Saving energy with thermal concrete duvets at Rudolf Griesmann Betonfertigteilwerk

The precast concrete manufacturer Rudolf Griesmann Betonfertigteilwerk can look back on 60 years of company history. The founder, Rudolf Griesmann, had already begun to produce precast concrete elements with three employees in 1964. When the agricultural holding located in Oberschöneberg near Dinkelscherben close to Augsburg was too small, a plot of land was acquired in the vicinity and brought to productive life with a production hall and concrete mixing plant. Hence, the foundation was laid for the expansions and modernization lasting until today.

The specialization in garages and modular units made of reinforced concrete led to success, with lasting effect until today: in the growing number of employees, in the expansion of the product portfolio and in the improvement of the production process.

In 1994, a production facility in Saxony was added to the factory in Bavaria. In Bretnig near Dresden, a precast concrete plant was erected that is characterized by modern technology and optimum conditions in terms of environmental protection.

Creative thinking at Griesmann

The company is producing all kinds of prefabricated car garages made of reinforced concrete, i.e. standard garages; single, double and row garages; variable garages, large-capacity garages and special modules.
General Manager, Stefan Griesman, states: „In our development, we do not want to be limited by conventions. Our 35 co-workers are focusing their work on the search for the best solutions – this is the basis of creative thinking at Griesmann. In this way, we manage to offer solutions corresponding to the requirements and to find, together with the customers, the best solution for them. Whether the customer imagines a garage with gable roof, an earth pressure garage, a large-capacity garage, a stacking parking system, an underground garage, a garage with a green roof or a garage with dimensions and equipment adapted to the needs of disabled – we are prepared. The respective turnkey garage is delivered by our special transport truck on schedule and, and is expertly installed on the foundations.“

    „At present, a satisfying capacity utilization is not possible because of the market situation,“ Stefan Griesmann continues. „Of course, we are aiming at full capacity utilization sooner or later.“

Rising energy costs require new measures

In order to combat the climbing energy costs, the Rudolf Griesmann Betonfertigteilwerk located in Großröhrsdorf has broken new ground for the treatment of their precast garages. In the production, the garage floors are covered with a thermal concrete duvet made by the Danish company Combitherm, so as to accelerate the hardening process and to keep the heat in the component.

„We were seeking for possibilities to reduce our heating expenses in the production hall. Eventually, we became aware of the thermal concrete duvets of Combitherm and after successful first tests, we have ordered a larger number of thermal concrete duvets in several sizes, allowing us to cover our daily production completely. It was of particular importance to us that the covers can be used all year round – hence we have no drying out in summer at very high temperatures and we save energy for heating in winter. Here, we clearly see the advantages in the curing process in contrast to a PE foil; the heat for the hardening process is better retained,“ explains Frank Hirschberg, Production Manager at the Saxony factory of Rudolf Griesmann Betonfertigteilwerk.

Excellent cooperation and communication

„I would like to use this opportunity to express my thanks to Combitherm for the excellent cooperation and straightforward communication. We are pleased about the very good result and all expectations in respect of the surface quality of the concrete and the saving of energy are fully met,“ Frank Hirschberg continued.

„After visiting Griesmann in Großröhrsdorf in August 2022, thermal duvets of the two types produced by us – namely the rigid PP foil and the flexible PUR foil – were purchased for the factory. Our customer selected many different ones depending on the shapes and dimensions. Starting with the small mats of 50 x 50 cm each up to the very long mats of 150 x 2 m for prestressed concrete lines, we are virtually able to meet every customer request,“ added Martin Blach Nielsen (Sales Manager D/A/CH) from the perspective of Combitherm.