In an interview for the IHK, our managing directors, the Esders brothers, talk about the history and the vision for the future of Esders GmbH. As an internationally recognised company, we are in the capable hands of the next generation. With a strong academic background, Bernhard, Martin and Stefan Esders have taken on clear roles in Research & Development, Sales & Marketing and Production & Service to keep the company on a path of continuous growth.
The interview also highlights our views on the crucial role of green hydrogen (H2) on the road to carbon neutrality and how we are helping companies to become “H2-ready”. In addition, we share our views on the steps the federal government should take to accelerate the uptake of H2 and emphasise the need for clear, long-term frameworks for the hydrogen market.
Would you like to read the full interview? Then you are in the right place, as we have translated it to you into English for you below!
Full interview
They grew up together with the company founded by their father and now run it together in the second generation: (from left) Martin Esders, B. Eng. (FH Münster), Managing Director Sales & Marketing since 2018, Bernhard Esders, M. Sc. (Electrical Engineering, RWTH Aachen), Managing Director Research & Development since 2018 and Stefan Esders, M. Sc. (Mechanical Engineering, TU Braunschweig), Managing Director Production & Service since 2020.
Bernd Esders founded Esders GmbH as an engineering company in Bielefeld in 1989 and relocated to Haselünne in 1994. Today, the innovative company operates internationally, is a manufacturer and supplier of measuring devices, software and system solutions for the gas, water and wastewater sectors.
When Bernd Esders passed away at the beginning of 2021, he had set the course for the succession with foresight and had integrated his sons Bernhard (37), Martin (35) and Stefan (33) into the family business. The brothers are currently planning the “Esders Tech Campus”, an investment of 17.5 million euros.
Bernd Esders founded Esders GmbH as an engineering company in Bielefeld in 1989 which moved to Haselünne in 1994. Today, the innovative company operates internationally, is a manufacturer and supplier of measuring devices, software and system solutions for the gas, water and wastewater sectors.
When Bernd Esders passed away at the beginning of 2021, he had set the course for the succession with foresight and had integrated his sons Bernhard (37), Martin (35) and Stefan (33) into the family business. The brothers are currently planning the “Esders Tech Campus”, an investment of 17.5 million euros.
The three of you share the management. How are the tasks divided among you?
Bernhard Esders: Each of us has our own area of expertise in which we specialise. This allows us to make the best use of our individual strengths and at the same time ensure that all aspects of the company are covered. I am responsible for development, my brother Martin is in charge of sales, including marketing and finance, and my brother Stefan is in charge of production and service.
Is there a leader for innovation in the company among you as brothers?
Bernhard Esders: We are all passionate about moving our company forward. Our areas of responsibility open up many options for each of us and we are never alone with an idea, so of course we also give our employees space for their visions and innovations. And in the end, we have to think carefully about which idea is worth taking forward.
One of your latest products is an IoT module ("Internet of Things") for a Tore manufacturer from Emsland. What was the impetus for its creation?
Bernhard Esders: Our own experience in hardware development and programming is a great advantage for us. The IoT module is one of our contract developments that we create for other manufacturers. We also build complete measuring devices for our customers under a different name and distribute them worldwide. We do this 100% in Haselünne, and in addition to PCB assembly, this also includes topics such as cloud reporting, sensor connection, field tests and training for sales and service staff. With this development, we have opened up a new business field for ourselves.
You are improving your products with the help of artificial intelligence. What benefits does this bring to your customers?
Martin Esders: By using AI, we can carry out more precise measurements and provide our customers with more accurate data. During a pressure test, the smart memo can report back at a very early point in time whether this test can be passed successfully or whether it has to be stopped. This helps to work more efficiently and save costs.
For industry, there is no alternative to green hydrogen (H2) on the politically prescribed path to climate neutrality. How do you help companies become "H2-ready"?
Martin Esders: We develop measuring devices and system solutions that can already detect and measure H2 today. We have been doing this for several years. It enables our customers to work safely and efficiently with hydrogen (H2). Because the most important thing is safety when working with energy carriers such as hydrogen (H2).
What levers should the federal government use to accelerate the H2 ramp-up?
Martin Esders: It is crucial for the energy industry that the German government creates clear and long-term framework conditions for the hydrogen market. This could be achieved through tax incentives, investment subsidies and an adjustment of energy taxes to make green hydrogen more competitive with fossil fuels. In addition, the expansion of the necessary infrastructure, such as hydrogen filling stations and pipelines, and a harmonisation and simplification of approval procedures at the national and EU level are needed to move projects forward more quickly. Finally, the state should invest in research and development to further improve the technology and reduce costs.
What role does internal education and training play in meeting your development staff needs?
Stefan Esders: Internal training and development are of central importance to us. It enables us to ensure that our team is always at the state of the art and that we can develop the best products for our customers. In the technical area, we are growing steadily and have been able to take on and further develop most of the trainees after their apprenticeship.
With more than 150 employees, twenty of them in development, your company is growing steadily. What is the importance of innovation for Esders GmbH?
Stefan Esders: Innovation and technology are at the heart of Esders GmbH, along with the people who work here. It is what drives us and enables us to grow constantly. Since our foundation, we have always focused on advanced technologies and processes. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively, propose new ideas and constantly look for ways to improve our products and services. This spirit of innovation has not only made us a name in the industry, but has also helped us stay at the top of technological developments. Our culture is one of freedom to propose unconventional solutions. We encourage our employees to think ahead, so they lead us into the future with their ideas.
What did your father's death almost two years ago mean for the company?
Stefan Esders: It was a great loss for all of us. His legacy lives on in the company. We are determined to continue his vision and take the company to the next level.
With the construction of a "Tech Campus" you have started the largest investment in the company's history so far...
Stefan Esders: The Tech Campus serves as an innovation centre where ideas and projects can be developed and implemented. It provides a place for collaboration between different teams and departments to work together on projects. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that is available to employees. A great working environment nurtures talent and provides opportunities for them to develop and utilise their skills. We take a forward-looking approach that aims to develop innovative solutions to future challenges.
Your company was awarded the title "Digital Place of Lower Saxony" in 2020. Where are you today in terms of digitalisation?
Martin Esders: We are proud of this award and have since further intensified our digitalisation efforts. In the meantime, a lot has happened: summer 2022 was the beginning of an e-commerce revolution in our industry. Our online shop went live, programmed in house, with product editor, translation tool, CRM and ERP interface. We integrated 360° product images for our UX in the online shop and we started with marketing automation. At the same time, our software development team developed a DAM (Digital Asset Management) for a better use of our content and images, which are thus accessible to everyone. And if you think we already have enough, you’re wrong. Our focus in the team is now on automation and personalisation of our content as well as improving e-commerce through our online shop & AI in all its diversity.
In case you don't reach an agreement as brothers , does Bernhard, as the eldest, automatically have the last word?
Bernhard Esders: Although I am the oldest, we make all decisions together. We discuss and agree quite quickly and find a compromise that is acceptable to each of us. It’s like in any family, we then decide what is best for the company and all the associated families.