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“We want to create new jobs,” emphasize managing director Uwe Fernholz and son Til (operations manager). © Claudia Schulz
The city and the Fernholz company gave citizens the opportunity to comment on the plans following the presentation.
Meinerzhagen – It will probably be a few years before the first yoghurt pots find space in the new halls. The public hearing on Thursday evening, to which the city invited all interested citizens to the company’s location in the Ihne industrial estate, was about the land required by the W. and H. Fernholz company, or more precisely the 7.2 hectares of land. Around 20 residents, including the Valbert mayor Hans-Gerd Turck, used the event to get an impression of the goals and effects of the plans. Sabine Wagener from urban and regional planning Dr. Jansen GmbH (Cologne) and Friedrich Rothaar, head of the urban planning department (city of Meinerzhagen), explained the planning law and urban development requirements associated with the expansion of the area.
“Fernholz goes green”: companies and the city present plans
Resident Friedhelm Grigutsch supports the project, but is concerned about the lengthy construction work. © Claudia Schulz
Some adjustments are necessary so that the new production and warehouse halls can be built. Among other things, a legally established road traffic area that does not actually exist must be relocated. The corresponding preliminary development plan takes this into account as well as sustainable aspects for the protection, care and development of soil, nature and landscape. Topics that, for Fernholz, are inextricably linked to the corporate culture.
Sabine Wagener and Friedrich Rothaar explained the plans and effects. © Schulz, Claudia
With the “Fernholz goes green” initiative, the company focuses on contemporary, sustainable production and products that are up to 98 percent recyclable. Sustainability is also a focus when constructing the new buildings. This includes avoiding and reducing light and noise emissions as well as measures to protect against bird strikes. Ecological added value also applies to the architecture of the building and property: the roof, parking spaces and areas of the property that cannot be built over are greened. In view of climate change, the greening of systems for the retention and infiltration of rainwater is essential, not least in order to prevent the flooding of the small stream Ihne.
For the residents, the explanations seemed largely plausible. R. Wichmann was worried about possible noise emissions being exceeded. The resident demanded a noise report from the city and the company as well as appropriate preventive measures. Friedhelm Grigutsch supports the measures: “I only have concerns that the construction work will take a very long time.” He could be right, not only in view of the fact that the first hearing will be followed by various official participation and public hearings.
