ebm-papst opens E-Drive Solutions Labs

The E-Drive Solution Labs are the fourth comprehensive investment in the R&D sector at the headquarters in Mulfingen since 2021. (Image: ebm-papst)

Dr. Sebastien Heini (Vice President E-Drive Solutions), Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer (CEO), Manuel Hagel (Chairman of the CDU faction in the Baden-Württemberg State Parliament), Jan Philippiak (Partner at ebm-papst), and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tomas Smetana (CTO) inaugurate the E-Drive Solution Labs. (Image: ebm-papst)

The approximately 130 employees in the E-Drive Solution Labs work closely with all involved departments of product development, from innovation development to series production. (Image: ebm-papst)

The approximately 130 employees in the E-Drive Solution Labs work closely with all relevant departments of product development, from innovation development to series production. (Image: ebm-papst)

The approximately 130 employees in the E-Drive Solution Labs work closely with all involved departments of product development, from innovation development to series production. (Image: ebm-papst)

The ebm-papst Group officially commissioned its new E-Drive Solution Labs in Mulfingen at the end of March. Following the EMV test center, the testing center, and the High-Speed Technical Center for turbo compressors, ebm-papst is investing in the research and development sector at the company's headquarters for the fourth time since 2021 with the Solution Labs. The innovation and development center, unique in the industry, brings together various specialized departments under one roof to develop solutions for different product lines of ebm-papst.

In the new E-Drive Solution Labs in Mulfingen, around 130 engineers, developers, and specialists work together to elevate innovation to a new level. Here, interdisciplinary concepts are developed through the interplay of electronics, software, motor technology, and system development for the intelligent and customized air technology solutions of ebm-papst.

Innovative solutions enable future trends

ebm-papst invested around 30 million euros in the new E-Drive Solution Labs. They were completed within two years and house various competencies in the E-Drive Solutions sector under one roof, including electronics, motors, embedded computing, application development, series development, as well as innovation and knowledge management. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tomas Smetana, Chief Technology Officer, explains: “The approximately 130 employees work closely with all involved product development departments, from innovation development to series production. The goal is to develop new innovative solutions, among others, in future trends such as digitalization, data centers, and the energy transition.” There is also close collaboration with the already established EMV test center and the High-Speed Technical Center in Mulfingen.

Solutions developed in the Solution Labs for pre-series and series products are tested, optimized, and verified in the EMV laboratory, from individual components to end-user devices. For example, the electronics for the compressors developed in the High-Speed Technical Center come from the Solution Labs. The concepts and ideas also serve as part of the motor modular system for the various divisions and regions of ebm-papst, which adapt them according to their market and needs.

A special feature is the building's architecture: it was constructed space-efficiently and sustainably on an existing manufacturing building. Covering around 3,200 square meters, ebm-papst placed great emphasis on short distances between departments and laboratories. An “Open Space” concept also promotes communication and creative exchange among employees. Sustainability and comfort are further ensured by an energy-efficient heating and cooling system connected to the new district heating and cooling network, as well as an appropriate lighting concept.

Manuel Hagel, Chairman of the CDU faction in the Baden-Württemberg State Parliament, delivered a ceremonial speech at the inauguration of the E-Drive Solution Labs. Representatives from politics, business, and universities, as well as around 100 other guests, also participated.

Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer, CEO of the ebm-papst Group, said at the opening ceremony: “Together with the employees in the Solution Labs, we want to bring air technology into the next era and further expand our technological leadership. At the same time, we are increasing the agility and impact of our motor, electronics, and software development, as we not only unite all key departments in one center but also focus on digitalization, AI, and sustainability — all in line with our strategy ‘Shaping the Future Together’.” I would like to thank everyone involved for their tireless efforts in establishing this place of future-oriented collaboration and innovation.”

During the official opening, Manuel Hagel, Chairman of the CDU faction in the Baden-Württemberg State Parliament, stated: “Innovative, efficient, and world-class — that’s what Baden-Württemberg’s economy stands for, with our strong technological leaders and role models like ebm-papst. Here in Mulfingen, the future is being made — with a lot of tinkering spirit and creative energy. At ebm-papst, homeland meets high-tech, and heart meets mind. The foundation for the company's success is values and joy in new things. The E-Drive Solution Labs clearly demonstrate this, as enthusiasm and progress come together here.”

“We deliberately invest in the location Germany and the Hohenlohe region because we have the know-how (education, universities) here, and we have motivated and committed employees,” explained Jan Philippiak, shareholder of ebm-papst.