Europe´s coolest knowledge factory is in Gurten

Fill Future Lab: The successful machine engineering company is fostering digital talent and innovative spirit with play, fun, and enthusiasm.

 

In the form of the Future Lab, Fill has created a knowledge factory which is unparalleled in Europe. Children, young people, and the young at heart can acquaint themselves with technologies of the future in an interactive way and with the help of the latest technology. Exciting topics covering all aspects of research, innovation, and technology are conveyed in an age-appropriate manner. Over a thousand children and young people experienced the Future Lab at first hand last year. Apart from gaining insights into the future, they were also able to acquire some of tomorrow´s skills and discover their talents.

 

Gurten, November 22, 2021 – The Future Lab at Fill´s facility in Gurten, Upper Austria is a think tank for generations aged 3 to 65+. Covering 140 square meters, it is not only a knowledge and learning workshop, but also a creative space with eight laboratories for inquisitive explorers. "We cover all age groups with a wide range of workshops and events. Young people are a particular focus here, naturally in cooperation with schools and educational institutions. An occupancy rate of almost 100 percent in the first year was overwhelming. Many dates for 2022 are already fully booked. The high demand is extremely pleasing and confirms we are on the right track in implementing this open ideas factory," explains Andreas Fill, CEO and proprietor of Fill Machine Engineering.

 

"Can you stay the night here?"

Eight laboratories are available to the inquisitive explorers in the Future Lab. The offerings are tailored to the individual needs of attendees – from the experience program for three- to ten year-olds through to the advanced workshop for Future Lab experts. Around 60 training events have been held in recent months, meeting with much enthusiasm from the participating children and young people. Here is a sample of the feedback from two of the youngest visitors: "Like school, just soooo much cooler!" and "Can you stay the night here?"

 

Strong network

The Future Lab is also open to cooperation partners from business, research, and educational institutions. This results in joint projects with regional relevance, which lead to networking of the different stakeholders. The entire program is being followed by three master´s theses, four bachelor theses, and one HAK degree thesis. "Our aim is to get as many young people as possible interested in the world of technology and thereby counteract the skills shortage in the long term. The larger the network, the more successful we will be," says Andreas Fill.

 

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 950 employees. “Wir sind 1! 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 is managed by Andreas Fill (CEO), Martin Reiter (CSO), Alois Wiesinger (CTO) and Günter Redhammer (COO). In 2020, Fill recorded sales of around 144 million euros.

 

Legend:

Various robots, including Alpha, Cozmo, and Dash, are available to participants in the Future Lab for programming and controlling movement sequences.

 

Photo:

Fill Machine Engineering (free)

https://www.fill.co.at/en/fill/news/europes-coolest-knowledge-factory-is-in-gurten/1101i1n729.html