Ziemann Holvrieka and partners receive project funding
How can production systems in the food industry be made more efficient? Automation is often the only solution. Ziemann Holvrieka is now contributing its engineering know-how to the virtASI project. Its goal is to make digitalisation of process engineering faster and simpler. The Bavarian Research Foundation is providing support with a grant of some 703,000 Euros.
Plant engineers and plant operators in the food industry are facing steadily rising prices for raw materials and energy. They also have to deal with increasing complexity and shortages of skilled labor. Moreover, variable market demands are creating problems for producers by requiring greater product variety and reducing lifecycles. The remedy for these problems is automation, because it ensures flexibility and efficiency. Automation also accelerates the development and commissioning of production facilities.
In order to promote faster and simpler digitalisation, Ziemann Holvrieka is participating in a project led by the Chair of Brewing and Beverage Technology at the Technical University of Munich. The project, known by its German abbreviation virtASI (virtual facility planning, simulation and commissioning), is being supported by a grant of approximately 703,000 Euros from the Bavarian Research Foundation. “The purpose is to facilitate automated, model-assisted, virtual engineering in the food industry 4.0 based on modular planning data,” says Tobias Becher, Head of Technology, Research and Development at Ziemann Holvrieka. “Our solution, ‘Module Type Packages’ (MTP), is making a substantial contribution to establishing a standard for automation.” The other participants in the project are the simulation service provider SimPlan from Munich and the technology company Gimbio from Freising.
Ziemann Holvrieka, a leading German provider of tanks and process technology for the beer, the beverage and food industry, has broken ground on a new facility in the Amistad Chuy María Industrial Park, located in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, near the capital city of Saltillo. The ceremonial groundbreaking event, attended by the Governor of Coahuila, Manolo Jiménez Salinas, marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion efforts and underscores its commitment to the region.
With a projected total investment of 20 million dollars, Ziemann Holvrieka’s new production plant is poised to generate 150 new jobs in the Southeastern region of Coahuila. The facility will specialise in the manufacturing of stainless steel tanks, execution of EPC-Projects and overall customer services tailored to the needs of the liquid food industry and to serve our existing huge installed base, bolstering local employment opportunities and contributing to the economic growth of the area.
Speaking at the event, Governor Manolo Jiménez Salinas expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasising the importance of collaboration between government and industry in fostering economic development. “We are delighted to welcome Ziemann Holvrieka to Coahuila,” remarked Governor Jiménez. “Our state is committed to supporting businesses that seek to invest, innovate, and create jobs within our borders.”
Ziemann Holvrieka’s decision to establish a presence in Ramos Arizpe reflects its strategic vision for serving the growing demand for liquid processing solutions in Mexico. Klaus Gehrig, the company’s CEO, highlighted Mexico’s significance as the largest market of the group over the past decade and underlines their dedication to providing exceptional service to the clients from their new facility in Coahuila. Additionally, the company will extend its services and supplies to support the operations of its sister companies, DME and Briggs of Burton, catering to their customers in Mexico.
The new production plant, spanning 48,000 square meters, will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities covering 6,500 square meters and accommodate 1,404 square meters office area across a three-story building. This investment underlines Ziemann Holvrieka’s long-term commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to its customers while leveraging the region’s skilled workforce and favorable logistical advantages.
Ziemann Holvrieka’s expansion represents a testament to Coahuila’s attractiveness to international investors, particularly from Europe. Governor Jiménez reaffirmed the state’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to investment and job creation, emphasising Coahuila’s status as a prime destination for businesses seeking to thrive and succeed.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including local government officials, representatives from industry associations, and key stakeholders, underscoring the collaborative effort to drive economic prosperity in the region.
Majority of Künzel Maschinenbau GmbH shares acquired
Ziemann Holvrieka has expanded its capabilities for providing complete brewery solutions with the acquisition of Künzel Maschinenbau in Mainleus, Germany. Künzel is a leading manufacturer particularly known for its expertise in malt handling and grist mills, which are crucial components for breweries. Künzel has been a major player in the raw material handling sector since 1922.
This acquisition reflects Ziemann Holvrieka’s strong commitment to excellence in the brewery equipment industry. Künzel’s specialisation in the upstream phase of brewing process aligns perfectly with our existing product portfolio. It enables us to enhance our range of products and turnkey solutions. Furthermore, we will harness Künzel’s expertise within our group of companies, including Ziemann Holvrieka, to explore new opportunities for Künzel in other sectors.
The site in Mainleus will continue to operate as it always has, with the same management team, with the same dedication to all its customers and with their committed employees. Künzel will retain its company name, brands, and organisational culture.
First plant engineering company in the market to be certified
On 24 March 2023, ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA GmbH was named an official Solution Partner of SIEMENS AG for automation systems, drives and the SISTAR BRAUMAT expert module. The company, which specialises in tanks and process engineering for the brewing, beverage and liquid food industry, is thus certified for exceptional expertise in automation. From its base in Ludwigsburg it can provide top-quality future-ready automation solutions anywhere in the world in conjunction with systems from SIEMENS.
In addition, ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA is celebrating a world first, as Koray Müftiler, Key Account Manager of SIEMENS AG, explains: “I’m very pleased that the certification is now complete and that we can officially announce our Solution Partnership. This makes ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA the first plant engineering company in the market to be certified for BRAUMAT and SISTAR.”
The Siemens Solution Partner certificate was presented in Ludwigsburg by a SIEMENS delegation comprising Frank Hauber, Koray Müftiler and Dirk Grafe. ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA was represented at the ceremony by Klaus Gehrig, CEO, Wolfram Hänsel, Head of Process Automation Software, and the staff of the automation team. The certificate was presented at ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA’s pilot plant, which has operated for years with SIEMENS BRAUMAT. Klaus Gehrig explained his company’s thorough familiarity with BRAUMAT: “Cooperation between our companies in automation began decades ago. ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA has therefore become an expert in BRAUMAT and created highly efficient module libraries. This knowledge is unique in the market. So it’s appropriate that we should be the first to be certified by SIEMENS for BRAUMAT and SISTAR.”
On January 1, 2023, Axel Zügel took over the management of the operational areas of ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA GmbH as COO. In his new function, he relieves Klaus Gehrig, who was both CEO and COO of the company until the end of 2022. As COO, Axel Zügel is responsible for the operational business areas of order processing, purchasing, project management, assembly, logistics and engineering at the Ludwigsburg site. “We’re delighted that Axel Zügel has taken over this important position,” says CEO Klaus Gehrig. “He’s the right man for the job too, because he’s ‘lived’ ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA for the past nineteen years,” he adds. Thanks to his long affiliation with the company, Axel Zügel has acquired comprehensive know-how in the brewing, beverages and liquid foods industry – and that knowledge will make it easier for the new COO to continue optimizing internal processes and act as a competent contact person for customers.
Axel Zügel is a trained industrial clerk. After completing his training, he worked for a plant manufacturer for several years before moving to ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA GmbH in 2004. After gaining a Master of Science degree in Strategic Management, he initially held the position of Purchasing Manager in the company. In this position, he was responsible for ensuring that the supply chain ran smoothly. As Director of Projects EPC, he was subsequently in charge of the order processing, project management, assembly and logistics divisions at the Ludwigsburg site. Commenting on his new position as COO, he said: “I’ll continue to be 100 percent committed to strengthening our global capabilities and expanding our worldwide connectivity. My many years of working with our company, employees and partners will contribute to our continued handling of high-quality projects and our punctual adherence to deadlines.”
Dominik Wiese is the new Head of Sales EMEA at ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA. At the expert for tanks and process technology for the brewing, beverage and liquid food industries, Dominik Wiese will be responsible for the regions of Europe, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.
From 2008 to 2011, Dominik Wiese studied economics with a focus on international business administration and marketing at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University. He can look back on more than 10 years of professional experience in the sales of mechanical components for the international pharmaceutical, biotech, food and beverage industries.
Alexander Lenz has taken on the newly created position of Head of Sales Key Account Management at ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA. In this role, Alexander Lenz is the main contact for international key customers from the brewing, beverage and liquid food industry. “Alexander Lenz is an experienced and well-connected expert, who will help us to further intensify contact with our most important customers” emphasizes Florian Schneider, CCO of ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA GmbH.
In 2005, Alexander Lenz successfully completed his training as a brewmaster at Doemens. This was followed by positions as a commissioning engineer and group leader for the consulting division at an international plant engineering company for beverage production, as well as at another company as a department head and Director of Project Management / Project Engineering & Key Account Manager. About his new role at ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA, Alexander Lenz says: “My main goal for our key customers is to make communication and our service even more effective and to establish strategic partnerships. I am looking forward to tackling this challenge together with our dedicated team and our customers.” Alexander Lenz took up his position in January 2022 and will be in charge of his area of responsibility from the Ludwigsburg location.
