Opening of new convention center: Carmen Würth celebrates 80th birthday

Architect David Chipperfield and State Premier of Baden-Württemberg Winfried Kretschmann were among the speakers. “It is difficult not to be impressed by the extraordinary achievements of this company and its global success. This worldly ambition is securely founded in this charming corner of Baden-Württemberg, and this modest acropolis is a clear representation of idealism and social responsibility as a gesture to the people who work here. It is a generous acknowledgment that this is not only a place of work but also a community”, David Chipperfield said in his speech.

State Premier Winfried Kretschmann added: “Carmen Würth Forum strengthens the diverse cultural scene in the Künzelsau region and beyond. It is the epitome of the outstanding cultural and social commitment of the Würth family, and a venue to enjoy for employees and music lovers alike. The forum has the potential to evolve into a platform for internationally renowned artists as well as a meeting place promoting an exchange between people. I do not only wish Carmen Würth a happy birthday. I would also like to say thank you for everything the Würth family has done and continues to do for other people and the community.”

The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Manfred Honeck and Mozarteumorchester Salzburg performed during the official opening celebration.

Social commitment as a matter of heart

The building is named after Carmen Würth who has always considered the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities a matter close to her heart. The wife of entrepreneur Reinhold Würth never grows tired of supporting disadvantaged individuals, receiving many prizes and awards for her commitment. Among other things, she is honorary citizen of the town of Künzelsau and the Technical University of Munich, has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg, and acts as patroness of numerous social initiatives in Germany and abroad. Together with her husband Reinhold, she established the Würth Foundation in 1987. In 2003, Carmen Würth’s commitment culminated in the opening of Hotel-Restaurant Anne-Sophie in Künzelsau as a place of communication and interaction between people with and without disabilities. Her most recent project, the cultural meeting place Kulturhaus Würth with its reference library “Frau Holle” in Künzelsau opened its doors in May 2017.

Redefining inspiration

Harmoniously embedded in the Hohelohe landscape, Carmen Würth Forum captivates with its timeless elegance. Two supporting walls made of roughened in-situ concrete frame the square in front of the building’s main entrance. With space for up to 10,000 visitors, it is the perfect place for all kinds of outdoor events. Crossing the well-lit lobby from the main entrance, visitors can access the Great Hall and Reinhold Würth Hall. “The forum is a symbol for the coming together of the people beyond their desks, beyond the place of work. It demonstrates the aspirations of a company that sees its role beyond simple commercial criteria”, said Chipperfield.

Carmen Würth Forum is integrated into a sculptural garden featuring works of internationally renowned sculptors such as Tony Cragg, Niki de Saint Phalle, Antony Caro, Jaume Plensa or Georg Baselitz.

Extraordinary soundscape in Reinhold Würth Hall

The heart and undoubted gem of the building is Reinhold Würth Hall, which is only visible as a slight modulation in the landscape from the outside. The hall accommodates up to 600 guests and offers unique sound quality. Electronic equipment to enhance the concerts is not required thanks to the special design and surface quality of the ceiling and wall panels. Finely perforated panels absorb any undesired vibration, while smooth surfaces convey sound, creating optimum sound for the audience. The room, which slopes towards the stage, excels by complex wall and ceiling paneling made of French walnut and fumed oak floors.

Multifunctional Great Hall

The Great Hall is an impressive example of a versatile hall with flexible room acoustics. The hall can hold up to 2,500 visitors and is suited for congresses, concerts, trade shows, exhibitions and company events. While the lower part of the hall has been embedded into the ground, the upper gallery with glass on all sides marks the highest point of the entire venue and offers more seats.

Reinhold Würth Hall, the foyer and the Great Hall have been equipped with state-of-the-art lighting technology and audiovisual media, allowing several thousand mood lighting and scene options.

For pictures and a fact sheet, please refer to: www.wuerth.com/carmenwuerthforum

Further information on Carmen Würth Forum can be found at:

www.carmen-wuerth-forum.de

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is the world's market leader in its core business, the trade of assembly and fastening materials. It currently consists of more than 400 companies in over 80 countries with more than 73,000 employees on its payroll. Approximately 32,000 of those employees are salaried sales representatives. In the first six months of the 2017 financial year, the Würth Group generated a sales volume of EUR 6.4 billion.

In its core business, the Würth Line, the product range for trade and industry encompasses over 125,000 products: from screws, screw accessories and anchors to tools, chemical-technical products and personal protective equipment.

The Allied Companies of the Würth Group, which either operate in business areas related to its core business or in diversified business areas, round off the range by offering products for DIY stores, material for electrical installations, electronic components such as circuit boards, and financial services. They account for more than 40 percent of the Würth Group's sales volume.