DBS Breakout 2024

In today's work environment, where remote work and regional distances are often the standard, the need for personal exchange becomes increasingly important. This is where our annual "DBS Breakout" comes in: the perfect opportunity for all employees to break out of their daily routines and experience something together as a team. This year's event, which took place for the third consecutive time, was once again a huge success and an experience that will surely be remembered.

Historical insights at the Krefeld Sewage Treatment Plant

In the morning after breakfast, we set off with anticipation on the bus to our destination: the historic sewage treatment plant in Krefeld. This industrial monument has an intriguing history. During a guided tour of the entire site, we gained fascinating insights into the development of wastewater technology and the challenges faced over the last decades: built in 1909, the plant was actively in use until 1962. It weathered both World Wars almost undamaged and remained preserved even after its decommissioning. Until the 1990s, the sewage treatment plant served as a wastewater-pumping station and artists' studio. After that, it was an empty “lost place” for almost 20 years, gradually being reclaimed by nature until it was rediscovered in 2018. Since then, it has been modernized with great passion and is now available for events and team activities.

Crafting skills meet team spirit in “Soapbox Car Building”

After a delicious lunch, the creative part of the day began. Divided into three teams, all participants were tasked with building and designing their own soapbox cars. A soapbox car refers to a small, often homemade vehicle that is typically gravity-powered and raced down hills or courses, promoting creativity and teamwork among participants. So at this point, our crafting skills and creativity were especially important.

To make the soapbox cars even more unique, the teams could earn additional materials through an automotive quiz. For each correct answer to a quiz question, they could earn coins that could be exchanged for extras in the "shop." The seller was quite negotiable, adding extra fun to the activity.

After the successful TÜV inspection of the soapbox cars, nothing stood in the way of qualifying for the big race. A round on the grounds of the sewage treatment plant ultimately determined the day's winner. However, in the end, everyone was a winner, as the focus was primarily on the shared fun and experiencing team spirit.

Relaxed conclusion and thanks to the organizer

As we enjoyed grilled delicacies and good conversations, we concluded the evening in a relaxed atmosphere before heading back home by bus.

A special thanks goes to our organizer Bianca, who made this team event possible. Her efforts once again contributed to an unforgettable "DBS Breakout." We are already looking forward to next year and the upcoming adventures that await us. Until then, we will cherish the memory of an extraordinary day that brought us all closer together.