Technology under control Seitz

TECHNOLOGY UNDER CONTROL

Leading independent provider of advanced valve technology, Swiss company Eugen Seitz AG is building on its more than 50 year history by branching into new geographical regions and developing commercial partnerships. Emma-Jane Batey spoke to head of Business Unit Dr Jürgen Uebbing to find out more.

Founded by Eugen Seitz in 1958 in the Swiss city of Wetzikon, Eugen Seitz AG today employs more than 130 people at its high-tech production plant. Specialising in products and solutions in the field of advanced valve technology for gaseous media, Seitz is well known worldwide to its customer base including manufacturers of gas turbines, nuclear power plants, gas and diesel engines, chemical plants, PET bottle blowing machines and CNG filling stations.

The company is proud of its heritage, with its long-term experience in high pressure pneumatics giving it a commercial edge. Head of Business Unit Jürgen Uebbing told Industry Europe how its enthusiasm has helped shape the company. He said, “Hardly a day has gone by since 1958 when we have not been faced with new and exciting challenges. Every one moves us further forward and teaches us more about advanced valve technology, which we then pass on to our customers. As a family company founded by Eugen Seitz, we have a permanently innovative spirit and passion for continued growth. And now we have grown from his active workshop into the technological leader in the very demanding sector of valve technology for gaseous media.”

The ‘driving force’

The family values of Seitz are evident in the company’s day-to-day activities, with Mr Uebbing stating that the customers are the ‘driving force’ behind every new product innovation, the quality-focused manufacturing and all marketing decisions. He added, “Our continuous aim is to achieve added value for our customers, to create competitive advantages and to build on our foundation as a successful corporation. Our dealings with our employees, our customers and our partners are characterised by the shared values of trust, fairness, autonomy, acknowledgement and support. With these solid values and our strong financial position we can guarantee sustainable and profitable growth.”

As a valued partner worldwide in the field of advanced valve technology, Seitz offers high pressure pneumatics ranging from 10 to 700 bar. It provides everything from individual components to complete solutions, all of which utilise its high level of engineering expertise and commitment to service quality. A core product range for Seitz is its PET blowing stations and air supply, with more than half of the world’s 300 billion PET bottles produced annually made using Seitz products. The company has more than 20 years’ experience in this field and is considered an industry leader both in terms of volume and reliable quality. The

range includes a number of products that harness the company’s specific application know-how for single blow valves right up to fully integration system solutions.

Seitz’s product development activities for alternative fuel systems (AFS) see it working to create valves for use with natural gas and hydrogen applications, primarily to make refuelling more effective. Mr Uebbing explained, “We have long been involved with the field of high pressure solenoid valves, with our products used all over the world for the control of the flow of gas in petrol filling stations and for the gas systems in vehicles. Our innovative technology supports the global trend for reducing emissions and our holistic approach makes it possible for major automotive manufacturers to meet their targets.” Worldwide growth

Seitz operates four international presences, with its latest opening in Dubai now live alongside its sites in Switzerland, Germany and China. Its continuous investment programme has seen the company gain the KMU Swiss Lean Award in early 2011, and it intends to maintain process development as a major expenditure in the coming years.

With R&D a key recipient of that investment, Seitz’s state-of-the-art production facilities are all carefully stocked with the latest equipment and testing capabilities. Recent new developments include fast switching valves for applications in engine systems, and H2 valves for pressures up to 700 bar in fuel cell applications. An important aspect of this long-term innovation programme is Seitz’s cooperations with carefully chosen partners in order to pool resources, intellectual property and engineering experience in particular fields. Mr Uebbing added, “Thanks to these close cooperations we can create pioneering solutions. We align ourselves to the needs of our customers and the market so that we always stay one step ahead, and within this dynamic environment we can develop customised solutions that are made with the complete understanding of our customers’ systems.”

As Seitz looks forward to the next chapter in its successful history, its growing global presence will see its reputation spreading beyond its traditional European heartland and into the emerging markets of China and the Middle East. While it will not forget its strong European customer base, Mr Uebbing stated that Seitz’s expectation for a consistently growing turnover will come from both maintaining its European business and building on opportunities in new markets. n