Craft Enterprises and Partners of the Foundation “HandWerk stiftet Zukunft”

The foundation “HandWerk stiftet Zukunft” is supported by a wide range of companies, guilds, and enterprises active in the skilled trades, energy supply, wholesale, and building technology. Some are manufacturers, others service providers, wholesalers, or specialist craft businesses. Below we present some of our key partner companies, as publicly known:

WILO SE

Industry / Activity: Mechanical engineering – especially pump systems. Wilo develops, produces, and markets pumps and pumping system solutions for building services, water management, and industry.

Size / Relevance: With over 9,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues in the billions, Wilo is an international industry leader. While not a traditional craft business, Wilo plays a crucial role as a global technology partner, influencing the skilled trades through product innovation, research & development, and industry standards.

Connection to the trades / training: Wilo’s products are used daily in heating, cooling, ventilation, and water supply systems by craft businesses. Knowledge of pump technology, efficiency, maintenance, and installation is essential for apprentices and professionals alike, making Wilo an important partner in vocational training.

Vaillant Group

Industry / Activity: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), hot water, and renewable energy – including heat pumps, condensing boilers, and solar thermal systems.

Company profile: A family-owned company headquartered in Remscheid with several production and R&D sites across Europe and in China. Strong focus on innovation and efficiency.

Impact on the trades: Vaillant provides not only products, but also training partnerships, service, spare parts, and continuing education. For craft businesses, Vaillant is a trusted partner in installation, maintenance, and modernization. Apprentices gain valuable insights into how state-of-the-art heating systems work and what matters during installation and servicing.

GASAG AG

Industry / Activity: Energy supply, particularly gas and electricity for the Berlin-Brandenburg region.

Services & Role: Beyond traditional energy supply, GASAG offers green energy solutions, intelligent metering systems, consulting, and decentralized energy concepts.

Relevance for the trades & training: Craft enterprises in gas, heating, and water installation frequently work with GASAG products and services. For apprentices such as plant mechanics and installers, knowledge of gas supply, regulations, and system components is indispensable. GASAG also supports training projects, internships, and industry partnerships.

mf Mercedöl GmbH (Berlin)

Industry / Activity: Specialist craft company in Berlin/Brandenburg, active in heating, sanitary, and ventilation technology – offering installation, maintenance, and project services for both small and large clients.

Company profile: A family-owned business with a 60-year tradition, over 150 employees, its own fleet, and in-house planning and execution capacity.

Innovation & Digitalization: mf Mercedöl is a pioneer in digital processes, using software solutions (DATEV), electronic invoicing (ZUGFeRD), and equipping mobile technicians with tablets.

Training: The company provides apprenticeships in trades such as electronics technician for energy and building technology, and plant mechanic for sanitary, heating, and air conditioning systems. Apprentices benefit from practical expertise and modern workflows.

Bär & Ollenroth KG (Group)

Industry / Activity: Wholesale distribution for building technology, industrial supplies, and electrical materials.

Reach & Locations: Multiple branches in Berlin, Brandenburg, Potsdam, and beyond, supplying craft businesses with tools, materials, spare parts, and equipment.

Services: In addition to logistics and product distribution, Bär & Ollenroth organizes training programs, product innovation showcases, and consulting services for building technology companies.

Working together to strengthen the skilled trades

These partners represent different segments:

• Manufacturers (Vaillant, Wilo)

• Energy providers (GASAG)

• Craft enterprises and service providers (mf Mercedöl)

• Wholesale and distribution (Bär & Ollenroth)

Together, they contribute to:

• Supplying quality materials and technologies to craft businesses

• Supporting apprenticeships and professional training

• Driving innovation and digitalization

• Creating jobs and regional economic impact, especially in Berlin and Brandenburg

• Building strong networks and cooperation through guilds, training, and partnerships.