Heizomat, a manufacturer of wood chip heating systems and chippers, is based in the small town of Maicha, not far from Gunzenhausen in Bavaria. In addition to the production facilities, the company recently added a new exhibition and office building with a delivery centre, training area and company canteen. The modern offices all provide the obligatory fruit bowls for staff as well as a table football set, but the highlight is the company's very own Setra S 516 HDH team touring coach.

The 25‑seater luxury touring coach is currently in the delivery hall, being prepared for its next mission. It goes without saying that the hall is eco‑friendly and efficiently heated with the company's very own wood chip heating system. The touring coach will be taking the Catering and Facility department to Regensburg. “A few years ago, we were looking for a way to further promote team spirit... and we came up with the idea of the touring coach”, says Robert Bloos jun., Managing Director of Heizomat. "Since we wanted to make our idea a reality quickly, we decided on a Setra exhibition vehicle that already had everything we were looking for, for example the Top Sky panoramic glass roof. We then added everything else to meet our demands."

Setra general distributor Herrmann & Haas has turned the touring coach into a team touring coach similar to those used by top football clubs. Features include four sets of face-to-face seats with electrically retractable tables, which can be converted into spacious sleeping areas in the blink of an eye. In the rear, a further eight seats have also been arranged around an electrically retractable table, creating a spacious "club corner", while USB charging stations and 230‑volt sockets are located between all the seats. Back in the club corner, two 42‑inch monitors can be pulled out of the cabinets at the push of a button – the ultimate multimedia experience. Elsewhere on the touring coach, on‑board entertainment is provided on three foldaway monitors. "We decided to change the seating upholstery – otherwise we wouldn't have been able to include the Heizomat brand colours. We also replaced the side walls and curtains, as well as carrying out a complete redesign of the exterior", reveals Stefanie Haas‑Herrmann from Omnibus Herrmann, who oversaw this extraordinary conversion.

The touring coach boasts a large bar and kitchenette area with not only ample storage options and sinks for washing up, but also a wine cooler and a coffee machine! A separate refrigerator with drawer has been installed for soft drinks and beer, while food can be kept cool in the refrigerator at door two. Plenty of thought was given to colours and materials throughout the touring coach. Robert Bloos Jun.: "I didn't just want to include our brand's colours; I felt it was also important to incorporate wood as it's the foundation of our company. That's why there are so many natural wood surfaces inside the vehicle."

Once you start thinking about purchasing a bus or coach, you have to think about who will be driving it. It's at this stage where many businesses find themselves at a dead-end. But Robert Bloos Jun. found a very pragmatic solution. "We asked around at the company who would like to pass a bus/touring coach driver's licence if we covered the costs. Four employees now passed their tests." Günther Schmidt, Production Manager and Trainer, and Manuel Bloos, Assistant to the Management Board, are two of them.

Their assignments include city trips, visits to Christmas markets, supplier factory tours and skiing trips. However, it's not only the company's own staff on board. Passengers also include school students, suppliers and customers who are offered a factory tour of the various Heizomat sites. "Personally, it's the best workplace at the company. We are part of the team and I feel honoured to be able to take on a role with so much responsibility", says Günther Schmidt. “It goes without saying that that's what makes this great touring coach so special”, adds Manuel Bloos. "Wherever we go, all eyes are on us. People appreciate our Setra, especially when at night when we turn on the LED lighting along the sides."

The idea of the “team touring coach” is taking off. The various departments are regularly asked for their ideas for trips, which are then planned accordingly. Costs for meals, admission fees and accommodation are covered by the company. "A team performing at the highest level is priceless. Group trips promote team spirit, strengthen the feeling of togetherness and help foster a positive atmosphere within the company. I too perform better and I am more motivated when I'm in a positive environment. But of course, table football is very important for that too", says Robert Bloos jun. with a grin.