Ergonomics with impact: How LIPA and Treston are building truly inclusive production workstations

A business that is breaking new ground

Founded in 2018 in Dornburg, LIPA Lichtpartner GmbH develops and delivers energy-efficient lighting concepts. In manufacturing, precision and reliability are essential — every movement and every step in the process must be right. Like many manufacturing factories, LIPA also feels the pressure of a growing shortage of skilled workers.

Rather than relying solely on the traditional labour market, Managing Director Christian Kegler chose a different approach: deliberately bringing people with physical limitations into production. Not as a compromise, but as a strategic decision. The Integration Office of the Landeswohlfahrtsverband (LWV) Hessen supported the initiative with guidance and targeted funding.

The perfect moment to embed that vision into real work environment from the very beginning, not as a retrofit late, was when LIPA built its new site in 2021.

"For us, the decision was clear: we didn’t just want to tackle the skills shortage. We wanted to give people a real, long-term perspective at work,” says Christian Kegler, Managing Director of LIPA Lichtpartner.
 

Workstations that adapt to people—not the other way round

The requirements for the new workstations were clear: support high-precision manufacturing, adjust easily to a wide range of physical needs, and keep production safe and stable over the long term. Ergonomics could not come at the expense of productivity, making the choice of partner critical.

What LIPA needed was a robust modular solution. One that could adjust for different individual requirements and scale at any point as requirements evolve.

"Our goal was to create a solution that meets both ergonomic needs and supports production processes, while offering flexibility to grow with the company over the long term,” says Martin Wetzler, Project Lead at Treston Germany, who implemented the project with LIPA.
 

Modular Treston workstations, tailored to individual needs

Working with Treston, LIPA created a workstation set-up that combines flexibility and function. At the heart of the solution is the electrically height-adjustable Treston Concept workbench, which allows each station to be set precisely for the individual in seconds, whether seated or standing, with or without physical limitations.

Each workbench is complemented by a carefully selected range of accessories, supporting functionality, safety, and organised working.

• Concept workbench with electric height adjustment
• Workstation-integrated power rails
• ESD mats to improve handling of electrostatic safety
• Drawer units for ergonomic storage of tools and materials
• Ergonomic work chairs

The result is a well-unified system that not only meets ergonomic requirements but also satisfies the high quality and precision standards in lighting manufacturing. Each workstation can be configured independently of the others, creating individual solutions within a unified framework. Here, ergonomics and efficiency don’t compete; they complement each other.

We received consultation on workstations that adapt to employees’ health needs and that was exactly aligned with our requirements. From the very beginning, working with Mr Wetzler was collaborative and solution-oriented. Katharina Burbach, LIPA Lichtpartner.

Stable production, satisfied employees — A model others can follow

At LIPA, these modular, tailored workstations deliver exactly what they were designed to do: enable people with different physical capabilities to take a lasting, equal place in the production process. Low-strain workflows, safe working conditions and the ability to reconfigure each station at any time create a set-up where people can perform for the long term—and feel good doing it.

Production output remains consistent — an essential factor for a company that depends on maximum precision. Ergonomics and efficiency do not contradict each other here,  they strengthen one another.

The project also underlines a key point: commercial success and social responsibility can go hand in hand. When workstations are designed around the people who use them, the benefits show up across the board, as higher employee satisfaction, consistent quality of production and an attractive employer brand.

Conclusion

LIPA’s story highlights the value of taking ergonomics seriously. With Treston’s modular work systems, it is possible to meet commercial requirements while responding to individual needs, strengthening not only processes, but people too.