Schaltbau wins German Award for Sustainability Projects
Award recognizes the company’s pioneering carbon-neutral production facility NExT Factory
Schaltbau, a global industry leader specializing in direct current (DC) technology, has received the German Award for Sustainability Projects in the “Technology – Energy” category. The company received the award as creators of the world’s first direct current, resource-saving and carbon-neutral factory in Velden, Germany. The manufacturing facility, which has been in full operation since September 2023, can serve as a blueprint for energy-efficient and green supply chains in Europe.
The German Award for Sustainability Projects recognizes outstanding sustainability endeavors which create social, economic and environmental impact in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“We are very proud to take the German Award for Sustainability Projects home this year,” said Steffen Munz, CEO at Schaltbau. “The NExT Factory is a pioneering showcase for resource-saving and carbon-neutral production. We are passionate about setting new standards in green production for a sustainable future. And we hope to encourage others to follow suit – it is rewarding.”
The NExT Factory’s DC microgrid is a pioneering technology for effectively integrating renewable energies into production, not least because it eliminates conversion losses and increases energy efficiency. With its advanced DC components, photovoltaic energy generation, an intelligent energy management as well as battery and thermal storage, the NExT Factory functions like a circular economy for energy and saves 35% in annual energy costs. As a result, the facility is significantly less reliable on the conventional power grid and sets a new standard for carbon-neutral and electrified production.
Schaltbau is a global leader in DC power solutions, specializing in products and solutions that drive electrification across industries. With a broad portfolio of contactors, connectors, switches, and safety components, Schaltbau has been helping partners and customers solve challenges in rail for generations. Building on this legacy with its new brand Eddicy, they also develop cutting-edge solutions designed to meet the highest standards of safety and reliability for switching and protecting DC applications in energy and e-mobility. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, and supported by a global team of over 1,000 employees, Schaltbau continues to shape the future of electrification with nearly a century of expertise.