80 years of sera: A day full of emotions, encounters and future prospects

On 28 May 2025, the sera Group celebrated its 80th anniversary - with a celebration that impressively combined the past, present and future. Over 150 invited guests experienced an emotional celebration at midday in our remodelled Hall G7, which seamlessly transitioned into a large family and staff party with over 800 visitors.

A celebration with many voices and strong messages

Carsten Rahier, President & Executive Chair of the sera Group, welcomed the guests and gave the keynote speech. He emphasised how important it is for an independent company to take responsibility for people and the environment - while remaining firmly rooted in the region.

A short film about the planting of the 80th tree in the new sera forest marked the transition to another important future project: the company's own forest near Immenhausen, which is to grow as a place of learning and remembrance. A tree was planted for every year of company history - the anniversary tree was planted the day before the celebration. The citizens of Immenhausen also have the opportunity to plant trees in the sera forest on special occasions (e.g. for births or marriages).

This was followed by warm and varied words of welcome - embedded in a musical supporting programme by singer and pianist Nicole Jukic from:

  • Mark Weinmeister, District President
  • Lars Obermann, Mayor of the town of Immenhausen
  • Nanne Jellesma, long-standing business friend from the Netherlands
  • Stefan Stiegel, Managing Partner of RSE+
  • Coralie Zilch, Managing Director of AGV Nordhessen

All speakers emphasised the impressive development of the sera Group and the valuable contribution that the company makes to the region, its employees and the environment.

Particularly personal: the presentation of gifts, including two pictures by Lars Obermann and Stefan Stiegel - as well as a creative work of art by the staff: a painted tree with fingerprints of all employees as leaves. In addition, the three partners of the sera Group - Irena, Elena and Carsten Rahier - were presented with a large anniversary cake with the official "80 years of sera" logo.

The festive event was rounded off with a diverse video message from the international sera locations and the presentation of a project close to the Rahier Foundation's heart. Jan Sauerwald (Director of Grimmwelt Kassel) presented the "Leserei" - the first sponsored project of the newly established Rahier Foundation. This had its official launch during the celebration - the tombola proceeds of several thousand euros will flow entirely into this educational project.

Encounters, music and enthusiasm

From the afternoon onwards, the company premises were transformed into a cheerful family party. The Urban Swing Workers accompanied the arrival of the guests with music, before the Madison Event Band provided a colourful mix of pop, rock and pop songs in the evening, ensuring a great atmosphere and a full dance floor throughout.

Another highlight: the sports talk on stage. sera not only supports MT Melsungen, but also the German heptathlete Vanessa Grimm. In an entertaining interview with presenter Nick Dippel, Grimm and MT player Aaron Mensing talked about their everyday sporting lives and their motivation.

For big & small - the full programme

The organising team paid particular attention to an extensive children's programme that left nothing to be desired: Bouncy castle, football darts, games mobile, face painting, painting station, candy bar and of course ice cream from Taranto, apple strudel from BDKS and colourful donuts from Deezy Donuts made children's eyes light up - and their parents happy.

Caterer Grischäfer catered for the physical well-being of all guests with a diverse range of food - from savoury to sweet, there was something for every taste.

Sustainability brought to life

With the sustainability marketplace, trainees and students impressively presented how sustainability is lived at sera. Four project teams presented interactive models and activities relating to digitalisation, energy efficiency, social sustainability and water treatment - practical, creative and future-oriented.

A day that stays

Whether festive or exuberant, thoughtful or full of laughter - this anniversary celebration was a day that connected people and brought sera's values to life: Innovation, responsibility, community.

A big thank you to all the speakers who contributed with their words to making it a special and unforgettable anniversary celebration and to all the guests, partners, employees and contributors - for 80 unforgettable years and a day that will inspire our future.

YESTERDAY - TODAY - TOMORROW.

Picture gallery: Impressions – 80years sera Group