Cleanroom expertise and capacity expansion

The Vorarlberg-based company NETZER GROUP, internationally known for its expertise in cleanroom technology, has once again demonstrated its strength in handling demanding projects. At the Pürgen location in Germany, the company constructed a new 151m² ISO7 cleanroom for APM Technica AG, a specialist in adhesive and surface technology. The cleanroom, along with personnel and material lock systems, was implemented within an existing warehouse as a "hall-in-hall" structure to sustainably expand the company's production capacity to a maximum while ensuring the highest quality and efficiency standards. The implementation time from planning to turnkey handover was 8 months, during which operations could be continued without issues.

Before the project began, NETZER GROUP, as the general contractor, faced several challenges. The existing static of the hall ceiling did not allow the use of forklifts for steel construction. At the same time, the new room layout and the lock systems for material and personnel flow had to be optimally integrated into the existing hall entrances. The low ceiling height, the uneven existing floor, and the integration of the new cleanroom system into the existing electrical infrastructure of the building added to the complexity of planning. Despite these conditions and the tight schedule, NETZER GROUP was able to complete the construction of the cleanroom on time.

NETZER GROUP took on the role of general contractor and coordinated all involved trades, including steel construction, housing, electrical engineering, ventilation technology, installation work, floor coating, construction work for penetrations, insulation technology, software and control technology, qualification, and lock system furnishings. All planning was carried out entirely in 3D using laser scanning of the existing hall. The automation of the system was realized via Evon XAMControl, while the network and server cabinet were provided by the customer.

The cleanroom offers a 30-fold air exchange rate, precise temperature and humidity control, and a well-designed pressure cascade from the cleanroom (25 Pa) through the lock systems (10 Pa) into the environment (0 Pa), ensuring contamination safety. The air distribution in the suspended ceiling is managed via an innovatively designed distributor cylinder for optimal airflow conditions. Adiabatic humidification and heat pumps enable particularly low energy consumption. The room temperatures are regulated via the heat pump and ventilation system, while humidity is controlled with treated VE water. Compressed air supply was also planned, with treatment and generation of compressed air provided by the customer.

An rotary heat exchanger in the ventilation unit supports heat recovery and further reduces energy needs. The system was implemented considering special safety requirements, including explosion protection documentation and TÜV approval of the heat pump installed outdoors.

The new cleanrooms meet all defined goals regarding capacity, efficiency, and ISO7 compliance. For APM Technica, this means a significant expansion of production capacity, the possibility to increase staff, handle larger orders at the Pürgen site, and boost sales.

With this project, NETZER GROUP once again emphasizes its competence as a total and general contractor, delivering complex cleanroom projects on time, energy-efficient, cost-secure, and customer-oriented.