News from the FABRI Group

Find out about the latest developments and activities of the FABRI Group. We will keep you up to date on new partnerships, cooperations, current projects and other news.

Insight

FABRI Leadership Meeting in Würzburg: Learning from each other with a pioneering spirit in AI

23.10.2026

On October 22 and 23, 2026, the leadership teams of the FABRI companies gathered in Würzburg for their second meeting of the year. The focus was on practical insights, current developments in the skilled trades, and personal exchange within the group. The two days demonstrated how diverse experiences and expertise create new opportunities for every individual company. A key part of the program featured contributions from the companies' own operations. Topics ranged from digital tools for daily construction site tasks and sales strategies to commercial and construction law issues. The foundation for this is mutual trust: openly addressing challenges, sharing experiences, and seeking solutions together. In this way, knowledge from individual companies becomes a resource for the entire group. A special highlight was the presentation by Heiner Brand. As a world champion handball player and national coach, he drew parallels between team sports and corporate leadership. His insights on trust, responsibility, and leading by example underscored how important the synergy of different personalities is for collective success. How can skilled trade businesses gain more time for customers, employees, and projects? Michael Heitkötter addressed this question on the second day with his presentation, "AI is NOW." Using examples from communication, documentation, and organization, he demonstrated how AI can simplify recurring tasks and serve as a personal assistant in daily work. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Michael Schörnig and Dominik Fichtner from EEAtec illustrated how expertise and digital tools can be effectively combined to address construction law issues. This highlighted a distinct advantage of the FABRI group: individual companies have already taken on a pioneering role in the use of AI technologies and openly share their experiences within the network. Other companies can build upon this, develop their own approaches, and unlock new possibilities more quickly. No one has to start from scratch, and individual entrepreneurial initiative creates added value for the entire group. Beyond the presentations, there was plenty of time for personal conversation. The joint BBQ Kitchen Party provided the perfect setting to deepen connections, share experiences, and further strengthen mutual trust. The meeting once again brought to life what partnership means within FABRI: the companies retain their identity and entrepreneurial independence while simultaneously being able to draw on the knowledge, experience, and support of a strong network. Trust and the willingness to learn from one another unite the group and open up additional opportunities for the continued development of every individual company.

Insight

New Impulse for the Next Generation in the Installation Industry

19.09.026

From September 17 to 19, 2026, the YOUNG FABRIs gathered in Würzburg. The focus was on the personal development of our young professionals, concrete ideas for everyday work, and exchange among the companies of the FABRI Group. The goal: to support talent from within our own ranks on their path to greater responsibility while simultaneously strengthening entrepreneurial thinking in the individual companies.‍Jürgen Waellnitz kicked off the event with his presentation “More Strength. More Responsibility. More Impact.” Together with the participants, he explored the question of how good leadership begins with oneself. Anyone who wants to take responsibility for others must know their own strengths, be aware of their impact, and truly understand people. It became clear that good leadership does not mean treating everyone the same, but rather responding to different personalities and needs. The ability to listen in order to understand—rather than simply waiting for the next answer—is particularly important.‍On Friday, Michael Heitkötter focused on the practical use of artificial intelligence in the skilled trades. Under the title “AI Is NOW—Practical Assistance for Every Task,” he demonstrated numerous concrete applications: from evaluating specifications and preparing bids to construction site documentation and staffing schedules, all the way to onboarding, marketing, and customer communication. His key message: Using AI isn’t about having as many new tools as possible, but about simplifying repetitive tasks and freeing up valuable time for what really matters. The YOUNG FABRIs are called upon to serve as catalysts, identifying suitable use cases and actively driving implementation within their companies.‍With Prof. Dr. Michael Schörnig, the discussion then took a legal—yet highly practical—turn. His presentation on claims for work delays, as well as inspection, notification, and cooperation obligations under the VOB/B, demonstrated how important legal certainty is in day-to-day construction site operations. Using concrete examples from the building services trade, it became clear that delays and concerns must be reported early on, in writing, and in a traceable manner. Consistent documentation protects against liability risks and helps secure legitimate claims.‍Internal group exchange also played an important role. The “FABRI Cabinet” symbolizes the knowledge, experience, and tools that are already available within the group. Each company remains independent and decides for itself which offerings and experiences are helpful for its own operations. At the same time, the network opens up the opportunity to learn from one another, share successful solutions, and make faster progress together. During the group barbecue, the traditional drink on the Old Main Bridge, and the dinner that followed, new connections were made and existing ones were strengthened.

Insight

Electrical Engineering Expertise from the Oberpfalz Region: EEAtec GmbH Strengthens the FABRI Group

08.07.2026

EEAtec GmbH, a leading electrical engineering company based in the Upper Palatinate, is joining the FABRI Group.‍‍On Saturday, June 27, 2026, the purchase agreement between the four shareholders of EEAtec GmbH and the FABRI Group was signed in Regensburg. Since it was important to us to inform our employees in advance, we are sharing this news today.‍‍EEAtec GmbH, headquartered in Weiden in the Upper Palatinate, was founded in 2013. With 67 employees, the company offers a wide range of services, from planning and installation to service and maintenance in the areas of energy management, building automation, fire alarm systems, and security and network technology. With many years of experience serving military properties in southern Germany, EEAtec possesses special expertise in challenging and security-critical projects.‍‍Dominik Fichtner serves as CEO; he has played a key role in shaping the company and will continue to lead it. All existing shareholders remain on board, ensuring continuity, stability, and reliability in the company’s management.‍‍“As part of the FABRI Group, we will be able to offer our customers even more in the future: the reliability of a well-coordinated on-site team, combined with the strength and resources of a growing group behind us. This gives us a real competitive advantage,” says Dominik Fichtner, Managing Director of EEAtec GmbH.‍‍We are very pleased to welcome EEAtec GmbH from Weiden in the Upper Palatinate—another strong and professionally managed company—to the FABRI Group, and we look forward to our shared future.

Insight

FABRI Leadership Meeting 2026: Overcoming Challenges Together

09.05.2026

From May 7th to 9th, 2026, the executives of FABRI companies gathered for this year's meeting in Würzburg. The event focused on current forward-looking topics, practical expert presentations, and intensive exchange within the group. Both days offered a wealth of inspiration for the further development of the companies and the challenges of the coming years. It also became clear how crucial support within the FABRI Group is for issues that extend beyond daily operations and are increasingly gaining importance for businesses.‍Claudia Simon kicked off the event with a presentation on "Cybersecurity Awareness." She emphasized that IT security has long been a core business issue. Using practical examples, she highlighted the risks of cyberattacks for medium-sized trade businesses and fostered a conscious approach to digital threats in daily work. She also explained the growing importance of the NIS-2 directive – particularly for companies collaborating with public sector clients or larger industrial partners.‍Another key focus was occupational safety in the technical building services sector. Holger Vogel from IfS Sicherheitstechnik GmbH discussed risks, responsibilities, and specific requirements on construction sites and in daily operations. Through vivid case studies, he underscored the importance of a shared understanding of safety and clear procedures in day-to-day work.‍A particular highlight was the presentation by extreme athlete Hubert Schwarz. Drawing on impressive insights from elite sports and his experiences in the "Race Across America," he spoke about mental strength, clarity of goals, motivation, and leadership responsibility. He masterfully conveyed the parallels between extreme sports and corporate leadership. He succinctly articulated his credo on responsibility, consistency, and leading by example: "Success comes not from wanting, but from doing."‍Beyond the professional topics, the social program also provided ample opportunities for personal conversations and networking within the FABRI Group. The joint barbecue party and the traditional glass of wine on the Old Main Bridge concluded the event.‍The meeting once again demonstrated the value of strong networks, shared insights, and personal exchange within the FABRI Group. Armed with many new ideas and motivating impressions, the group's companies look forward to the upcoming challenges and continued collaborative development.

Insight

YOUNG FABRI in Würzburg — Impulses for leadership and implementation

01.04.2026

The YOUNG FABRI’s met for the fourth time in March in Würzburg. The focus was on the targeted development of our young talent, as well as on exchange and practical insights for everyday work.‍The two days were entirely dedicated to leadership, personal development, and the future of the skilled trades. In addition to getting to know one another, the main focus was on the question of what development actually means today—and how it takes effect in everyday life.‍A special insight came from Hubert Schwarz, who, drawing on his experiences in extreme sports, offered an impressive perspective on performance and goal achievement. His central message: Much is decided in the mind. Clarity of goals, dealing with setbacks, and the ability to persist consistently even during difficult phases are decisive factors for sustainable development.‍On the second day, Susanne Lührmann brought a very practical approach. The focus was on employee reviews and the importance of structured preparation. It became clear: Good conversations do not happen by chance. Clear objectives, a defined framework, and the right questions are crucial not only for conducting reviews but also for actually achieving results.‍Another key focus was on the topic of artificial intelligence in the skilled trades, including insights from Dominik of the Institut Perspektive Handwerk. The central insight: Most AI initiatives fail not because of the technology, but because they are not consistently implemented in everyday practice. Ideas and tools alone do not create added value—what matters is their practical application.‍The decisive factor, therefore, lies not in the next tool, but in clearly defined use cases, functioning processes, and above all in the people who take responsibility and actively drive issues forward. It is not the best idea that prevails, but the one that is implemented.‍The meeting demonstrated once again that decisive progress rarely arises from technology alone. Rather, it is mindset, preparation, and consistent implementation that make the difference.‍The YOUNG FABRI meeting in Würzburg thus once again underscored the importance of formats that facilitate exchange, broaden perspectives, and provide concrete inspiration for everyday work. Our young professionals are ready to take on responsibility and actively shape the future of the FABRI Group.

Insight

THIELE heating and sanitation from Gießen becomes part of the FABRI Group

16.01.2026

With THIELE Heizung und Sanitär GmbH & Co. KG, an established HVAC company in the greater Frankfurt am Main area is joining the FABRI Group. ‍ THIELE Heizung und Sanitär GmbH & Co. KG based in Gießen was founded in 1997. With over 40 employees, the company is active in the areas of installation, service and maintenance and has a strong position in project business for public clients. This clear orientation has ensured a stable, reliable and predictable order situation for many years. ‍ Jochen Thiele and Kurt Veltrup are managing the company, who have decisively shaped the company since its founding and continue to run it together. Both remain on board and thus ensure continuity, stability and reliability in corporate management. ‍ “With the FABRI Group, we have found a partner who understands our entrepreneurial philosophy without restricting our independence and identity. The strategic clarity of FABRI, the exchange on equal terms and the deep understanding of the craft were decisive for our decision,” says Jochen Thiele. ‍ With THIELE Heizung und Sanitär GmbH & Co. KG from Gießen, we are delighted to welcome another strong and professionally positioned company to the FABRI Group and look forward to our future together.