02.11.2023

Future-oriented technologies for the energy transition: Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits Freudenberg Group

Investments totaling millions of euros: tour of the production facility for gas diffusion layers | Visit to the Training Center: number of apprenticeships boosted by 40 percent

Investments totaling millions of euros: tour of the production facility for gas diffusion layers, a key component for fuel cells and electrolysis units
Visit to the Training Center: number of apprenticeships boosted by 40 percent

Weinheim, November 2, 2023. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the Weinheim headquarters of the Freudenberg Group today. The visit focused on a tour of the production facility for gas diffusion layers, a key component for fuel cells and electrolysis units. Freudenberg has invested millions of euros in the plant. The reason for the investments is growing demand from customers from Europe, North America and Asia. “With future-oriented technologies like this, Freudenberg is enabling and forging ahead with the energy transition as a component supplier,” said Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of the Freudenberg Group. He welcomed the Federal Chancellor and gave an overview of technologies, markets and customers. The Federal Chancellor then visited the Training Center, where about 280 apprentices are being trained in future-oriented technologies on highly advanced equipment. On the occasion of the visit, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "Freudenberg is one of the "hidden champions" in Germany with a very long tradition and great innovative strength. A company that has always evolved and responded decisively to change. We need all this in our country, which is facing enormous changes."

During a tour of the production facility, the Federal Chancellor was able to gain an impression of future-oriented technologies. Freudenberg is the only manufacturer in Europe that completes the entire production process for gas diffusion layers in-house. This key component for fuel cells and electrolysis units is produced by employees of the Freudenberg Performance Materials Business Group. The Business Group supplies gas diffusion layers to customers throughout the world including fuel cell manufacturers for a variety of applications such as heavy- duty trucks and forklift trucks as well as stationary applications such as electrolysis units needed for the production of green hydrogen. Demand continues to grow. In total, Freudenberg invested about €60 million in its Weinheim location last year.

Freudenberg is also involved in the largest European program for hydrogen technologies and systems, “Important Projects of Common European Interest”. For example, this program includes investments in the production of green hydrogen and the creation of hydrogen infrastructure.

Freudenberg is one of the 'hidden champions' in Germany with a very long tradition and great innovative strength. A company that has always evolved and responded decisively to change. We need all this in our country, which is facing enormous changes.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Discussion session with apprentices at the Training Center

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz also received interesting impressions at Freudenberg’s modern Training Center in Weinheim. He answered questions raised by the 115 apprentices currently in the first year of their training. The technology group also trains young people for partner companies. Compared with the previous year, the number of apprenticeships has risen by a total of 40 percent and there are now more than 20 training opportunities. Training is provided in 14 vocations and 10 dual courses of studies in the fields of business, technology and IT in cooperation with the DHBW (Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University) in Mannheim.