The event was officially opened with short speeches from the two managing directors Dr. Kurt Schmalz and Wolfgang Schmalz, who were clearly very pleased with the positive development of the company. "In the first six months of this year, we have achieved a two-figure growth rate both here in Germany and in our 15 foreign companies – an excellent development," said Dr. Kurt Schmalz. And Wolfgang Schmalz added, "We are on the right path to not only achieve our defined targets, but to beat them!". In addition to the employees of J. Schmalz GmbH in Glatten and their families, the event was attended by the managing directors of the foreign Schmalz companies, who had previously attended the biannual World Marketing Meeting to exchange information on current developments and projects.

Wolfgang Schmalz informed the guests about the current construction projects in Glatten. Work on the new wood-chip heating system and on the water turbine, including the storage reservoir and flood retention basin is in full swing. The new car park, completed at the end of June, was a further prerequisite for the planned expansion of the production buildings in 2008.

The motto of this year's Summer Party was "With Schmalz you are in the Formula 1" and this was underlined by go-kart racing with model go-karts and bobby-car racing for kids. Before this, however, there was a delicious selection of hot and cold foods, steaks and sausages and side dishes supplied by a local butcher in Glatten, Mr. Wiedmaier. Many different salads donated by the Schmalz employees rounded off the large buffet. As in previous years, the drinks were served by the charitable organisation "O Mundo do Amor".