50 Years of Lindner

New construction of the Siloah Clinic (published with the kind permission of KRH © samba photography)

Franz Starzer

Martin Bernhardt

New operating center at Klinikum Großhadern (© Lindner, Arnstorf (D))

Extension building Raumedic (© Lindner, Arnstorf (D))

The Lindner Group packs its bags in 2015 and embarks on an exciting journey through 50 successful years. During this time, the company evolved from an acoustic contractor to an international specialist in building envelopes, complete interior fit-outs, and insulation technology with a market-unique level of manufacturing depth.
A part of the corporate group is Lindner Cleanroom Technology GmbH, founded in 1985 and based in Arnstorf. They are experts in sterile work environments and particle-free zones, e.g., for pharmaceutical labs or operating rooms.

In an interview with Reinraum online, the managing directors Franz Starzer and Martin Bernhardt discuss the origins of Lindner Cleanroom Technology GmbH as well as current and future activities.

1. How did the business area at Lindner come about? Was it initiated by a project or did the market ask for it?

Martin Bernhardt: The demand arose from project execution. Besides the usual drywall products, hygiene and cleanroom solutions became necessary. It was a team of five to ten employees who took on this topic. As a result, a dedicated department was created, later evolving into a separate business unit.

2. How has the subsidiary developed since its founding in 1985? In what ways have your fields of activity changed?

Martin Bernhardt: A lot has happened. To put it in numbers: from 5-10 employees to 100 employees. Revenue grew from 2 million euros to 40 million euros. From standard products like floors, ceilings, and walls to complete interior fit-outs.

Franz Starzer: The range of services has changed significantly. In the early years, the focus was on developing pharmaceutical work environments. The portfolio was limited to products for ceilings, floors, and walls. We had existing customers with whom we completed projects. A turning point occurred with the acquisition of Raumtechnik Fellbach GmbH in 2004. The service spectrum was expanded. In addition to proven cleanrooms for the pharmaceutical industry, we added microelectronics, operating rooms, laboratories, as well as medical, plastics, and food technology. Today, we offer our customers not only individual trades but also complete solutions. Everything from a single source, including planning, design, production, and project management.

3. What is the order situation like in the anniversary year? What are your most exciting projects?

Martin Bernhardt: The order situation in 2015 is very satisfactory and ensures good utilization. We have many beautiful projects underway. For example, the expansion of the New Solids Launch Facility (NSLF) for Novartis AG, one of the largest cleanroom projects in Europe. Novartis AG is the second-largest pharmaceutical company in the world and has relied on Lindner Cleanroom Technology GmbH for previous projects. Another exciting construction project is the Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha. We are responsible for the expansion of high-quality operating rooms there.

4. What are your plans for the coming years? Can market trends be identified?

Franz Starzer: For the future, we are increasingly focusing on technical building equipment (TGA) in cleanrooms. We want to be active not only as planners but also as builders to reduce interfaces for the client. Because in cleanrooms, every interface poses a risk of a quality gap in the system. Our high manufacturing depth and the ability to provide complete solutions significantly minimize these error sources.

Martin Bernhardt: We are already serving customer wishes from all over the world. However, we want to further expand our international business in the future. Increasing overseas sales is not only a goal for Lindner Cleanroom Technology GmbH but for the entire Lindner Group.

Franz Starzer: One trend we are increasingly sensing is the demand for comfort and design. This applies not only to patients but also to staff. In interior fit-outs, design is becoming more prominent alongside technical functions. New materials, such as glass, are being used more frequently. For example, in operating rooms, we install backlit walls with photo prints.

5. What sets Lindner apart from other providers?

Martin Bernhardt: For clean, particle-free areas, high-quality products are required. We provide these to our customers. We offer a broad range of services with a high level of manufacturing depth. From floors, ceilings, walls to doors, and lighting, among others.
Professional project management with our own site managers and installers ensures smooth processes. And, of course, satisfied customers.

One significant advantage for us is our flexibility. We can realize almost any project requirement, regardless of size and complexity. Of course, we have standard products, but our core competencies lie in implementing custom solutions.

6. What have been the most significant projects since the company's founding?

Franz Starzer: Good question. We have had so many exciting projects in the past. But one of the most significant is definitely Viatris in Bad Homburg. With the realization of the blood analysis center about twelve years ago, we paved our way as a complete contractor.
The new construction of the LMU operating center at the Großhadern campus is just as special for us. On an area of about 15,000 m², 32 operating rooms were built.

7. One last word about 50 years of Lindner: What are your thoughts on the journey through the company's history?

Martin Bernhardt & Franz Starzer: 50 years of Lindner also means 30 years of Lindner Cleanroom Technology GmbH. It is impressive how the company has developed since 1965. Starting as a small acoustic contractor, Lindner now offers the market a wide range of products and quality "Made in Germany".