The globally active Rieder Group is one of the leading concrete specialists in Austria. Through constant innovation, particularly in the areas of noise protection, traffic safety and architectural concrete, the family-run company holds a leading position in Europe - as an innovation leader in the area of noise protection. Founded in 1958, the group of companies today has around 420 employees at 6 locations in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic and generates an annual turnover of around 67 million euros. Rieder sets high standards for itself and its employees. Only innovative technologies with ecological and economic responsibility are used.
Rieder's large production halls, which are up to 12 m high, pose particular challenges for any heating technology. Built around 30 years ago, they are virtually uninsulated and are exposed to high levels of concrete dust during production. In addition, there are strong draughts due to open hall doors. The previously operated radiant heating system was getting on in years and, under these conditions, was causing increasingly high maintenance costs.
Start in Maishofen
This was the situation in 2004 when Rieder first contacted the hall heating specialist KÜBLER and - convinced by a visit to the Annahütte reference system in Ainring - ordered the heating of the locksmith's workshop at the Maishofen site with the energy-saving Optima high-performance dark radiators.
"We have chosen KÜBLER 3 times, 3 times we are absolutely satisfied."
Wolfgang Bürgler
The Asten modernization project
In 2008, the decision was made for the production hall in Asten not to invest further in the repair of the old bright spotlight system. The experience with the KÜBLER systems in the metalworking shop was consistently positive. On June 8, the order was placed with KÜBLER to heat the 142 x 20 x 11.5 m hall in Asten.
The heating solution for Asten
The hall in Asten, where wood-concrete noise barriers and precast concrete parts weighing several tons are manufactured for noise protection, is now heated by the energy-saving infrared heating system from KÜBLER. Eleven devices from the high-performance Optima series with a total output of 418 kW and the resource-optimizing R.O.S.S.Y. control system were installed.
The Bergheim new-build project
Based on the positive experience, the large production hall (117 x 25 x 12.5 m) at the Bergheim plant was heated with KÜBLER's energy-saving technology in 2011. Here, 10 Optima units were installed and expansion options for the second hall were planned.
"No air movement and even heat distribution - the radiant heat from the Optima appliances is very pleasant for our employees and also ideal for curing the concrete."
Wolfgang Bürgler
Experiences, results, recommendations
"We now have the KÜBLER systems in operation at three locations and are still very satisfied," is how Mr. Wolfgang Bürgler, Technical Manager of the Rieder Group, sums it up so far. He is satisfied with the heat output, which has proven itself especially in the high halls. This is because the high-performance infrared radiators in the Optima series are excellent at transferring heat to the floor, even from a great height. "Before, it was hot at the front, but cold at the back. The heating effect is now very pleasantly homogeneous," says Mr. Wolfgang Bürgler. This is just as important for Rieder's production staff as it is for the concrete, which requires the most uniform temperature conditions possible for curing.
They are also satisfied with the reliability of the KÜBLER systems. "The devices run flawlessly, despite draughts and the high volume of dust in our halls. We have made significant savings in terms of effort and costs, especially when it comes to maintenance."
What can Mr. Wolfgang Bürgler recommend to other hall operators after three successful heating projects?
"Anyone who wants to achieve considerable savings quickly without major structural alterations to their hall is well advised to use KÜBLER systems. They have proven to be the ideal solution for us."
"A heating system that runs trouble-free in our dust-intensive production - that's what convinced us the most."
Wolfgang Bürgler
About KÜBLER
With its innovative infrared systems, KÜBLER GmbH develops and sells the modern and economical technology for heating large spaces and, as a full-service provider of turnkey solutions, provides the comprehensive product range for different types of halls and room environments. KÜBLER has made a significant contribution to the breakthrough of modern infrared technology in Germany. The company is driving developments in the industry with its innovations and regularly receives awards for its innovative achievements. National and international awards include: Industrial Heater of the Year 1996, Federal Prize for Outstanding Innovative Achievement 2004, Company of the Year in Ludwigshafen, finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year 2005, Bavarian State Prize 2006, Grand Prize for Medium-Sized Enterprises 2008 and the Innovation Prize Rhineland-Palatinate 2008. In 2012, KÜBLER is nominated as Premier for the highest award of the Grand Prize for Medium-Sized Enterprises. KÜBLER has registered six patents and twelve trademarks. Founded in 1989, the company employs around 100 people and is one of the top companies in the industry in Europe with locations in Ludwigshafen, Dresden, Hagen, Hamburg, Ingolstadt, Prague (Czech Republic), Fegyvernek (Hungary), numerous foreign agencies and a nationwide service network. In Austria, KÜBLER is expanding as part of the energy efficiency export initiative with four regional offices currently planned in Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Graz.
