Wippermann jr. GmbH, Hagen, Germany

Wippermann jr. GmbH is one of the leading European manufacturers of precision chains and sprockets. Founded in 1883 in Hagen, Germany, this family-owned business is now in its fifth generation. A renowned manufacturer of maintenance-free marathon chains, it has an annual turnover of EUR 36 million and over 300 employees throughout Europe. The most extensive renovation in company history took place in Hagen, Germany, in a record time of only ten weeks. The central boiler station for the heating of 62 sections of the building - a total area of 24,000 m2 - was completely changed to decentralised technologies. General contractor for this enormous modernisation was Kübler GmbH. The heating systems specialist from Ludwigshafen, Germany, developed a heating solutions concept which included the entire periphery, the remote control and maintenance of the complex facility, and a wide range of advanced infrared heating systems. Results met the highest expectations: after the first heating period Wippermann showed savings of 70 percent in primary energy consumption alone. The integrated solution comprising advanced heating and control systems as well as innovative process management commenced operation on schedule on October 31, 2006 - thereby guaranteeing usage for the total heating period of 2006/2007. The figures after the first heating period confirmed the high efficiency of the new system. Aided by a mild winter, energy consumption was approximately 2.9 m kWh - only 30% of the consumption of the old heating system. At a kWh price of approximately 0.05 EUR, this means a savings of EUR 340,000 in primary energy consumption alone. For Wippermann investing in the Küblers modern heating concept paid off in further ways: - Savings in personnel costs for systems operation: approx. EUR 70,000 p.a. - Savings in maintenance and repairs costs: approx. EUR 40,000 p.a. - Savings in fuel costs: approx. 80% p.a. - Gaining more space through shutting down the boiler

Country

Germany

Year

2006