A part of the Dürr Group, Dürr Technik is a supplier of compressor and pump technology. The company specialises in oil-free applications, offering sustainable solutions. Managing Director Andreas Ripsam discussed unique products and innovative technology, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Dürr Technik was the first company in Europe to produce oil-free piston compressors, Managing Director Andreas Ripsam said: “Our technology is essential for a sustainable future. Having oil-free equipment means there is no oil filter required or any necessity to manage the use and disposal of oil. This means there are fewer resources used, less contaminated air and there is a reduction in hazardous waste.”
Founded in 1981, Dürr Technik holds extensive experience in the production of oil-free compressor and pump technology. The company is headquartered in BietigheimBissingen, Germany, a hub for industrial innovation. The medium-sized company has subsidiaries around the world in the UK, US and China.
These different locations enable Dürr Technik to offer local engineering and production services, fulfilling the individual requirements of customers. The company can be more reactive and adaptable through these facilities, tailoring solutions to meet specific needs.
With an innovative development department, state-of-the-art production facilities and a certified quality management system, Dürr Technik delivers high-quality equipment that is able to satisfy complex demands. The company is ISO 9001, ATEX and ISO/TS 22163 certified, guaranteeing high standards through every level of production.
“One of our first major milestones was with our vacuum pump for petrol stations,” added Mr Ripsam. “This enabled vapour to
Managing Director Andreas Ripsam
DÜRR TECHNIK I
be collected as a car was filled up, reducing damage to the atmosphere. In the hospitality sector, our compressors replaced CO2 cylinders in pubs and massively reduced our customers’ CO2 consumption. In the laboratory field, we offer compressors and gas generators, in the railway sector our technology is used for electric trains. The versatility of our oil-free equipment means it can benefit any industry.”
Durable solutions
Dürr Technik designs products to operate with a long lifecycle. All components are designed for a long service life. Spare parts and wearing or expandable parts can be replaced at component or individual part level, so there are fewer parts to dispose of compared to the competition, where complete assemblies sometimes have to be replaced. This minimises waste, resource use and emissions from production. Equipment is specifically designed to be easily upgraded with extra parts, ensuring customers are able to operate as efficiently as possible.
“We offer lifecycle cost calculations to our clients,” explained Mr Ripsam. “This takes into account the initial investment and any additional costs over the lifecycle of a product. Then, the customer is able to accurately compare the product with other options and find the best solution for them. We are committed to customer service and want our clients to be fully satisfied with their purchase. This additional service offers greater transparency and a more accurate view of the effectiveness of our equipment.”
Typically, Dürr Technik’s main components are able to operate for more than 10,000 running hours, which is up to double the
amount of time compared to some of its competitors. This gives clients a durable and reliable solution to their needs. Each product is also customisable, enabling the client to adjust equipment features to fit any specific needs. Dürr Technik’s expertise allows it to offer individual engineering solutions, illustrating its dedication to customer satisfaction.
“We are taking further steps to limit our own environmental impact,” continued Mr Ripsam. “We have reduced the amount of packaging we use, specifically foam, and have implemented recycled materials instead. At our fabrication and manufacturing facility, we have installed solar panels, which now provides up to 40 per cent of our energy requirements. We have energy-saving LED lights and so far, over half of our cars are electric, making us much more energy efficient.”
Specialist knowledge
The company operates in four main branches adjusted to fit the needs of specific markets. In each sector, Dürr Technik has specialists with knowledge of the market. This allows the company to offer expert advice and fully understand customer requirements. The business units include the laboratory and medical, mobility (including railway and automotive), energy, and industry sectors.
Currently, Dürr Technik is working on a main air supply system for a client in the railway industry. This system features two compressors to deliver efficient redundancy and is also very compact. The company has already successfully introduced four of these projects to the market and is expecting to offer more in the near future.
“Another major growth area for us at the moment is the increasing market of electric vehicles,” commented Mr Ripsam. “Our
oil-free compressors fit the requirements for specialised electric vehicles, offering a sustainable and effective solution. With more industries switching from combustion engines to electric motors, our electric-driven compressors support the braking systems.”
Dürr Technik is preparing to continue investing in the development of its products, specifically into electronics and monitoring systems. This will allow the company’s products to be linked to the internet, upgrading the versatility of the equipment. Customers will be able to integrate different products into one control system, delivering more efficient and reliable operations.
“We have already made massive investments into our products to be able to achieve this,” added Mr Ripsam. “Going forward, we will continue to invest in software to make the connections between our products seamless and effective for the client. We aim to stand at the forefront of innovation and are constantly looking for ways that we can improve our products to meet the needs of clients better.”
Future strategy
Dürr Technik also involves its suppliers in its plans for the future. By setting out a clear vision of the company’s strategy, Dürr Technik is able to build partnerships that strive towards the same targets. The company expects to grow both economically and in terms of sustainability, encouraging its supply chain to do the same. By building open and reliable relationships with partners and suppliers, Dürr Technik plans to expand its capabilities and advance into the future.
“As well as communicating our future plans to suppliers, we also discuss our goals with clients,” said Mr Ripsam. “This facilitates conversations around sustainability and gives us a greater understanding of our customers’ environmental requirements. It is important for us to build up strong relationships in all our partnerships. That is
how we can collaborate to accelerate the transition to more sustainable action.”
Moving forward, Dürr Technik expects to continue growing into its core markets. The company plans to expand its oil-free technology into more industries, contributing to a more sustainable future. Dürr Technik will keep evolving its customisable solutions, tailoring features to specific applications and guaranteeing customer needs are met.
“I feel proud to be a part of a company that really benefits its customers,” continued Mr Ripsam, in conclusion. “Our technology improves operations both economically and environmentally, supporting industries around the world. It is great to work with my talented team and collaborate to develop new solutions. I am excited for what the future holds and to see how our products can transform businesses.”
