When techniques from other fields are used in technical revolutions, it is called technology transfer. Together with our customers, we were able to achieve such a technology transfer at the waterworks of the municipality of Mühlhausen. The starting situation was the municipality’s requirement to secure the waterworks against the failure of the public power grid.

Initial Situation and Challenge

The first construction phase of the Mühlhausen waterworks was implemented many years ago with a forward-thinking approach. With the facilities available at that time, in the event of a power failure, the population had access to the water stored in the elevated tanks. A technician then had to be on-site to manually start the emergency generator and ensure the water supply. To simplify this laborious procedure and increase supply security, a stationary emergency generator has now been integrated into the waterworks.

Innovative Solution

The stationary emergency generator, with a capacity of 250 kVA, automatically detects a grid failure and starts independently. The pumping station is supplied with energy with minimal delay, and the water supply automatically resumes. Our contribution is thus a significant advantage of this system, as we were able to fully integrate the factory-prepared components of the aggregate into the existing control cabinet system.

Technical Modernization

Another step in this project was the conversion of the network form to TN. This modernization was necessary to bring the feed-in up to date. This measure not only increases the safety and reliability of the facilities but also ensures that the waterworks are prepared for future challenges.

Future Outlook

Uninterruptible power supplies are widespread in other critical areas. Hospitals, civil protection buildings, and other critical infrastructures already rely on secure supplies. Waterworks as well are increasingly included in the circle of critical infrastructures, and the issue of supply security is gaining more and more importance. At Spangler, it is therefore assumed that this implemented solution will become the standard in the future.

For our client Hecht Technologie GmbH, we successfully implemented the Small Package Filling with PCC project. This execution underscores our capabilities in automating complex systems and sets new standards in the efficiency and precision of process automation.

Partnership in Action: Hecht and SPANGLER Set Standards

The Small Package Filling with PCC project was carried out in close collaboration with Hecht for a pharmaceutical company in the Netherlands. It includes comprehensive automation solutions, including wiring diagram creation, switch cabinet production, programming, and pre-assembly at Hecht in Pörnbach. Hecht Technologie GmbH, headquartered in Pfaffenhofen, specializes in the handling of bulk materials such as granules and powders used in industries like food, pharma, and battery manufacturing. From the beginning, our collaboration has quickly developed into a productive partnership.

Tailored Solutions for Critical Applications

Small Package Filling with PCC is a tailored solution for the precise handling and packaging of cholesterol in a pharmaceutical cleanroom environment. It replaces the previous manual filling from the dryer with a suction conveyor (PCC), dosing section, and powered roller conveyors. This increase in automation level improves both ergonomics and hygiene in the process.

In this project, we planned and realized complete automation solutions, including wiring diagram creation and switch cabinet construction, adhering to the strictest hygiene and safety standards, including the implementation of explosion protection systems according to ATEX standards and cleanroom conditions. Additionally, innovative control technology was used. By using the standard library with customer modules from Hecht, we ensured consistent visualization and easy operation via the Siemens TP900 Comfort operating panel.

Integration and Safety: Technical Highlights

For the control and monitoring of the facility, four state-of-the-art control cabinets were integrated, each equipped with Siemens technology:

• MCC (Motor Control Cabinet): Control cabinet containing the motor control and main control elements.
• LOP1 (Local Operator Panel): Operator cabinet allowing the operator to control all processes under cleanroom conditions.
• RIO1 (Pneumatic Cabinet): Contains all pneumatic components and controls the precise dosing of materials.
• RIO2 (Distribution Cabinet): Serves the efficient distribution of signals and energy within the facility.

Explosion Protection and Safety

Special attention was given to the high safety needs of the facility, especially regarding explosion protection (ATEX). The facility must be safely operable in environments where explosive atmospheres are possible.

From Concept to Reality: Installation and Commissioning

After successful pre-assembly and initial tests in Pörnbach, the facility is transported to the end customer’s site in the Netherlands for final assembly and commissioning. This phase is also accompanied by SPANGLER technicians to ensure a smooth start of production.

The project “Small Package Filling with PCC” not only illustrates our technical expertise but also our commitment to innovative solutions tailored to the individual requirements of our clients.

At a ceremonial event, we were presented with the “Blühender Betrieb – Blooming Business” award by the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection. This award reflects our long-standing commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity.

Commitment to the Future

Under the leadership of our Managing Director, Tina Lambert, we have implemented various measures to promote biodiversity on our company premises in the Altmühltal Nature Park. Our initiatives range from creating flowering meadows to planting fruit trees and establishing habitats for bees and lizards. Tina Lambert emphasizes that this commitment represents a deeply felt obligation to the next generation and is an expression of our effort to create sustainable and livable work environments.

Praise from Local and State Representatives

Dagmar Schmitt from the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection and Bernd Mayr, the Mayor of Dietfurt a. d. Altmühl, have commended our efforts. Mr. Mayr sees Spangler as a role model for local businesses and hopes for widespread adoption of our approach. Ms. Schmitt highlighted the importance of our commitment in the fight against species extinction and for the preservation of natural habitats.

Sustainability in Action

In addition to promoting biodiversity, we rely on sustainable energy sources such as geothermal energy and photovoltaics to further reduce our carbon footprint. These measures demonstrate our continuous commitment to environmentally friendly technologies and underscore our dedication to ecological responsibility.

Thanks to Our Employees and Partners

A special thanks goes to the team from Regens Wagner, particularly their “Grünen Daumen -Green Thumb” team, who have been instrumental in maintaining our green spaces. Additionally, various Spangler employees were involved in transforming our new outdoor area, significantly contributing to meeting the requirements of the State Ministry.

Small Gesture, Big Meaning

As a token of our appreciation and to emphasize the importance of bees to our ecosystem, every guest at the event received a jar of freshly harvested honey from our own beehives. This honey is regularly produced by our in-house beekeeper. This is just one step on the long road to environmental protection. Our goal is to continue to lead in sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies and to integrate them into our projects and products in the future.

In the presence of our entire workforce, we were able to open our new cafeteria, which is more than just a place for a lunch break. This newly designed space symbolizes our vision of creating a central meeting point where employees from all departments can meet and exchange ideas. We want our employees to feel not only productive in their work environment but also particularly comfortable.

A Place for Coming Together and Exchange

Our new cafeteria serves as a central meeting place that bridges the gap between manufacturing and office spaces. It is important to us that this space not only represents the physical center of our company but also provides a place where colleagues from different departments can come together in a relaxed atmosphere. The direct access to the outdoor area adds another dimension to this space, offering an additional opportunity for relaxation and informal communication.

Focus on Relaxation and Health

In our cafeteria, we offer free fresh fruit, vegetables, water, tea, yogurt, and healthy snacks in the form of a nut bar to support our staff in leading a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, a varied and diverse menu is in the planning stages, which all our employees can conveniently order through a dedicated app. The meals will be prepared and will be ready at the desired time in the cafeteria. With this option, we want to support our employees in fully concentrating on their well-deserved break without having to worry about getting food. Moreover, a staff grill is available, which every department can use as they wish to make their break even more enjoyable.

Redesign with Heart and Craftsmanship from the Region

The planning and realization of the cafeteria was a project carried out with great attention to detail by Prokurist and HR Manager Cornelia Hofmann, along with a reliable team of local craftsmen. This reflects our personal commitment to creating an appealing and functional space that meets and promotes the needs of all employees while also providing a suitable place for our customers, who may stay with us for several days during offer discussions, planning sessions, or FATs (Factory Acceptance Tests).

Invitation to the Next Power Date

External visitors are also very welcome to get a personal impression of our facilities. As part of our regular “Power Dates,” we open our doors and invite all guests to become part of our ever-growing community.

With numerous employees participating and wonderfully sunny weather, our excursion day began, impressively demonstrating our collective strength as a team and our partnership with HUBER SE. Starting in our newly opened cafeteria, we enjoyed fresh wraps and cool drinks before visiting the HUBER SE plant in Erasbach together.

Gaining Insight Through Proximity

The tour led by Dr.-Ing. Oliver Rong (Deputy Chairman of the Board and Board Member for Technology & Production) and his team provided us with deep insights into Huber’s advanced technologies and production processes. This visit not only strengthened our knowledge but also the personal connections between our companies. Mutual understanding is the foundation for successful business relationships and is reflected in our appreciation for the challenges and successes of our customer and partners.

A Special Cooperation

Our collaboration with Huber began in 1987 when we built the first control system for Huber, then based in Berching. Since then, both companies, Spangler and Huber, have grown steadily. Both companies have also evolved together. Our goal has always been to be a crisis-proof and innovative supplier for Huber, to remain competitive together and to pursue a long-term and partnership-based path.

Team Spirit and Joy in Shared Success

After the inspiring plant tour, we continued to the Cosmos Arena in Ingolstadt, where we demonstrated our skills in mixed teams at bowling. The relaxed competitive atmosphere and the division into many small groups created tension and fun. The winners of the tournament were rewarded with Spangler sports bags in a cheerful award ceremony.

Culinary Conclusion in a Traditional Setting

The day ended with a joint dinner at the regional restaurant Himmelreich, enjoyed in a relaxed beer garden atmosphere. These moments of exchange are essential for strengthening the social bonds within our team and across departmental boundaries.

Outlook: The Power of Community

This day not only brought fun and joy but once again showed us the importance of personal contact and the direct experience of other work environments. We are convinced that such experiences lay the foundation for innovation and shared success. Our company outing was more than just a day of relaxation – it was a reflection of the vibrancy of our corporate culture and the commitment of each individual.