The ebm‑papst Group, the world’s leading supplier of fans and motors, officially put its new E-Drive Solution Labs into operation in Mulfingen today. After the EMC test center, the testing center and the HighSpeed Technical Center for turbocompressors, Solution Labs is ebm‑papst’s fourth investment in research and development at the company’s headquarters since 2021. The innovation and development center, which is unique in the industry, brings together different departments under one roof to develop solutions for various ebm‑papst product ranges.
Manuel Hagel, leader of the CDU parliamentary group in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament, gave a ceremonial welcome speech at the inauguration of E-Drive Solution Labs. Representatives from politics, business and universities as well as around 100 other guests were also in attendance.

Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer, CEO of the ebm‑papst Group, said at the opening ceremony: “Working with our employees in Solution Labs, we want to take air technology into a new era and further expand our technological leadership. In doing so, we are also increasing the agility and impact of our motor, electronics and software development, as we are not only bringing together all key specialist areas in one center, but also focusing on digitalization, AI and sustainability – in line with our strategy of ‘Making the Future Together’. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for their tireless efforts in establishing this space for future-oriented collaboration and innovation.”

Speaking at the official opening, Manuel Hagel, leader of the CDU parliamentary group in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament, said: “Innovative, efficient and a global leader – this is what Baden-Württemberg’s economy is all about thanks to powerful technology leaders and role models like ebm‑papst. The future is being made right here in Mulfingen – with a lot of inventiveness and creative power. At ebm‑papst, home meets high-tech and hearts meet minds. The company’s success is based on values and the joy of innovation, as E-Drive Solution Labs makes clear, because this is where enthusiasm and progress come together.”

“We are consciously investing in Germany and the Hohenlohe region, as we have the expertise (education, universities) here, alongside motivated and committed employees. Solution Labs is also very attractive to specialists, managers and engineers,” explained ebm‑papst shareholder Jan Philippiak.

Innovative solutions pave the way for future trends

ebm‑papst has invested around 30 million euros in its new Solution Labs facility. It was completed within two years and houses various competencies from the E-Drive Solutions division, such as electronics, motors, embedded computing, application and series development, and innovation and knowledge management, all under one roof. As Professor Tomas Smetana, Chief Technology Officer, explained: “Solution Labs’ 130 or so employees work closely with all the product development departments involved, from innovation development to series development. The aim is to develop new innovative solutions in areas that will shape the future such as digitalization, data centers and the heat transition.” Close collaborations also exist with the existing EMC test center and the HighSpeed Technical Center in Mulfingen.

Solutions developed in Solution Labs for pre-series and series products are tested, optimized and verified in the EMC laboratory, from the individual component to the customer’s final device. The electronics for the compressors developed in the HighSpeed Technical Center, for example, come from Solution Labs. The concepts and ideas are also used as part of the modular motor system for the various divisions and regions of ebm‑papst, which then adapt them to their market and its requirements.

One special feature is the architecture of the building, which was built on top of an existing production building so as to save space and ensure sustainability. ebm‑papst placed great emphasis on short distances between departments and laboratories across the approximately 3,200 square meters.

An open space design also promotes communication and creative exchange between employees. In addition, an energy-efficient heating and cooling system with a connection to the new district heating and cooling network and an appropriate lighting system ensure sustainability and comfort.