Dillinger Hütte's 325th birthday

Out-of-the-ordinary, too, when one remembers that Dillinger Hütte has existed with a constant corporate identity at the same location for more than three centuries. The iron and steelmaker took on the legal form of a joint stock corporation as early as 1809, and is today Germany's oldest existing company of this type. Three hundred and twenty-five years - such longevity could never be a matter of course. In its long and varied history, Dillinger Hütte has had to weather many storms, be they economic crises or political conflicts, adverse market conditions or ever toughening competition. Willingness to make long-term investments, rather than expectations of quick profits, a socially orientated corporate policy from the earliest days, a capability to adapt to changing conditions, the innovative spirit, and an emphasis on partnership with customers are the principles of an organically developed strategy characterized by sustainability and progress. Since the mid-20th century, Dillinger Hütte has concentrated on its core product: heavy plate. The company's long-term strategy has brought it its present-day status of one of Europe's - and the world's - leading producers of sophisticated heavy plate products that incorporate complex technological properties in extraordinary dimensions. Employees whose families have been with the company for four generations or more are no rarity - proof of the high level of identification with "us Hütt", as Dillinger Hütte is popularly known in the region, in which it knows itself to be in every sense "at home". The workforce's identification with the company, and their qualifications, combined with broad-based know-how, modern facilities and processes and Dillinger Hütte's continuing policy of high strategic investment, mark out the road into the future: Unceasing Commitment to Progress is the anniversary motto for this anniversary year. In view of the challenging economic conditions which confront Dillinger Hütte and many other steelmakers at present, the anniversary celebrations are to be kept on a responsible and rational scale, concentrating entirely on essentials: a "Partners' Day" for customers and business associates on September 2, 2010, featuring addresses and a platform discussion focusing on the subject of steel. And, the program highlight, Dillinger Hütte's "Anniversary Day" on September 5, 2010, when the management invites all employees and their families to an open-day in the plant, featuring numerous attractions for young and old.

Aktien-Gesellschaft der Dillinger Hüttenwerke: 325 years of dedication to progress

• A historical overview