High Esteem with Deep Drilling

"In 2024, I bought out the company from the corporate group together with a partner because different views had developed," says Rimt Wortberg. "The business is tailored to me, I know the entire staff and want to fulfill my social responsibility and be able to offer security for the future. With Dr. Hauke Anbergen, I have found an experienced partner with the same mindset. Together we have found a succession solution that satisfies all parties. Dr. Anbergen works from Hamburg and is 15 years younger; the succession is thus settled. This perspective is very important for the employees." 

Getting to the bottom of things 

The portfolio of Thade Gerdes also has perspective; it includes two main pillars: drilling piles for small and medium-sized construction projects and soil explorations, which involve drilling with sample collection and penetrometer tests to determine the consolidation of the subsoil. "We are investigating corridors and power lines planned for new offshore energy cables," says Rimt Wortberg. "Because these large cables carry high-voltage electricity that generates heat, these soil investigations are necessary."
 

Honest, down-to-earth, high-performing

Thade Gerdes has successfully positioned himself as an expert in the demanding drilling operations on a highly specialized niche market. 'At first, we were laughed at, eventually noticed, and finally respected,' says Rimt Wortberg. 'Today, we are twice as large as many competitors and one of the largest drilling companies in Northern Germany.' According to Rimt Wortberg, the right mindset and the right employees are responsible for this success story - those who continue their education and are motivated to satisfy customers and advance the company. 'We began training early on,' emphasizes Rimt Wortberg. 'Today, we benefit from this as the skilled labor shortage presents major challenges to companies. Our team has an average age of 35 years; many have ten years of experience or more in the industry, which clients highly appreciate.' Even though Thade Gerdes started focusing on training early, the company knows from its own experience how difficult it is to find skilled workers, especially well drillers. Campaigns on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn help in the search for suitable personnel. To retain them long-term, Thade Gerdes offers a whole package of attractive benefits 'beyond the fruit basket,' as Rimt Wortberg points out. These include offerings from the areas of company pension schemes, bike leasing, or dental supplementary insurances. 'We want to provide our employees with security and stability and ensure that they enjoy working with us. Since I myself worked on assembly for many years, I am familiar with the problems on construction sites. We place great emphasis on a respectful relationship with each other, recognize the performance of our employees, and reward it. At the same time, we are open to criticism and suggestions for improvement.'
 

Holding on and Letting Go

Solid know-how is just one advantage of the company. Reliability and honesty are added to this. "Customers know what they have in us," says Rimt Wortberg. "As down-to-earth East Frisians, we make no false promises." Last but not least, it is the demanding portfolio that makes municipalities, energy companies, construction companies, and private individuals loyal customers. "Customers increasingly want services from a single source," explains Rimt Wortberg. "That's why we not only manage our crews outside, but often also smaller subcontractors who cannot or do not want to handle the complex organization and documentation. With us, they have a partner by their side who takes care of all that, guarantees quality, and delivers on time." As a competent partner for drilling foundation analyses, Thade Gerdes wants to continue to grow moderately and differentiate itself through quality – profound and informative. Currently, the company is engaged in demanding major projects, and in the medium and long term, a strong brand is to be established with Thade Gerdes. Rimt Wortberg, who has turned his hobby into a profession, hopes that the employees share his passion for the business. And he knows how important it is to give trust, offer opportunities for development – and to let go.