31.07.2025
50 Years of NETZSCH in Tirschenreuth
An anniversary with heart and history
The Tirschenreuth plant of NETZSCH-Feinmahltechnik GmbH is celebrating a special anniversary. 50 years of precision, reliability and regional solidarity. Since 1975, the focus here has been on the finest grinding technology and the people who make it happen.
What began five decades ago on the site of a former sawmill has developed into a highly specialized manufacturing location within the Grinding & Dispersing business unit, thanks to great commitment and foresight. Under the management of Dr Giacomo Canepa and Plant Manager Richard Lehnert, the plant initially focused on manufacturing machines for wet grinding technology, including ball mills. These are used in the production of automotive paints, colors and ceramic coatings, for example.
From the outset, NETZSCH in Tirschenreuth has focused on both technology and training. They set up an in-house workshop to train skilled workers directly on site and retain them within the company in the long term. This was a forward-looking decision, as the plant continued to grow steadily. In 1978, a new production hall was added, bringing the total floor space to almost 3,000 square meters. In the following years, a modern administration building, additional production halls and a new training workshop were constructed. In 2000, the site was finally designated as the central prefabrication facility for the Grinding & Dispersing business unit.
“Our strong connection to the region, the people here, and the local economy has been, and continues to be, a key factor in our success.”
The history of the plant is closely linked to the people who have helped to shape it over the decades. Following his move to the management of the Grinding & Dispersing business unit, Richard Lehnert handed the plant over to Roland Stöckert. Robert Meißner has been the plant manager since 2010 and knows Tirschenreuth and NETZSCH better than anyone. Starting as a trainee in 1984, he now sets pace with a steady hand and an eye to the future.
'The plant in Tirschenreuth has enjoyed healthy, continuous growth over the past 50 years, thanks to the support of a family-run company and, above all, our loyal employees. Everyone who has contributed has played a part in this success," emphasizes Meißner. 'We will continue to do so — we want to provide high-quality training for young people in the future and secure the future of our location with a strong team.'
Around 250 skilled workers have been trained at the site over the past five decades, many of whom have remained and taken on management responsibilities. Retraining and continuous further education remain an integral part of the company's culture.
Fifty years of NETZSCH in Tirschenreuth: a place with history, identity and strong team spirit. It is a plant that promotes talent, thinks ahead in terms of technology, and strives to improve every day.
