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" Everyone is preparing for hydrogen – and we are ready.” service network. While many sales and service partners are well established, the company is filling gaps and raising standards. standards.“ Sustainability is no longer a standalone objective. It’ s becoming part of our decisionmaking matrix – from procurement and logistics to customer engagement,” Drehmel adds.
Making more with more
Machining capabilities at PRUSS have evolved significantly.“ We are not only expanding our capacity but shifting it,” Drehmel clarifies.“ Basic machining has moved to Asia, while high-precision, high-tech machining remains in Hanover and is being expanded.”
This strategic division enables PRUSS to handle increasing order volumes while maintaining quality.“ We assemble, test, and complete all complex machining in-house,” says Drehmel.“ This way, we address cost pressures without compromising performance.”
Investments in automation and robotics have further streamlined operations.“ After our last interview, we added a robotic machining centre to our Hanover facility,” Drehmel says.“ In between, we also integrated an additional lathing centre, and now the next machine is already on order.” These incremental but continuous investments help PRUSS remain competitive while addressing the skills shortage in the German labour market.
The result is a manufacturing process that balances global efficiency with local excellence.“ We see this as a hybrid model that combines cost-effective sourcing with German engineering standards,” Drehmel says.“ This dual-track approach is allowing us to scale up smartly.”
A service ecosystem
To support its growing global customer base, PRUSS continues to invest in its distribution and
“ We are training our partners more intensively and building up service centres in the Far East,” Drehmel reveals.“ It’ s difficult to find people in Germany willing to travel globally, so we are working with local partners to deliver service as per our specifications.”
This approach ensures fast, reliable after-sales support for customers worldwide. PRUSS also maintains regular communication with partners, offering training sessions, documentation updates, and direct engineering support to solve complex problems.
The company is also exploring remote service capabilities using digital tools and diagnostics.“ There is room for digitalisation in service,” Drehmel says.“ We are piloting new methods that allow us to support partners and clients even when we cannot be there physically.”
A long view
Reflecting on PRUSS’ s 135 + years in business, Drehmel credits adaptability for the company’ s longevity.“ We would not have survived without constantly adjusting to new regulations, technologies, and market conditions,” he says.“ Sustainability is part of that. So is innovation.”
“ Hydrogen is one of several trends shaping the future,” Drehmel continues.“ Others include digitalisation, decentralised energy systems, and changing customer expectations. We want to be at the forefront of these shifts, not just reacting but shaping outcomes.”
Despite uncertainty in global energy policy, PRUSS is confident in its direction.“ No one knows what next week will bring,” says Drehmel.“ But everyone is preparing for hydrogen, and we are ready.”
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 22 | June 2025 13