Hilti Corporation Tour and Staubern Berge

This morning we set off on our tour of the Hilti Cooperation. Hilti is the leading partner to construction companies around the world, manufacturing tools for any job. The company began in 1941 when the founders, Martin and Eugen Hilti, opened a small workshop in Schaan Liechtenstein after inventing a power actuated fastening system. Through continuous innovation and dedication, the company has grown into the global market, employing more than 20,000 people worldwide. We were shown the main exhibits on the history and current state of the company as well as led through one of the manufacturing plants. We watched as the tools were constructed by the manufacturing workers. Most of the work was done by hand in assembly lines. Hilti incorporates several types of assembling lines: the common straight line, U shaped and the Push and Pull method. The products are made "Just In Time" or on an "as ordered" basis. They do not stock pile finished goods, rather, they make them when ordered. We dined at the Hilti cafeteria where they offer an array of healthy choices for their workers. They not only focus on making quality tools, but on maintaining a quality work environment that supports a healthy lifestyle.
In the afternoon we rode in a cable car to the top of the Staubern Mountain where we were able to view all of Liechtenstein, and parts of Austria and Switzerland. The cable car was quite small, and we did fear for our lives as we climbed 1200 meters. Jim especially loved the experience. Once at the top, we trekked through the snow and enjoyed a relaxing drink in the restaurant. We even made a tiny snowman. It was quite an amazing sight!