Anybody making their way to the Lebensgarten company in Adorf often feels hungry all of a sudden: the aroma of sweet delicacies often wafts along the street. This is where Matthias Ilgmann is to be found. He is the factory manager monitoring the production of biscuits, muesli, chocolate and wafers - all with organic quality.

"Our production has been ecological and sustainable from the outset," he emphasises. He has been here from the very start too - he was, in fact, the first employee when the factory started operating in 2002. This was when Matthias Ilgmann returned to his Vogtland roots after spending "years travelling around", as he puts it. Looking back today, he explains, "You can commute when you're young. But then you reach an age when you have to make a decision: return home or put down roots somewhere else. 13 years ago, there was not a great deal going on and it's important for me to support our Vogtland region and home area." He actually comes from one of the most attractive towns in the Vogtland region: Erlbach.

The man from Erlbach returns home

Matthias Ilgmann now knows that his decision to return was correct. The 43-year-old manages a company with 200 employees, following four building extension phases. The company produces or processes muesli, biscuits and wafer items and many more at a site measuring 17,000 square metres. The Lebensgarten firm in Adorf is an affiliated company of the Franconian firm Minderleinsmühle GmbH & Co KG with its managing director Andreas Hubmann. Ilgmann says,

"It didn't do any harm to move away while I was young. That makes you independent and I learned to appreciate my home even more."

Delicious food has always been part of his life; after training to be a baker and completing his military service, he decided to study to become a state certified food technician in Dippoldiswalde from 1994 onwards. After completing the course in 1996, he worked at a flour mill in Landshut for six years; it is Germany's largest processor of organic cereals. But he never lost contact with Erlbach. "The people here tend to be conservative and have strong local ties." He had a strong circle of friends from the very start. "The fire brigade, the winter sports association, the football club - I was part of the social fabric - through my family and friends too. And I'd rather be a local than a newcomer." Anyone who has experienced a parish fair in Erlbach, a traditional Vogtland festival, or the winter sports events at the Kegelberg hill will know how well social integration works in Erlbach.

He adds, “As far as my career was concerned, I wanted to join a company that thinks in a sustainable and long-term way. Lebensgarten is a modern, medium-sized production firm, which offers a variety of opportunities. Good skilled workers are always welcome.”

Eight young people are currently trainees in Adorf – some are completing their classic training course, others qualifying as master craftsmen or women and others are involved in a sandwich course. Matthias Ilgmann says, “The organic food sector is undergoing a boom.” He adds, “I hope Lebensgarten will continue to develop in a positive way.”

He can only recommend the Vogtland region from a private point of view too. “There are many opportunities. They include the wide range of leisure and cultural facilities, the exploration tours in Musicon Valley and the spa towns, all set in beautiful surroundings.”

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