Alexander Studinger works as an industrial mechanic and trained welder at FAB Fördertechnik und Anlagenbau based in Waldshut-Tiengen - and, like many others during the coronavirus pandemic, has been working from home, or rather in his home workshop, for a few days now.

This is because the workstation where the 21-year-old welds together the mixed shafts for FAB customers is located in his own home next to his house in Albbruck in the district of Waldshut in southern Baden. "Something like this is almost impossible, but we have to adapt," explains Managing Director Werner Späth proudly.

The idea came from Studinger himself, who has a fully equipped workshop at his home, including a welding table, fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Späth and a safety engineer checked the conditions and then gave the go-ahead for the upgrade.

After a safety check, the welding machine, extraction system, safety clothing and some materials were delivered to the home workshop by trailer. © FAB

A welding machine, extraction system, safety clothing and some materials were brought in and installed on a trailer. The young welder is now working from home - under almost classic conditions for working from home: fixed job assignment with free time management, 40 hours per week. "The work at home has started very well," says Studinger. "I have enough space, the workstation is designed in the same way as the workshop at work and all the materials I need are within easy reach."

"Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this is the first time ever that we have sent a welder to work from home," says Späth, explaining the unusual measure and is delighted with the successful work and workshop situation. Communication with the company takes place via video telephony. "Everything works perfectly," he sums up. "Alexander Studinger's commitment fulfills all safety regulations on the one hand and ensures a relaxed working atmosphere on the other. Studinger normally works in our production hall, but we have temporarily moved three more welding stations to the assembly hall."

Three of Studinger's colleagues are currently still working there - each at a distance of four to five meters from each other. "Of course I miss the one or two things that are nicer in the company, and of course my colleagues," says Studinger. "But I don't feel bad in the home workshop. And the most important thing is that we are all better protected from infection with the current situation." But regardless of the successful solution, everyone hopes that the work situation will soon return to normal.