Oberwihl, March 21, 2016. Freudenberg Business Group Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, one of the world's leading manufacturers of seals, has invested some 10 million Euros in their Oberwihl site in Germany's Black Forest. The new production halls were inaugurated by Dr. Tilman Krauch, Member of the Freudenberg Group Board of Management, Mayor Carsten Quednow and Jörg Gantzer, first state official representing the district of Waldshut. "We are continuing our long-term commitment in the region and want to use the additional capacity created for further growth," Krauch explained.
"This investment in our facility represents a clear commitment to Oberwihl", said Claus Möhlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. The site has been in existence for over 60 years and mainly manufactures O-rings for industrial and automotive customers – a product that enjoys consistently high demand. "With new production capacity, we are well positioned to face increasingly intense competition in the market. We expect the improvements to make a lasting contribution to our business success," commented Möhlenkamp.
"More modern, safer and larger is the best way to summarize the alterations," explained Markus Lehnen, Lead-Center Manager for O-Rings Automotive. With approximately 1,000 square meters of additional manufacturing space created by the new buildings, the modernization of existing production facilities and a completely revamped plant infrastructure, the Freudenberg site has been made fit for the future.
Work safety, improved workflows, increased cleanliness and new access roads were the focus of the works. The hall for manufacturing waste was moved to the edge of the site. In its place, a modern production hall was built with an area of around 400 square meters. Courtyards were also covered to create additional manufacturing space. One building has been equipped with a new, higher roof and new floors. The production machines require much higher ceiling clearance and an appropriately stronger load-bearing floor. By October, offices will also be relocated to create more space for manufacturing.
Modernization measures have been implemented in energy management as well. Thanks to the smart use of waste heat generated by the machines, the site can now be heated sufficiently to cope with outside temperatures of minus five degrees without the need for additional heating energy. Work on the plant infrastructure was dominated by security. Goods-in deliveries can now be made via a ring road on the edge of the plant. The company has plans to invest millions more Euros in additional machines.
About Freudenberg Sealing Technologies
As the leading specialist in sealing applications and their market, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is a supplier as well as a development and service partner serving customers in a wide variety of sectors including the automotive industry, civil aviation, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, the food and pharmaceuticals industries, and agricultural and construction machinery. As Freudenberg's largest Business Group, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies generated sales of about €2.1 billion in 2014 and employed some 15,000 people.
About the Freudenberg Group
Freudenberg is a global technology group that strengthens its customers and society long-term through forward-looking innovations. Together with its partners, customers and the world of science, the Freudenberg Group develops leading-edge technologies, and excellent products, solutions and services for more than 30 market segments and for thousands of applications: seals, vibration control components, nonwovens, filters, specialty chemicals, medical products, IT services and the most modern cleaning products.
Innovation strength, strong customer orientation, diversity and team spirit are the cornerstones of our Group. Commitment to excellence, reliability and pro-active, responsible action belong to the company's core values lived for more than 165 years.
In 2014, the Freudenberg Group employed over 40,000 people in some 60 countries worldwide and generated sales of more than 7 billion Euros (including pro-rata consolidation of 50:50 joint ventures). For more information, please visit www.freudenberg.com.