During a tour of Dürr’s technology center, the politicians learnt about different processes for generating electricity from thermal energy, including Organic Rankine Cycle and micro gas turbine technology. In addition, Dürr’s Chief Financial Officer, Ralph Heuwing, presented energy and material saving technologies for automobile painting as well as new developments for heat storage, heat transfer, and heat and cold conversion.
Reinhold Gall: “A sustainable corporate culture as practiced by Dürr, which is defined by placing trust in employees, pays off for companies.” With regard to the change in energy policy, the Interior Minister said: “Energy efficiency is a topic that will have to play a more important role than it currently does. There is, indeed, an opportunity for companies in Baden-Württemberg to develop new business segments.”
Ralph Heuwing: “Dürr´s customers are increasingly focusing on the energy efficiency of production facilities, as this contributes considerably to lower costs and sustainable manufacturing. With the change in energy policy, we are becoming more and more aware that the crucial factor is not just the development of new energy sources but also the efficient use and recovery of energy.”
The expansion of activities in the area of energy efficiency is a central element of Dürr‘s corporate strategy. In order to move this business forward, the Group set up the new Clean Technology Systems division last year. It is expected to achieve sales in excess of € 200 million by 2015, also taking into account acquisitions.