In perfect weather, Schreiner Group this summer hosted its 20th traditional dunking celebration. Four apprentices were honored and symbolically purged of the “sins” committed during their apprenticeships this year. The dunking celebration is an important element of the international high-tech company’s training schedule and reflects the successful combination of tradition and innovation.

For two decades, Schreiner Group has been following a century-old tradition to celebrate the successful graduation of its technical apprentices: In keeping with that tradition, the event was musically opened and accompanied by the Schleissheim Palace Pipers. CEO Roland Schreiner welcomed the guests and subsequently turned the floor over to dunking master Daniel Jäger. Tongue-in-cheek, Jäger shared a few anecdotes describing the minor and major “sins” of the apprentices. Afterwards, the “dunkees” had the chance to take a deep breath before being submerged in the 600-liter vat and symbolically purged of the “sins” during their apprenticeships.

The dunking celebration that has been documented by the printing guild since the 16th century has a special significance for Schreiner Group. The company was founded 72 years ago by the grandparents of today’s CEO and is still in the family’s hands. Fittingly, Ulrike Schreiner, the mother of today’s CEO Roland Schreiner, celebrated her 80th birthday on the day of the dunking celebration. She is still working at Schreiner Group’s HR department and was honored by the entire workforce with a serenade, flowers, and a collage of photographs as the “soul of Schreiner Group.”