News from QUBUS

Last Friday, we celebrated our 30th anniversary with a summer party at our head office in Schwäbisch Gmünd. Around 250 invited guests – including staff, customers, partners and long-standing associates – accepted our invitation and enjoyed a day full of conversation, insights and a great atmosphere.

We kicked off the afternoon with an in-house exhibition: guests were given the opportunity to find out about our wide-ranging areas of work and to take a look behind the scenes on guided tours of our laboratory facilities.

Following a festive champagne reception, the guests made their way into the festively decorated marquee. With fresh ice cream, chilled drinks and barbecued food, it wasn’t just the culinary delights that were enjoyed – the focus was also on socialising.

A varied programme rounded off the day: an interview with our four company founders offered fascinating insights into the company’s history. Swabian cabaret artist Ernst Mantel provided excellent entertainment. Musical entertainment was provided by The Wow. To round things off, our DJ got the guests up on their feet.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the many congratulations, lovely gifts – and, above all, for the personal encounters!

Find out more here.

Construction of a state-of-the-art electroplating plant in the Rinteln-Süd industrial estate began with the official ground-breaking ceremony last Tuesday, 17 June. STÜKEN is investing around €29.5 million in CO₂-neutral manufacturing in order to systematically expand its expertise in surface technology for e-mobility, medical technology and wear protection.

As the planning partner responsible for the electroplating and chemical processes, we are delighted to have earned STÜKEN’s trust and to be working constructively with all those involved. Together, we are pursuing the goal of combining state-of-the-art technology with sustainable energy concepts – including photovoltaics, heat pumps and heat recovery.

„With this investment, we are laying the foundations for pioneering solutions in the field of surface technology,“ explains Dr Uwe Krismann, Spokesman for the Management Board at STÜKEN. „The new electroplating facility is a key component of our transformation strategy.“.

Here at QUBUS Nord, we are proud to contribute our expertise in surface technology to the success of this forward-looking project – from plant design right through to seamless integration into day-to-day production. This marks another step towards setting national standards in sustainable, reliable surface finishing.

Information about our range of services relating to Plant design

Rising energy prices and regulatory requirements such as the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) are forcing paint shops to rethink their approach. There is often untapped potential for savings, particularly in the areas of ventilation, drying and exhaust air treatment. By specifically recovering waste heat and intelligently integrating processes, businesses can significantly reduce operating costs – whilst simultaneously cutting CO₂Reduce [emissions].

The Technical article (published in *besserlackieren* 10/25) provides a practical guide to how heat recovery can be cost-effectively integrated into paint shops – including an overview of the technology, tips on implementation and information on funding schemes.

Information about our range of services relating to Process optimisation

Your contact: Rainer Göpfrich. Tel. +49 7171 1040829, rainer.goepfrich@qubus.de

In paint and coating facilities, there are extensive inspection requirements for machinery and equipment. Different deadlines, types of inspection and areas of responsibility make this a complex issue – and one prone to errors. A well-organised inspection management system helps to avoid liability risks and penalties.

The Technical article (published in *besserlackieren* 08/25) outlines what needs to be taken into account when planning, carrying out and documenting legally required inspections – and provides practical tips on how to implement these in the workplace in a legally compliant manner.

Information about our Test management services

Your contact: Frank Schüle. Tel. +49 7171 10408-17, schuele@qubus.de

In early March 2025, the ZVO’s „Introductory Seminar on Electroplating“ was held once again at the QUBUS premises.

The seminar is aimed at purchasers, quality management staff, design engineers and newcomers to the field, and offers a comprehensive insight into the world of electroplating. Topics covered include an overview of the industry, basic terminology, coating systems, plant technology, testing methods and environmental considerations. The direct exchange between participants and speakers is particularly valuable.

The ZVO organises this seminar several times a year. Further information on the training course can be obtained directly from the Central Association for Surface Technology e.V...

Efficient painting processes: QUBUS to share insights at the ExpoLive event for agricultural and construction machinery on 26 March 2025

How can painting processes for agricultural and construction machinery be planned and optimised efficiently? Rainer Göpfrich will provide answers to these questions in his presentation at ExpoLive.

This online event focuses on innovative coating processes that ensure greater efficiency and durability in extreme operating conditions. Those interested can still register for the event and find out how modern technologies and new materials improve the performance of coatings. Practical best practices and valuable tips will help you adapt production processes to meet current requirements.

Find out more and take part now

Surface treatment technology faces the challenge of operating in a climate-neutral manner in future. Particularly in electroplating plants, with their complex energy usage – ranging from process heating and cooling through to electric drives and ventilation systems – there is no standard solution for achieving this goal.Ventilation systems, in particular, are among the biggest energy consumers, whilst at the same time offering enormous opportunities for heat recovery. The Technical article (published in the ZVO_Report) highlights the key challenges and sets out practical approaches to improving energy efficiency.

Information about our Energy Check

Your contact: Christian Deyhle, Tel. +49 7171 1040812, deyhle@qubus.de

As part of the joint annual celebration organised by the IFO Institute for Surface Technology and Qubus Planung und Beratung Oberflächentechnik GmbH, the following people (from left to right): Jessica Thebert, Jens Schmid, Benjamin Fiedler, Jutta Steegmüller, Lena Stegmaier and Stefan Merger were honoured for 10 years„ service. Manuela Friedrich (not pictured) was recognised for an impressive 25 years“ service. The management honoured the employees celebrating their anniversaries for their long-standing support and loyalty to the company and expressed their heartfelt thanks for their dedication. „The loyalty and commitment of our staff are the key to our success,“ emphasised the management of IFO and QUBUS, comprising Michael Müller, Christian Deyhle and Marc Holz (back row, from left to right). “We are proud to offer an environment in which people can grow and shape their long-term career paths.”

Rising costs and stricter environmental regulations: why optimising existing plants ensures competitiveness.

For more information on how existing plants can be modernised through targeted measures and how significant energy savings and efficiency gains can be achieved, please see the Article (published in *besserlackieren* 20/2024)

Our contact for paint shop design:
Rainer Göprich, Tel +49 7171 1040829, rainer.goepfrich@qubus.de

We wish you and your families a Merry Christmas, a peaceful festive season and a happy start to the New Year 2025!

A particular highlight was our Christmas party – QUBUS and IFO had already handed out presents: as an extra thank-you for their fantastic commitment, all staff received lovingly put-together gifts filled with delicious treats.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been with us throughout the year! Let’s look forward to the new year together with confidence. Here’s to a successful and healthy 2025!

Your QUBIFO team