Baden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann was on a summer tour under the motto 'Innovation, Solidarity, ZU[sammen]KUNFT', which he completed in the districts of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald and Emmendingen and also made a stop at Eltroplan. There, he informed himself in particular about the innovation potential of SMEs.
One reason for Kretschmann's interest in Eltroplan Engineering GmbH in Endingen was that the company had won an award in the TOP 100 innovation competition for the second time in 2020. Managing Director Michael Pawellek, who founded Eltroplan in 1978 and is the sole shareholder, explained what the EMS company does and what special features it offers: Comprehensive electronics engineering and manufacturing services from development to testing with a focus on sophisticated products in smaller quantities and special technological solutions.
Topics ranging from the pandemic to sustainability discussed
Pawellek explained that Eltroplan has come through the corona-related crisis well so far "and this without short-time working despite customers from the automotive and aerospace sectors". Kretschmann had not expected this and asked about it. According to Pawellek, Eltroplan has benefited from the fact that the company is very active in development projects. The wide range of customers also had a positive effect. Eltroplan manufactures highly complex electronics, mostly with a specific form factor, including embedded systems and solutions to support autonomous driving. "We develop high-speed data transmissions that make driverless motorized locomotion possible in the first place."
Skills shortages are not a major issue at Eltroplan. Pawellek responded to a corresponding question: "We have been able to offer many attractive jobs in the region, especially for young people, and have received many applications." Eltroplan relies heavily on its well-trained employees.
Fig. 2: Winfried Kretschmann in conversation with Michael Pawellek
Pawellek thanked the Minister President for the funding from the state, including the Rural Development Program (ELR), which has been very helpful for the further development of Eltroplan. "This is a good instrument for offering support, especially to small companies in the early stages," he said.
Prior to the visit, Kretschmann had already been informed about the Aristos joint venture between Eltroplan Engineering GmbH, Kaiser Ingenieurbüro GmbH and PLC2 Design GmbH and wanted to find out more. Pawellek explained how the three companies combine their experience and expertise in the areas of software, hardware and mechanics to offer customers a complete package.
The Minister President was particularly impressed by how Eltroplan implements the topic of sustainability. According to Pawellek, Eltroplan's company building is state-of-the-art in terms of energy efficiency. It is centrally controlled via an intelligent building management system. "We no longer need fossil fuels". There are now also plans to cover the employee parking spaces with photovoltaic modules. Together with the modules already installed on the roof of the company building, the self-generated electricity will cover the company's future consumption - including the upcoming charging stations for electric cars.
Company tour with numerous examples
During the tour, Minister President Kretschmann visited all areas of the company together with Michael Pawellek and Technical Director Axel Frank, from the development department to production and the test field. He showed great interest and kept asking: "What exactly do you do there?"
Fig. 3: Winfried Kretschmann during the tour: "The charging infrastructure for electric cars also needs to be promoted at the moment."
Final discussion: The future of the automotive industry and technology
After the tour, further current topics were discussed with the other guests. Winfried Kretschmann was confident about the future of the automotive companies, as the topic of electromobility is now being taken seriously by everyone and: "Daimler and Porsche have now positioned themselves well." The state wants to pursue a policy of technological openness. This is why developments in the field of fuel cells and hydrogen are also being promoted. He considers hybrid and plug-in technology to be an important transitional technology, as it can quickly and significantly reduce pollutant emissions in urban areas. "The charging infrastructure for electric cars also needs to be promoted at the moment," said Kretschmann. Although jobs would be lost with the decline of combustion engines, new ones would be created in the field of software and digital technology. Kretschmann is convinced that the change will be achieved and noted: "We have the necessary infrastructure and culture".
He concluded by expressing his appreciation for Eltroplan and said that it was very encouraging that smaller companies were taking such important steps. After all, politicians know that the country's prosperity rests on such companies. "We are ready to create the necessary framework conditions."
