While many industrial companies are shifting operations abroad, Hydrotec Technologies AG is making a clear statement in favor of Germany as a business location. In Wildeshausen, at the heart of Lower Saxony, we witnessed firsthand one of Europe’s most advanced iron foundries — a flagship project in a time of industrial transformation.
From the moment you arrive, it becomes clear: this is more than just a new production hall; it is a powerful statement. The new foundry, located directly adjacent to Hydrotec’s headquarters, combines cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to sustainability. The spacious site seamlessly integrates the new production hall and the adjoining administrative building. Green roofs and expansive photovoltaic systems highlight the company’s environmental ambitions.
Strategic Location with Vision
Speaking with company executives on-site, the careful planning behind this expansion becomes evident. “Our central location in Germany offers ideal conditions for fast and efficient distribution of our products,” explains Uwe Brinkschulte, CEO of Hydrotec. The site also benefits from a highly skilled workforce and the ability to effectively integrate renewable energy sources.
Initially, the new iron foundry will produce traditional civil engineering products made from grey cast iron (GJL) and ductile iron (GJS), such as manhole covers and drainage channel gratings. Plans are already in place to expand production to custom cast parts by the fourth quarter of 2025. “We are building on our established core business and strategically expanding our offering with tailored solutions — all while adhering to the highest environmental standards,” Brinkschulte adds. He emphasizes the company's pride in the long-standing trust of their customers, who are now also commissioning specialized products produced under climate-friendly conditions.
Technology Meets Sustainability
A tour of the facility quickly reveals the high-tech nature of the operation: the striking tower of the sand preparation plant, with its two silos for new sand and bentonite, dominates the site. Efficient production processes and the consistent use of eco-friendly technologies demonstrate the company’s commitment to combining economic success with ecological responsibility.
With the new foundry, Hydrotec expands its production and storage area by around 13,000 square meters. The 4,600-square-meter manufacturing hall is complemented by a three-story administrative and social building, providing modern workspaces for employees. Every element is designed for future growth — ensuring Hydrotec remains competitive on the international stage. Today, the company already operates in 37 countries through its own sales network.
A Clear Commitment to Germany
Hydrotec impressively demonstrates that investments in Germany can succeed when innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurial foresight come together. The new foundry in Wildeshausen is much more than a construction project; it stands as a symbol that industrial value creation has a future in Germany.
A total of €22 million was invested, and the journey from initial concept to completion took four years. The transformation of the site into industrial land was completed within just one year, and the building permit was secured in only seven months.
This achievement is thanks not only to the dedication of local authorities but also to close cooperation with numerous regional companies, particularly during the construction phase — a point highlighted in the speech by Jürgen Unewisse (Board of Directors hydrotec technologies AG)
