On the day the German constitution or Basic Law turned 75, BMA’s workforce made a strong statement for democracy and humanitarianism. Together, we took a stand against discrimination and marginalisation. Our motto: “#buntstadt – it’s time for democracy, and no time for hatred or incitement to violence” (the hashtag “buntstadt” translates as “#cityofdiversity”). BMA’s values represent diversity, mutual respect and dignity for all people who are protected by our constitution – principles that we uphold and promote every day, at work and beyond.
Strong together: BMA celebrates 75 years of Basic Law
Day of Action and commitment to humanitarianism and diversity
Basic Law as the foundation of our values
“Human dignity shall be inviolable” – this fundamental principle is at the core of our constitution, which was enacted on 23 May 1949. “The Basic Law is our most valuable asset”, said Lutz Bertram, chairman of the works council at BMA, in his address to our team. He emphasised that human rights and freedoms are guaranteed to all people in Germany.
Diversity at BMA: a mirror of society
Responsibility for protecting human dignity lies not with the state alone. Each one of us has to help shape a society that is open, tolerant and affords every person respect and dignity. “Our company is a mirror of the diversity in our society”, said Lutz Bertram. People from more than 26 nations work at BMA’s site in Braunschweig. “Whatever our origin and religion or the colour of our skin – we work together as colleagues who respect each other.”
BMA’s international focus a recipe for success
“BMA is an international company, through and through”, affirmed BMA’s CFO Stefan Neumann. We have a firmly international outlook, with subsidiaries and service technicians around the globe. The founders of BMA recognised the importance of a global focus right from the outset, more than 170 years ago. They realised that this would be the key to success for BMA, a manufacturer of machinery and equipment for the sugar industry.
BMA relies on intercultural strengths
„One major pillar of our success is the diversity of our team“, said Petra Meyer, Vice President Human Resources at BMA. “We specifically seek to employ people with an intercultural background.” This recruitment strategy strengthens our skills in communication with customers around the globe and fosters a working environment that is characterised by diversity and mutual respect.
Celebration of democracy attracts thousands
The Day of Action for companies celebrating 75 years of Basic Law was initiated by the IG Metall Braunschweig and ver.di Süd-Ost-Niedersachsen trade unions. Many Braunschweig-based businesses took part. They supported the event with creative activities and made a statement for democracy with their colourful banners and posters. The Day of Action ended with a grand finale in Braunschweig: a diverse weekend programme of music, culture and entertainment, bringing together thousands of people and celebrating the values of democracy.