Capacity expansion in the calibration market: Testo invests at the Kirchzarten site

Aerial view of the new expansion building of the Calibration Factory, creating additional capacity for the increasing demands of customers and markets. Calibration Factory aerial shot © Testo Industrial Services GmbH

Together, the project managers and company representatives inaugurated the expansion of the Calibration Factory. The symbolic ribbon-cutting was performed by (from left to right) Helmut Haberstroh (Testo Industrial Services), Hanna Böhme (wvib Schwarzwald AG), Arnt König, Raimund Föhrenbacher (both Testo Industrial Services), Prof. Burkart Knospe (Testo SE & Co. KGaA), Dr. Dieter Salomon (IHK), Mayor Darius Reutter, and Klaus Wehrle (Carré Architecture Office). Opening ceremony of Calibration Factory © Testo Industrial Services GmbH

The Testo Industrial Services GmbH has officially opened the expansion of its Calibration Factory in the Fischerrain industrial area. With an investment of 18.2 million euros, the company is strategically expanding its capacities in the field of metrological services and strengthening the Kirchzarten location.

The ceremonial opening took place yesterday, Wednesday, in the presence of representatives from business and politics. In welcoming the guests, Raimund Föhrenbacher, Managing Director of Testo Industrial Services GmbH, emphasized the importance of the expansion for the company's future development: “With the expansion of our Calibration Factory, we are creating the prerequisites to continue ensuring the highest quality, precision, and efficiency for our customers in the future. At the same time, we are deliberately investing in our location and in modern working conditions for our employees.”

In his speech, Prof. Burkart Knospe, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Testo SE & Co. KGaA, addressed the current economic conditions in Germany. “Whether it's labor costs, bureaucratic costs, taxes, or energy costs: the economic framework in Germany disadvantages the economy and causes locations to be relocated abroad. As a result, customers in the calibration business are also shrinking. Therefore, investments like today's expansion of our Calibration Factory are not only a vote of confidence in TIS's quality but also evidence of our optimism that Germany will become an attractive production location again in the medium term. We are lighting a beacon in the economic darkness,” says Burkart Knospe.

Among the congratulators were, among others, Dr. Dieter Salomon, Managing Director of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce South Upper Rhine, Hanna Böhme, Managing Director of wvib Schwarzwald AG, Kirchzarten's Mayor Darius Reutter, as well as the planning company Carré.

Capacity Expansion for Growing Business

After the first construction phase was completed in 2021, the facility has now been expanded by approximately 3,800 square meters. This responds to the increasing demand for calibration services and lays the foundation for further growth. A total of over 140 additional jobs are being created in the Dreisamtal region as part of the expansion.

The new building section combines modern laboratories with a consistently lean-oriented production approach. Automated conveyor technology and processes designed along the material flow enable efficient, precise, and scalable processing of calibration orders. At the same time, the service portfolio is further expanded through the use of innovative technologies.

In addition to technological aspects, the focus of the expansion was also on employees. Bright, open spaces, ergonomically designed workplaces, and areas for exchange and relaxation create a modern working environment. A special feature is the rooftop terrace with a view of the Dreisamtal and the High Black Forest.

Sustainability aspects were also considered early on: an efficient energy concept with a photovoltaic system, pellet heating, and demand-based air conditioning significantly reduce energy consumption. This is complemented by a sustainable mobility concept with electric vehicles and bicycles for factory traffic.

With the expansion, Testo Industrial Services clearly affirms its commitment to the Kirchzarten location, where the company has been operating since 2004. Over 44 million euros have already been invested here, and more than 600 jobs have been created.