Power tools firm Festool has celebrated a milestone in the construction of its new £9.5 million UK HQ by holding a traditional German ‘Richtfest’.
For centuries in Germany, celebrations have taken place when a building structure reaches its highest point. This event, the first time a Richtfest has taken part in East Anglia, brought together Festool employees and staff involved in the construction including the contractor, Barnes Construction, the architect Pick Everard and the roofing specialists WIEHAG.
Introductory words were spoken before ‘Zimmermen’, who were both dressed in traditional German carpentry guild clothes, recited a poem. A toast was then taken, and the glass smashed on the building floor to symbolise good luck.
To finish off, nails were hammered and drilled into the final roof purlin before it was craned into place on the roof and fixed.
To also fit with tradition, the roof had a small decorated fir tree fixed to it, which in the true nature of neighbourly cooperation had been donated by Rougham Estates Nurseries who are located close to the site on the Suffolk Business Park.
All the guests then enjoyed a barbeque of German Beer and Sausages to finish off the event.