Thuringia Opens Building Applications to More Trades as Germany Tackles Construction Bureaucracy and Skilled Labor Shortage
27.06.2026 - 14:36:15 | boerse-global.de
In a move to ease bottlenecks in construction planning, the Thuringian state parliament passed a change to its building code in late June. The reform allows carpenters, bricklayers, concrete construction masters, and state-certified building technicians to submit building applications—not just architects and engineers. The catch: applicants need at least two years of professional experience.
The new rule covers small residential buildings up to 100 square meters, small garages, and certain commercial and agricultural structures. By widening the circle of authorized applicants, the state hopes to soften the impact of a persistent shortage of planning professionals. It marks a notable shift from the long-standing practice of limiting application submissions to graduates of specific university programs.
Centralised Oversight for Temporary Structures
While Thuringia relaxes entry rules, Hesse has tightened its supervision of so-called "flying structures"—rapidly assembled and dismantled constructions such as Ferris wheels, stages, and mobile grandstands. Since May 1, 2015, the Regierungspräsidium Gießen (the regional council in Giessen) has acted as the central approval authority for these temporary installations.
Over a decade, the agency reviewed roughly 5,400 applications. Its active inventory now stands at nearly 4,000 structures. The process is two-tiered: Giessen handles the fundamental approval, while local building authorities carry out on-site safety inspections before each use. That split aims to ensure that structural calculations and assembly conditions consistently meet required standards.
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Acquisitions Expand Safety Product Lines
On the market side, several companies are moving to strengthen their footholds in workplace and construction safety. SureWerx, a safety equipment firm, has acquired Italy's Genesi S.r.l., a company founded in June 2006. The deal is designed to expand SureWerx's platform for fall-protection solutions across Europe and North America. CEO Scott Dowell and Genesi founder Simone Cornali both cited strong synergies in developing safety products for work at height and in confined spaces.
Meanwhile, the KÖTTER Unternehmensgruppe has grown through the acquisition of STuK Sicherheitstechnik GmbH and by integrating contracts from DS Security GmbH. The move bolsters KÖTTER's services in technical security, fire protection, and traffic safety—fields where demand has remained steady even as the broader economy softens.
Big Moves, Tight Tolerances
Two recent construction projects underline the technical challenges that drive the need for strict safety protocols. In Freiburg, crews began erecting the ZMF (Zelt-Musik-Festival) tent in late June. The structure required 18-metre masts to be anchored and more than 400 tie-down points to be secured—a reminder of the precision demanded in temporary installations.
Further north, the Fuldabrücke near Bad Hersfeld saw a 1,100-tonne steel bridge deck slid into place across the river using hydraulic presses. The operation took 13 hours, with the deck advancing at just ten metres per hour. Every millimeter counted.
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Specialised Gear for Hazardous Zones
For environments where explosive gases or dusts are present, JAKOB Antriebstechnik supplies ATEX-certified couplings that comply with EU directives. Dold SAFEMASTER, another safety specialist, has released a new wireless safety system featuring emergency-stop functionality and shock detection, designed for the cordless protection of dangerous areas.
When the Ground Itself Gives Way
Even the earth beneath a project can become the biggest hazard. At the Sirchinger Steige along state road L 249, work to stabilise a landslide-prone slope has been ongoing since August 2025. A lower section was reopened on June 26, but an upper segment remains closed, expected to be blocked until early August after a fresh slide occurred. The unpredictability of difficult terrain demands patience—and a strict commitment to safety.
