Anja Walthart doing sightseeing in the city Querétaro

Diversity from five o’clock in the morning

Apr 8, 2025

Different people from all over the world work for the Dürr Group. The company develops them according to their interests, skills, and needs. One example is Anja Walthart, who has been Director of Engineering at Dürr Mexico for about one year. She talks about her journey there and everyday life in the big city of Querétaro.

My working day often starts at five in the morning. Then I work on the first e-mails at home before my daughter wakes up. Due to the time difference, this is also the best opportunity to arrange appointments with colleagues in Germany.

But from the beginning: 13 years ago, I started a work-study program in mechanical engineering at Dürr in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany. It comprised theory semesters at the university and practical semesters at the company. I really liked the mix. During my studies, I was able to gain international experience with Dürr. I completed a practical part in the USA and later spent a semester abroad in Denmark.

After graduating, I started my first permanent job in 2015. As the central contact person for SAP in Engineering, I was the link between the IT department and the users. Almost three years later, I moved to a project for the reduction of costs in the painting and systems business. Here, I supported various modules related to engineering. It was an exciting task, not least because I had a lot to do with top management.

Graphic of Germany — First station: Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany

Study for a Master’s degree at the weekends

I wanted to gain further qualifications and go on to study for a Master’s degree. But I didn’t like the thought of being a full-time student. A part-time distance learning course suited me better. I worked in my job for two years and studied for my degree in Technology and Innovation Management in the evenings and at weekends. I was able to take three months off for my Master’s thesis. This was possible because we can accumulate overtime in a long-term work account and then use it for various purposes.

After that, I took on my first team leader position. Shortly after, our daughter was born. It was a chaotic time, but we are able to organize ourselves well. My husband also works for Dürr. This allowed us to go abroad together.

Anja Walthart with an employee in the production hall — Between home, office, and production: As Director of Engineering, Anja Walthart is always on the move — from one appointment to the next.

In 2022, we went to the USA for two years — near Detroit, where Dürr Systems is based in the USA. We were able to make contact with the local people very quickly. We have become such good friends with one American family that they still invite us over for a traditional turkey dinner at Thanksgiving.
My job in the USA built on my work in Germany. I was responsible for the virtual configuration of products. As different standards apply in the American market and other materials are commonly used, I worked with the team to adapt the product configurators.

After that, we made the move to Mexico almost seamlessly. We now live in Querétaro, around three hours away from the capital. As Director of Engineering, I am in charge of two departments with 42 people. Among other things, we are responsible for modernizing the paint shops of major car manufacturers in Mexico. We also support other Dürr locations in building new paint shops. In addition to day-to-day business, I also want to improve internal processes and interfaces, and modernize product development and our working methods.

When I started in Mexico, I didn’t know a word of Spanish. I did an intensive course and now I understand almost everything. When it comes to speaking, I want to get even better. Sometimes I start a sentence in Spanish and finish it in English. My Mexican colleagues are patient and help me as much as they can — linguistically, but also with other matters.

Graphic of USA — Second station: Southfield, USA

Anja Walthart enjoying Mexican food — Tacos and training: Anja Walthart has learned to appreciate the varied Mexican cuisine.

Anja Walthart doing CrossFit(R) — She finds her balance in exercise by doing CrossFit®.

I am sure that when we are old, we will look back fondly on this time — and be grateful that the company gave us the opportunity to have such wonderful experiences.

Anja Walthart, Director of Engineering at Dürr Mexico

I think about work, the others dance

Mexico has a different working culture to Germany. If necessary, work is done at night and at the weekends. Although my employees are very disciplined, they also live completely in the moment. At company parties, they have a lot of fun singing and dancing. It’s not so easy for me, because I often start thinking about the next working day in the evening. But I think it’s a nice trait to be able to let go like that.

I had to get used to the fact that communication is not always direct. In Mexico, people don’t like to say no to things. If you mean “no,” you answer something like: “I will do it tomorrow.” I’ve learned not to take that literally.

We have settled in well and are enjoying the adventure. People are open, so it’s easy to make nice acquaintances. I have joined a CrossFit® group and train with them regularly. There is never a weekend when we’re not invited somewhere, whether it’s a barbecue or an excursion in the area. In general, eating together is at the heart of all events. Fortunately, Mexican cuisine is varied and delicious.
I am sure that when we are old, we will look back fondly on this time — and be grateful that the company gave us the opportunity to have such wonderful experiences.

Graphic of Mexico — Third station: Querétaro, Mexico

Career paths in the Dürr Group

A career in the Dürr Group can be as diverse as you are. We support our employees in their personal and professional development, regardless of the phase of their career. We promote their strengths so that they can develop their full potential with us.

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Former and current apprentices share their experiences over four decades: → Shaping tomorrow, starting today
Two Dürr trainees spent time abroad as part of their trainee program and gained valuable experiences: → Next stop: Abroad
Career at the Dürr Group: → Once an apprentice, now an instructor
Meet our → employees from all over the world