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Keeping you up to date on an ongoing basis about the latest developments and news at our company GBneuhaus GmbH and related areas is a main objective of ours.

Meet us at these trade fairs in 2024

 

You can also get to know us and our high-performance coating solutions in person at the following trade fairs in 2024:

W3+ Fair | 13. - 14. April | Wetzlar

Hannover Messe | 22. - 26. April | Hannover

Optatec | 14. - 16. May | Frankfurt

Surface Technology | 04. - 06. June | Stuttgart

4. Wirtschaftsforum | 04. September | Hörselberg-Hainich

Internationale Zuliefererbörse (IZB) | 22. - 24. October | Wolfsburg

 

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Winner of the BESSER LACKIEREN Award 2023

 

11 years ago, the trade magazine BESSER LACKIEREN and the Fraunhofer IPA launched the competition for the BESSER LACKIEREN Award. The aim is to identify and highlight the best strategies and most efficient concepts in industrial painting and coating technology. Since then, coating companies have been honoured annually by a high-calibre jury from the worlds of business, science, media and politics.

This year, 17 finalists were selected from all the applications submitted, which were scrutinised by the jury during visits to the respective companies. The economic, ecological and social aspects of coating system and painting technology were analysed. The jury then selected the winners, who were presented with the BESSER LACKIEREN Award 2023 last Wednesday, 13 December 2023, in Stuttgart.

GBneuhaus also received the award in the category of contract coaters with 50 to 100 employees.

GBneuhaus stands for innovation from Thuringia. Founded in 1991 as a small family business, the provider has continued to develop its product portfolio and is now a sought-after and competent service partner for innovative and high-performance functional coatings. This year, the contract coater inaugurated a new technical centre and invested in a fully automated system. This enables GBneuhaus to develop and refine products in an efficient and targeted manner. Thanks to the modular design of the system, new technologies can be combined in a wide variety of ways and their interactions and influences on the applied coatings can be tested. This lays the foundations for long-term and sustainable innovative research and development.

Normally, contract coaters only do what you do as a contract coater. GBneuhaus has set its sights higher and has set itself the task of mastering divergent materials such as SolGels," said Dr Michael Hilt. "This means that we have to take a close look at the entire process chain and thus become a pioneer for new coating concepts. The portfolio now ranges from antimicrobial, antistatic and antiviral to hydrophilic and hydrophobic, transmission coatings and much more. "Yes, we coat!", the company's slogan, sums up the entire company philosophy perfectly.

Source: Besser Lackieren, © Photos: Jochen Kratschmer / Editorial team Besser Lackieren

 

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Innovation on the Rennsteig

 

GBneuhaus stands for innovation from Thuringia. "Founded in 1991 as a small family business, we have constantly developed ourselves and our product portfolio and have thus become a sought-after and competent service partner for innovative and high-performance thin-film systems," summarises Petry. "Our functional coatings are now in demand worldwide. That makes us proud. Above all, however, it motivates us to build on the successes of the past three decades and continue to work every day to make the world a little better thanks to our coating solutions."

As a specialist in dip coating glass, particularly for the automotive industry, the company has also developed spray coating under cleanroom conditions as a thin-film technology in recent years. This enables the coating of complex 3D geometries on glass, metal and plastics.

Typical functional coatings include optical, mechanical and chemically resistant functional coatings (UV protection, scratch protection, etc.) as well as biological protective coatings with an antimicrobial or antiviral effect. For example, the antimicrobial coating SANPURE® has been proven to be effective against bovine coronavirus (BoCV' strain: S379 Riems). This product, which is based on a silver salt coating technology, has now been successfully applied using spray technology.

The realisation of reproducible and homogeneous spray coatings with layer thicknesses of 0.6 to eight micrometres - depending on the function - places extremely high demands on the purity of the surfaces and the avoidance of particle ingress during the entire coating process, as the ingress of particles in the order of one micrometre already completely damages the surface. "The idea behind our project was to completely redevelop the previous test system," says the company boss. "Based on production under cleanroom conditions, the upstream and downstream technology steps of pre-treatment, activation and cross-linking/vapour deposition are also included in the EX-protected cleanroom production and the entire process is fully automated to prevent human intervention. Such technology and system concepts were previously unknown in the state of the art."

As the coating technology process is heavily dependent on the ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.) and the optimum conditions vary between the technology stages, the challenge is to realise the individual technology steps in air-separated or encapsulated production modules and to prevent the entry of particles into downstream stages. In addition, the use of new cleaning and activation processes must be tested and parameterised in order to achieve surface purity.

The aim of the project was therefore to develop a production technology and a test facility for functional spray coating which, in addition to the points mentioned above, can produce functional coatings

  • with cycle times of 90 seconds with 25 workpiece carriers
  • for workpieces measuring 800 x 800 x 200 millimetres
  • for layer thicknesses from 0.6 to eight micrometres
  • with layer thickness tolerances of up to +/- 0.1 micrometres

can be realised.

The final implementation of the innovative pilot plant enables the free parameterisation of the environment and technology for different coatings, surfaces and processes. The coating technology for selected optical, mechanical and antimicrobial coatings was developed as part of the project and the functionality of the system was demonstrated.

"This is a huge step forward in the development of new coatings and transparency-enhancing optical coatings on various materials and will play a major role in the field of autonomous driving in particular," says Head of Research & Development, Dr Elina Oks. Managing Director Michael Petry sees this as an important and necessary strategic step into the future of the company.

Project manager Christoph Wenzel, who together with his team is largely responsible for the successful commissioning of the pilot plant, is also proud of the work carried out on the project. "The project was successfully realised despite supply bottlenecks caused by the pandemic and geopolitical crises of the last three years. We are now looking forward to designing further developments and innovative solutions with our customers."

The funding and support provided by the Thüringer Aufbaubank as part of the research, technology and innovation project funding programme was essential for the implementation of such a complex and innovative project.

 

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Hidden champion from Neuhaus am Rennweg

 

Last Friday, 3 March 2023, the first ChampionsMEET took place at the Comcenter Brühl in Erfurt. The kick-off event for a joint project of the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs and LEG Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft Thüringen.

In the course of extensive research, almost 90 companies from Thuringia were identified as market and technology leaders in Germany, Europe or worldwide.

In addition to well-known companies such as Carl Zeiss, "hidden champions" were also analysed, which perhaps not every Thuringian had previously had on their radar.

GBneuhaus GmbH, represented by Managing Director Michael Petry, was presented with an award by Economics Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee and LEG Managing Director Andreas Krey.

As an originally small family business that has been producing at its site in Neuhaus am Rennweg since 1991, GBneuhaus GmbH is delighted to receive this honour. It also encourages the company to continue to drive innovation and develop further.

"For us as a company, this award is both a great success and confirmation. It will serve as an incentive for current and future tasks." These are the words of Operations Manager Markus Heinze, who has been with GBneuhaus GmbH for more than 20 years.

 

 

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You will meet us at these trade fairs in 2023

 

In 2023 you can meet us and learn more about our effective coating solutions at the following fairs:

Hannover Messe | 17th—21st April | Hannover

Medical Fair India | 27th—29th April | Mumbai, Indien

Automotive Interiors Expo | 05th—07th December | Stuttgart

 

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Happy New Year!

 

GBneuhaus wishes you a happy new year! For 2023 we wish you health, success and the power to master the upcoming challenges. We are looking forward to make the world better in this year - together with you!

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Our trade fair participations in 2022

 

In 2022 you can meet us and learn more about our effective coating solutions at the following fairs:

KUTENO | 10th — 12th May | Rheda-Wiedenbrück

Medical Fair India | 20th — 22nd May | Mumbai, Indien

Hannover Messe | 30th — 2nd June | Hannover

Surface Technology | 21st — 23rd June | Stuttgart

Micronora | 27th — 30th September | Besancon, Frankreich

K-Messe | 19th — 26th October | Düsseldorf

Automotive Interiors Expo | 8th — 10th November | Stuttgart

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GBneuhaus at Precision Fair

 

Meet GBneuhaus on November 10 and 11 in s'Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, at the Precision Fair 2021. You can find us in hall 1 at booth 344, the common stand of LEG Thüringen. Our experts will gladly be available for your questions and proudly present our efficient coating soloutions.

Get more information about the fair HERE

Get more information about LEG Thüringen HERE

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GBneuhaus turns 30!

 

The 90s: Ready, set, go!

Spring 1991: Technoglas Neuhaus GmbH is founded as a result of discussions between Dr. Hermann Knauer and Rudolf Mueller-Uri - our two company founders - and Planoptik GmbH Elsoff. At the beginning, the company focuses on the production of technical glass cuts, for e.g. cover plates for halogen spotlights. As early as March, Neuhaus employees travel 330 kilometers every week from the Rennsteig to Westerwald for training.

On the 3rd of May 1991, the deed of association for Technoglas Neuhaus GmbH is signed, leading to the birth of our company -  which starts its operations with a mere 12 employees. The same year, the city of Neuhaus decides to open up and develop parts of today's industrial area "Am Herrnberg", where shareholders of Technoglas Neuhaus GmbH buy the land on which the company stands even today. In July 1991, the construction of a production hall begins here, where employees start working under challenging circumstances by the end of the year; the two Managing Directors run the company from a sparsely furnished office desk, while employees have to work with thick winter clothes on due to lack of proper heating. Their driving force? The fact that they now have a job in their hometown and the confidence that Technoglas Neuhaus will continue to grow and develop quickly. By 1995, our company has a total of 30 employees already.

In March 1996, Technoglas Neuhaus GmbH is renamed as Planoptik Neuhaus GmbH. At this time, the company also enters the field of coatings using the so-called “sol-gel process”. Yellow coatings are applied to halogen lamps for fog lights. Two years later, we start working with the blue coating, a product we are still known for even today. By the end of the 90s, our team numbers around 60 employees.

The 2000s: Independence and Crisis

Shortly after the turn of the millennium, the three divisions of the Planoptik Group (in Neuhaus, Elsoff and Hungary respectively) - to which our company still belongs at this time - are reorganised. This leads to a transfer of machines from Neuhaus to Hungary. From now on, flat glass cutting and the coating of halogen burners and flat glass products are carried out at the company site in Neuhaus. Economic difficulties at the headquarters in Elsoff lead to the management considering the sale of Planoptik Neuhaus as well as Planoptik Hungaria. As a result, uncertainty spreads. Without further ado, Neuhaus company founders Dr. Hermann Knauer and Rudolf Mueller-Uri buy both Planoptik Neuhaus GmbH as well as Planoptik Hungaria on December 31, 2002. In 2003, the company is renamed as Glasbearbeitung + Beschichtung Neuhaus GmbH and starts its journey on the road to independence with a total of 50 employees.

It isn’t just the company administration that needs to adapt to the new situation; the company philosophy takes a new turn too. Employees are encouraged to participate more in company activities; from July 2003 onwards, they receive monthly gift vouchers and coupons; from 2004, the company pays a monthly contribution for long-time employees within the framework of a retirement fund agreement. The path to independence turns out to be an extremely successful one. Until 2007, Glasbearbeitung + Beschichtung Neuhaus GmbH is able to increase its turnover significantly every year. It initially seems as if this record will be surpassed once again the following year. However, these hopes are dashed with the the collapse of the international financial system in the summer of 2008. Our company is hit hard and needs to face the grim consequences: Reduced work hours follow until August 2009, and social benefits have to be cut. The pressure to save money is so severe that some neon tubes are even removed from the lamps to save electricity. Production at the Hungarian site is discontinued completely.

2010 onwards: Growth and Development

The financial crisis leaves its mark, but our company survives. Glasbearbeitung + Beschichtung Neuhaus GmbH has learnt three major lessons: Never depend on moneylenders, do not focus on just one major customer, and prioritise and expand R&D.

While our company recovers, company founder Rudolf Müller-Uri passes away in 2010. His contribution and service to GBneuhaus as well as his unique personality remain unforgotten. In 2011, Glasbearbeitung + Beschichtung Neuhaus GmbH is rebranded. The expansion of our product portfolio is accompanied by the shortening of the company name to GBneuhaus GmbH. At this time, GBneuhaus boasts of a 100 employees. As the financial situation has stabilised once again, the expansion of our production capacity becomes necessary - the company premises are extended to include a second production hall. The year 2011 is, on the whole, characterised by multiple remodelling measures. New customers in the field of burner coating and a steadily growing volume of orders lead to the need for further expansion. This is implemented in 2014 in the form of a two-story building, which, since completion, houses the administrative offices as well as the new spray coating area.

In 2014, Michael Petry is appointed Managing Director of GBneuhaus. From then on, he leads our company together with company founder Dr. Hermann Knauer. In 2014, we also start developing our "New Business" division - functional surface coatings for a wide variety of products made of glass, metals or plastics. Our product portfolio in this area is developed further in the following years thanks to our brilliant R&D department. With the establishment of the New Business division, our company also pursues an increasingly international agenda. Business co-operation with a partner in India leads an increasing involvement in the Indian market as well. In 2018, these efforts culminate in the foundation of our subsidiary GBneuhaus India Pvt. Ltd. based in Pune.

GBneuhaus today: Excellence and Innovation

As the leading service partner for functional coatings, GBneuhaus is in demand all over the world today. As a company that is always learning, we have repeatedly drawn our lessons from the experiences of the last three decades and have thus been able to develop into an innovative and efficient company. Even though our orientation is increasingly international, Neuhaus am Rennweg remains our headquarters. Our commitment to our hometown will be further emphasised in 2021 with several seven-figure investments: The acquisition of an additional building and the introduction of an ERP system as well as the expansion and automation of the spray coating area of our Neuhaus operations are in the works, which will pave the way for a successful future.

Managing Director Michael Petry, who has completely taken over the management of the company since company founder Dr. Hermann Knauer went into well-deserved retirement, leads us into this bright future. In 2020, Dr. Hermann Knauer was honoured by Thuringian premier Bodo Ramelow with the Thuringian Order of Merit for his contributions to improving economic and social life in the Rennsteig region. Together with Rudolf Mueller-Uri, he laid the foundation for the success of GBneuhaus in 1991 and led the company as Managing Director for many years. Dr. Hermann Knauer's philosophy is to give back to his home region that has contributed so much to the success of the company. In keeping with his doctrine, we support a number of local sports clubs, educational institutions and cultural organisations in Neuhaus and the surrounding area.

Our human resources policy has also continued to evolve throughout our 30-year existence: a 36-hour work week, flexible working hours, gift vouchers and coupons, company policies for health management, taking over payment of daycare fees, contributions to the company pension scheme, further training and development opportunities for employees - many measures that have proven their worth over the years and made our company a much sought-after employer in the region. In 2016, we even received an award from the Thuringian Labour Minister for our innovative HR policy. Of course, sustainability also plays an increasingly important role for us. Among other things, we pursue a progressive energy management policy with the aim of reducing our CO2 emissions as much as possible. With this goal in mind, we also installed a photovoltaic system on our roof in 2020.

Our future: Progress and Success

Since we’re always looking to the future, we formulated our "Vision 2025" in the year 2019, and it has formed the basis of our activities ever since. We fight together, as a team, to achieve our goals. The coating of halogen burners currently still represents our largest business area. It is therefore also the basis for our long-term success. By 2025, we want to be the leading service partner for functional coatings across Europe as well as in India. We want to expand and further develop our services and products by then, in order to achieve the greatest possible advantage for the respective customer product. In doing so, it is extremely important to us that we create benefits for people and the environment in the places where we operate. A high degree of digitalisation is also very important to us; we want to remain innovative and face the challenges of the future head-on, whatever they may be. What we already know is that together with our employees, our partners and friends, customers and suppliers, we have the best comrades-in-arms anyone could wish for to solve these tasks and make the world a better place.

 

"I am extremely proud of what our company founders Dr. Hermann Knauer and Rudolf Mueller-Uri created and developed together with many long-term employees. Today, our company is in demand internationally and employs more than a 100 people from the Rennsteig region. Over the years, we have become a real team, working together as equals both among ourselves as well as with our customers and partners. This is what makes our continuous development, this striving for innovation, for developing solutions for a better world, possible in the first place - because we work together as a team towards our goals.

Our 30th anniversary is cause for celebration, to appreciate all that we have achieved so far, and is also exactly the right time to look to the future. In 2021, we will invest a seven-digit sum at our Neuhaus am Rennweg site in the automation and expansion of our production technology, in the digitalisation of our systems and in the expansion of our buildings. We want to become even more efficient for our customers and partners and be able to offer even more innovative coatings that make the world a better place. To achieve this, we must also remain a sought-after local employer. At the same time, we continue to remain an active supporter of local schools, clubs, cultural activities and volunteer work so that we can do something good for the region and its wonderful people outside of our corporate activities."

Michael Petry, Managing Director

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