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Self-Reliance as a Trailblazer: How Fritz Winter Tackles Today’s Challenges

What Does "Fritz Winter eco solutions" Stand For?

Pressemitteilung | Reading time: min | Bildquelle: Fritz Winter Eisengießerei GmbH & Co. KG
Thomas Fritsch, Chief Editor

"Fritz Winter eco solutions" represents a comprehensive initiative by Fritz Winter Eisengießerei GmbH & Co. KG, focusing on sustainable production processes and environmentally friendly products within the foundry sector. The goal is to significantly reduce the CO₂ footprint and resource consumption in the industry. Key measures include energy-efficient production methods, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and targeted emissions reductions. With eco solutions, Fritz Winter embraces a holistic sustainability strategy that integrates ecological and economic considerations, driving long-term sustainable development.

To support this vision, the company launched its largest investment program to date, securing a syndicated loan of approximately €300 million. This financial move aims to strengthen the company’s future direction, with a primary focus on environmentally friendly solutions in iron casting.

Central to Fritz Winter’s strategy are innovative eco solutions that set new standards for ecological sustainability in the foundry industry. Key initiatives include:

  • ecoCasting
  • ecoMelting
  • ecoCoating

Each initiative uniquely contributes to reducing environmental impact.

Writing a New Chapter Instead of Lamenting Challenges

Fritz Winter actively invests in innovation, seeking competitive advantages beyond energy costs or wages—areas where Germany faces international pressure. Instead, the focus lies on energy savings, recycling optimization, and leveraging engineering expertise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company conducted a comprehensive industry strategy analysis, critically assessing the traditional "whatever it takes" approach and transitioning to self-driven innovation.

The ecoCasting process, introduced in 2014, exemplifies this innovation. It shifts sand casting for automotive and light commercial vehicle engines entirely to core packages, later expanding to truck engine casings. Supported by advanced casting frames, this process achieves thinner-walled cast parts, functional integration, weight reduction, and significant savings in water and sand consumption, including full sand recycling. A new ecoCasting line is set to launch in 2025.

Decarbonization and Climate Neutrality by 2045 - Investment in Two New Electric Crucible Furnaces

With the vision of being the best foundry for  the world, Fritz Winter focuses on holistic solutions rather than quick fixes. Since 2013, the company has complied with reporting obligations under the emissions trading system, forming the foundation for its comprehensive decarbonization strategies.

A key focus has been heat recovery to address the high thermal energy demand in production halls, despite continuous heat generation from melting processes. The company prioritized heat recovery and invited experts for a "concept competition" to develop a holistic approach for future melting operations.

The winning solution features two new electric crucible furnaces with a combined melting capacity of 30 tons, recently inaugurated in the so-called “Cathedral.” This facility reduces CO₂ emissions by 43,000 tons and cuts reliance on fossil fuels like coke. Additionally, it ensures the sustainable availability of recycled materials, particularly in light of the evolving raw material landscape in steel production.

Responsibility, Passion for Change, and Excellence

Driven by a deep sense of responsibility toward future generations, Fritz Winter has initiated this sustainable transformation with strong support from its workforce. Discussions with leaders Thomas von Reth, Markus Semmler, and Christoph Helfenbein underscore how deeply this spirit is embedded in the company’s culture, shaping its actions and partnerships with those who share the same passion for change and excellence.


About Fritz Winter

Fritz Winter Eisengießerei GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Stadtallendorf, Germany, is a global leader in iron casting. Founded in 1951, the company has become one of Europe’s premier foundries, specializing in the automotive and mechanical engineering industries.

Fritz Winter’s core expertise lies in producing components made of grey cast iron and ductile iron. Its product range includes brake components, engine parts, and transmission housings used in vehicles from renowned global automakers. Notably, 100% of the raw materials used in production are recycled scrap, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

In addition to innovative technologies for improving cast component properties, Fritz Winter invests in digital production processes and automation to further enhance efficiency and quality. The company operates modern facilities designed for energy-efficient and resource-saving production, with a strong emphasis on reducing CO₂ emissions.

Fritz Winter’s dedication to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility makes it a trusted partner in the automotive industry and beyond.

Company Info

Fritz Winter Eisengießerei GmbH & Co. KG

Albert-Schweitzer-Straße 15
35260 Stadtallendorf
Germany

Telephone: +49 6428 78-6298

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