Windscreen-Wiper Factory in Bietigheim-Bissingen
The Valeo concern supplies leading international car makers with windscreen wipers and their operating mechanisms. The company head-quarters for the German market is in the Stuttgart region, where many automobile manufacturers are also located. A long-term restructuring programme for one of the Valeo works and the erection of two new halls were the subject of a special study. The architects Ackermann and Partners were awarded the scheme for their translation of the company philosophy and for the flexibility of the modular structures they proposed. A concept was required that placed the production process in the foreground and that would allow the works site to be restructured in a number of stages. Equality of status between staff on the production side and in administration and development is expressed in a common overall structure and a standardized facade design, with minor variations reflecting the different functions. Despite the size of the hall, the extensive glazing to the facades and partitions, together with the roof lights, ensures a bright, friendly internal environment. Mechanical service runs are located beneath the soffit, from where all connections for machinery and appliances are made, too.
