This article is part of a series dedicated to Steelcase’s European factories, renowned for their industrial excellence, capacity for innovation, and commitment to the planet and local communities.

Innovation at Steelcase goes beyond technology and the environment; it’s also reflected in how people connect. The company’s European factories are places of social engagement, where employees and local communities are actively involved. Steelcase places people at the heart of its industrial model, through partnerships, community engagement, and educational projects.

Across Europe, Steelcase factories are committed to local communities, developing social initiatives that reflect the company’s values.

An Inclusive Partnership in Rosenheim

The Rosenheim site in Germany collaborates with the Caritas organization, which supports people with intellectual disabilities. “The goal is to offer them stable and rewarding work by entrusting them with the production of various elements for the factory, such as accessory kits or cable outlet boxes,” says Klement Manzinger, Materials Management Manager. These parts are then integrated into finished products, directly contributing to the industrial value chain.

Sarrebourg: Building Bonds with the Region

At the Sarrebourg factory in France, social engagement takes several forms. The factory supports a small local sewing business by providing fabric scraps, offering machine maintenance assistance, and providing training opportunities. Various disability awareness activities are also organized, and the maintenance of green spaces has been entrusted to a local organization that supports people with disabilities, as part of a long-term partnership. “What drives us is creating strong bonds with local stakeholders, providing real technical and human support,” explains Anne Brun, a member of the Human Resources team and of Changemakers Sarrebourg. “These partnerships give real meaning to our industrial activity.”

The factory also maintains regular exchanges with a nearby middle school, donating materials for art projects and organizing educational visits to the site’s biodiversity area. This nurtures the values of sustainability and innovation in future generations.

“What drives us is creating strong bonds with local stakeholders, providing real technical and human support.”

Anne BrunChangemakers team representative, Sarrebourg

Stříbro: A Factory at the Heart of Its Community

In Stříbro, Czech Republic, the factory also maintains a close and lasting relationship with the local community. Each year, it welcomes final-year interns from regional vocational schools. These young people, from technical fields such as electrical engineering or maintenance, spend several weeks alongside experienced mentors, gaining valuable experience and contributing to daily operations. Thanks to the initiative of committed employees and Steelcase grants, two community projects have recently been launched: replanting a school garden in the nearby village of Hradec with fruit trees, and equipping local volunteer firefighters with essential safety equipment. “These projects are driven by the energy and commitment of our teams,” says Martina Vycichlova, HR Director at the Stříbro factory. “They illustrate our desire to strengthen ties with the local community and support causes with strong social impact.”

Steelcase chooses a human-centered industry, rooted in local communities and attentive to their needs. By valuing local partnerships, supporting inclusion, and passing on its values to younger generations, the company gives real meaning to its industrial activity. In turn, European factories become places of social engagement, where innovation goes hand in hand with solidarity and responsibility.