial statements, including presenting the balance sheet to the board of directors. Apprentices from various training areas thus handle the full range of business management tasks as in a real company.
But perhaps even more importantly, a genuine sense of community emerges within Bigefa because the apprentices are among themselves and autonomously share various areas of responsibility. This also fosters a strong attachment to Bizerba: Many former Bigefa apprentices are still working at the Balinger headquarters today—quite a few of them now serving as trainers or training coordinators themselves.
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Established in 1984
Entered into the commercial register in 1985
Approximately 400 apprentices have completed their training at Bigefa overall
Currently, there are 14 apprentices at Bigefa
Approximately €30,000 in revenue in 2023
2 departments
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"On the 40th anniversary of Bigefa, I extend my warmest congratulations. Bigefa is much more than a training company; it is a breeding ground for future entrepreneurs. Here, outstanding professionals thrive, shaping the future of Bizerba with dedication, innovation, and a sense of responsibility. We are proud that Bigefa is a place where our apprentices not only learn operational processes but also have the opportunity to develop and implement their creative ideas. The 40-year existence of Bigefa is a testament to its success and significance for our company. For the next 40 years and many more generations of talented apprentices embarking on their professional journey here, I send my sincerest congratulations with pride and anticipation."
