In the competition for the best skilled workers, the working environment is becoming increasingly important. Company restaurants are also increasingly taking centre stage. Today, however, they not only offer tasty, fresh and healthy meals. Canteens are also social meeting places where people can socialise in a pleasant atmosphere. This is precisely why great importance was attached to the top design of the company canteen in the new building of the SDK insurance group in Fellbach. And, of course, optimum equipment with state-of-the-art kitchen technology - for easy handling, stringent processes and therefore the best possible support for the kitchen team.
The SDK Insurance Group, based in Fellbach near Stuttgart, comprises three co-operative insurance companies: Süddeutsche Krankenversicherung, Süddeutsche Lebensversicherung and Süddeutsche Allgemeine Versicherung. Around 620 employees work at the site. The new company restaurant offers space for around 300 people for lunch. The kitchen planners from Profi-tabel Resultants supported SDK in the areas of design, canteen kitchen planning and the search for a new caterer. The canteen now has a stylish and very modern look. "We considered what type of office design would best suit the way we want and need to work in the future in order to remain a strong player on the market in an increasingly competitive environment," explains Benno Schmeing, board member and client of the new building project.
Numerous requirements had to be combined to create a harmonious overall concept. Differently designed areas - from large, long tables to cosy niches and a lounge - break up the company restaurant and allow for a quick snack as well as longer exchanges with colleagues. An area for bringing in food has been separated from the serving area. There is an open salad bar where you can choose your own salad; a water fountain has even been installed. However, the centrepiece is the open-plan cooking area, where guests can look over the professional chefs' shoulders. In the "show kitchen", they can see for themselves the freshness and quality of the products being prepared. Four FlexiChefs and four FlexiCombis from MKN support the team - and fit perfectly into the concept in terms of look, space and handling.
SDK was recognised as an "Employer of the Future" at the end of 2022. "Our strategy is to be there for our members as a health specialist, i.e. as a caretaker for all questions relating to health," commented Dr Ralf Kantak, SDK CEO. We at MKN are very pleased that we can contribute to this with our professional cooking technology.
