How to handle large orders as a carpentry workshop with minimal staff numbers. How to succeed in times of competitive pressure. How to cope with setbacks. The Neufeld carpentry firm in Simmozheim can be regarded as a model company in many respects. During our visit, we learned that the answers to these questions relate to quality and a passion for craftsmanship. Clearly we're in the right place.

Uwe Neufeld's business has come a long way from a cosy backyard workshop. A modern office area welcomes visitors; a solid natural wood desk, a tastefully painted counter, office cabinets with doors made of brushed silver fir. Customers requesting a quote can be confident from the outset that no half measures will be taken.

Neufeld does indeed operate in a wide variety of fields. Extensions, renovations, kitchen and furniture construction are just as much a part of the order book as larger commercial projects and trade fair construction, with occasional contract work for industry customers. "We've even made transport platforms for cargo bikes", recalls Uwe Neufeld. This was a rewarding project that allowed us to utilise our machines to full capacity, especially as the deadlines allowed for flexible planning. "We also manufacture and supply products for colleagues and partner companies when they have order peaks and bottlenecks, such as during trade fairs."

What does the owner consider their competitive advantage to be? "Our processes are fully optimised. We have a very good structure – and a level of equipment that you might even find at a 50-person company."

Even just 18 months ago, Uwe Neufeld himself probably could not have imagined how well-coordinated and almost self-evident the processes are today. A major fire had completely destroyed the business.

"That was in April 2023," recalls Neufeld. "I was at home over lunchtime, and my mobile rang while I was having an espresso." When he arrived at his business, flames were shooting metres high from the buildings. "I was able to drive the tractor out – a crazy thing to do, in hindsight." The fire appears to have broken out in the paint mixing room. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the hall was already beyond saving – all they were able to do was prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings. Fortunately, all the employees were safe, but nothing else could be done. "You're standing there, watching your life's work go up in flames."

After the initial shock, the Neufeld team set about assessing the situation. In this type of scenario, you realise how well insured you are. And you quickly find out where you are underinsured." Despite all the setbacks, planning for the reconstruction is proceeding rapidly – a mammoth task and a project that depends on the involvement of a great many people. Neufeld has only good things to say about the authorities involved. The authorities made every effort to handle things swiftly and cooperatively. That's where the solidarity in a community like this really presents itself."

On 22 December 2023, Neufeld commissioned all the works, with the ground-breaking ceremony taking place at the end of January 2024. Trial operations began in the autumn of the same year. The large factory hall was rebuilt almost exactly as it was before; only the adjoining office section is new.

As part of replacing tools and machinery, three new SATAjet 1000 B Lignum 3 spray guns have also been acquired. Uwe Neufeld particularly values the quality and reliability of his spray guns. "The spray guns are quite simply robust – they even survive being dropped. They are easy to clean, dismantle and reassemble. There are no frills." Neufeld applies both water-based and solvent-based paints. Uwe Neufeld sees significant developments in water-based paint and anticipates further quality improvements. For some applications, however, he prefers to use 2K PUR paints. "When there are very high demands on the scratch resistance of surfaces, such as in the hotel sector, the best paint for me is still 2K PUR." Regardless of the material, the following applies: the same meticulous care and passion that goes into manufacturing or restoring furniture and fittings is also applied to their painting operations. Whether cabinet fronts, exhibition furniture, carcasses, shop fittings or wall elements. And the expertise? Naturally as a carpenter, you also undertake training regarding surface finishes. But the manual skills are learnt by doing."

Passion and love for craftsmanship – that is the common thread running through Neufeld. An approach with which we can only concur.