MEDIA

Gravel parking lot is transformed into flower meadow with bionic lab

11.11.2024

Fill is currently renaturalizing an area of 10,000 m2 previously used as a parking lot at the Gurten site and constructing the BEE-O LAB, where bees will play a key role.

On October 21, 2024, the second construction stage of the multifunctional Power Cube multi-storey parking lot was officially launched at machine engineering specialist Fill and released for use by employees. On the same day, the ground-breaking event took place for Fill's latest project: the BEE-O LAB. The outdoor lab represents a logical next step with regard to the company's activities in the STEM fields (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology). The new lab focuses on natural sciences with a particular emphasis on “bionics”. Six stations, the connecting paths of which resemble a honeycomb when viewed from a bird's eye view, are waiting to be discovered. An interactive educational trail is designed to give all visitors - whether they are technophiles or not - a fascinating insight into the transition from nature as a role model to technology.

Gurten, 11 November 2024 – “Humans can learn a lot from nature, and this is where bionics, the interdisciplinary research field dealing with the transfer of natural phenomena to technology, plays a crucial role. We wish to illustrate this in our new lab in a partly playful manner,” explains owner and CEO Andreas Fill at the ground-breaking event. With the BEE-O LAB, Fill is consistently continuing its strategy - which was successfully kicked off with the unique Future Lab - of making the fascinating world of technology an exciting experience for both the young and the young at heart. “There are many ways to get young people excited about technology and thereby awaken their interest and foster their talents,” continues Andreas Fill.

Awakening an interest in technology at an early age
The target group of the new lab comprises children between the ages of 6 and 13. School excursions and other cooperative activities are planned in collaboration with educational institutions in the region. In addition, the six stations of the BEE-O LAB will also be open to the public. Construction of the project was launched at the end of October 2024. The flower meadow, including the six honeycomb-shaped stations as central elements, is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2025. Whether there will also be beehives on the “Meadow of Lazy Filli” and who will take care of them is still being discussed. In any case, Fill is once again showcasing its creativity with the implementation of the BEE-O LAB project, not only in its core business of machine engineering, but also in innovative information and educational offers for young people.

Corporate Data
Fill is a leading international machine engineering company based in Gurten, Upper Austria. With sophisticated high-tech systems and custom manufacturing solutions for metal, plastics and wood, Fill makes its customers the best in their fields. The automotive, aviation, sports and building industries all benefit from Fill’s expertise. Since it was founded in 1966, the company has distinguished itself through enormous innovative strength, strong values and the best jobs. “If you are seeking the best solution, shape your future with Fill” is the guiding principle of the company’s more than 1,000 employees. “We are one!” is their vision and stands for togetherness not only with the team, but also with customers, suppliers and partners. The company is 100 percent family-owned and managed by Andreas Fill (CEO), Martin Reiter (CFO), Alois Wiesinger (CTO) and Günter Redhammer (COO). In 2023, Fill recorded sales of around 210 million euros.

Caption:
An area of 10,000 m2 previously used as a parking lot is being renaturalized at the Fill site in Gurten, Upper Austria. It will be transformed into a flower meadow with a bionic laboratory.

Photo:
Fill Maschinenbau (free)