Celebrating the 35th Work Anniversary of Thomas Kraus-Weyermann
We recently had the pleasure of celebrating a very special occasion: Thomas Kraus-Weyermann is marking 35 years with our traditional family-owned company.
At the invitation of the Weyermann® management team, the Weyermann family, employees, long-standing companions, partners, and guests gathered to honor this extraordinary anniversary together.
At the heart of the celebration were two highly personal speeches.
They reflected on the shared journey of the past three and a half decades and provided insights into many significant moments in the company’s history.
<strong>35 Years of Milestones</strong>
In his speech, Thomas Kraus-Weyermann took those in attendance on a journey through his career at Weyermann®.
The starting point was a question posed by his wife, Sabine Weyermann.
While traveling from Erlangen to Bamberg, she asked him:
“What was actually your most memorable experience during the past 35 years?”
It quickly became clear that this question could not be answered with a single event.
Instead, countless special moments have come together to form an impressive overall picture.
Thomas Kraus-Weyermann recalled his arrival in Bamberg at the end of December 1990 and the birth of Franziska Weyermann.
He also looked back on his first years in the malting business and the warm welcome he received from Sabine Weyermann and Ludwig Popp.
From the very beginning, both placed their trust in him and accompanied him in his new responsibilities.
Thomas Kraus-Weyermann then highlighted numerous construction and future-oriented projects that continue to shape Weyermann® today.
Important milestones included the approval and construction of the new germination boxes, steeping plant and kiln, the establishment of the Heinz Weyermann® Roasted Malt Beer Brewery, and the first export activities in North America.
The integration of the Haßfurt site into the Weyermann® family, the expansion of roasted and caramel malt production through Roaster VI and Roaster VII, and the extensive development of the roasting facility were also significant steps along this shared path.
The construction of the Weyermann® Loading and Shipping Hub provided the family-owned company with the capacity needed for its continued international growth.
For Thomas Kraus-Weyermann, both the groundbreaking ceremony and the commissioning of the facility in 2005 remain particularly memorable highlights.
Further milestones included the construction of the modern central laboratory, the acquisition and successful development of the Leesau site, and the creation of the Weyermann® Visitors Center with its integrated distillery.
In very personal words, Thomas Kraus-Weyermann recalled Franziska Weyermann’s graduation and her entry into the management team.
For Sabine Weyermann and himself, this marked a significant moment.
Since then, the fifth generation has actively helped shape the future of the family business.
The anniversary honoree also reflected on the development of Plant 3 with the Weyermann® Pilot Brewery, the Weyermann® Craft Bakery, and the commercial administration offices.
Additional milestones included the introduction of SAP, the new bagging facility in Haßfurt, the acquisition and extensive modernization of the Clingen site, and the expansion of logistics capacities on Böttgerstraße.
Thomas Kraus-Weyermann described the planning and construction of the Weyermann® Roasted Malt Cathedral as an exceptional highlight.
Many years of preparation went into this project.
The delivery of the roasting drums on December 22, 2022, remains particularly memorable to him.
Among the most recent projects are the malt flour mill at the Weyermann® Loading and Shipping Hub, which went into operation in 2025, as well as investments at the Haßfurt site, including the renovation of the façade and expansion of the water supply infrastructure.
At the conclusion of his retrospective, Thomas Kraus-Weyermann emphasized that there is no single greatest moment from the past 35 years.
He enjoyed every one of these special milestones.
He expressed his sincere gratitude to his family, employees, partners, consultants, long-time architect Karlheinz Bottler, and everyone who accompanied him on this journey and contributed to the many projects.
<strong>Honoring a Visionary and Family Man</strong>
Following his speech, Sabine Weyermann addressed her husband and long-time companion with warm and appreciative words.
She described Thomas Kraus-Weyermann as a visionary, a strategic thinker, and an exceptionally reliable individual.
His ability to recognize opportunities early and to anticipate developments far into the future has had a lasting impact on Weyermann®.
International markets, the craft beer movement, and investments in modern production and logistics facilities are examples of decisions that required courage at the time and today represent key elements of the company’s successful development.
Sabine Weyermann also emphasized her husband’s strategic mindset.
Thomas Kraus-Weyermann combines ideas with clear plans and focuses not only on individual years but on future generations.
He keeps the bigger picture in mind while giving his full attention to every detail.
She paid special tribute to his calmness, prudence, and reliability.
Even in challenging times, he carefully analyzes situations, evaluates options, and develops clear solutions.
In doing so, he provides guidance and confidence to employees, customers, and his family alike.
Beyond his business achievements, Sabine Weyermann described her husband above all as a family man.
Unity, trust, and responsibility are values he lives every day.
These values also shape the corporate culture of Weyermann®.
With great gratitude, Sabine Weyermann reflected on 35 shared years at the helm of our family-owned malthouse.
She honored the many decisions, ideas, and successes through which Thomas Kraus-Weyermann has significantly shaped the development of the family business.
<strong>A Special Gift with Personal Maturation Time</strong>
The Research and Development Department prepared an extraordinary gift.
The team presented Thomas Kraus-Weyermann with a small wooden cask filled with whisky new make made from 100% Weyermann® Isaria 1924® Malt.
The gift combines expertise, enjoyment, and a personal challenge.
Thomas Kraus-Weyermann can continue maturing the new make in the cask at home and complete his very own whisky.
This unique present will remind him of his 35th work anniversary long after the celebration has ended.
<strong>Culinary Delights and Favorite Beers</strong>
Our customer Delikatessen Müller from Bamberg delighted guests with a varied selection of hot and cold specialties.
The evening began with a non-alcoholic Weyermann® Weyerol® aperitif.
A selection of beer specialties reflecting Thomas Kraus-Weyermann’s personal preferences was also served:
Weyermann® No. 17 Eraclea Pilsner
Weyermann® No. 1 Schlotfegerla
Weyermann® No. 54 Ick bin Himbeere
Weyermann® No. 69 Meet me at the Festzelt
Bamberger Hofbräu Rotbier
Bamberger Hofbräu Helles
In a convivial atmosphere, guests reflected on many shared experiences and exchanged personal memories.
The anniversary celebration concluded pleasantly with excellent food and carefully selected beverages.
The entire Weyermann® team warmly congratulates Thomas Kraus-Weyermann on his 35th work anniversary.
We thank Thomas Kraus-Weyermann for his vision, reliability, consistency, and his lasting contribution to our family-owned company.
We look forward to many more shared years at Weyermann® Malt!
