A passion for solid and reliable technology
Dr. Bernhard Spiegl has been researching and developing at HOERBIGER since 2001. In 2023, he was appointed CTO and Head of Innovation & Technology of the HOERBIGER Group. Spiegl is overseeing innovation across the Group, as well as group-wide technological collaboration and the expansion and intensification of partnerships with external research institutions.
Bernhard, how do you define innovation?
Bernhard Spiegl — Innovation is the development and implementation of new ideas, products, services, processes or business models that create significant added value. At HOERBIGER, we speak of customer-centric innovation. The added value must always benefit the customer.
It sounds simple, but it certainly isn’t, is it?
BS — The challenge is to recognize the needs of customers – you could also say the level of suffering – before they themselves become aware of those needs. In doing so, we have to think beyond current needs. A good example is our latest generation of valves: Nobody asked for them, but we recognized early on that the increasing complexity of maintenance and the shortage of skilled workers will increase the demands on the service life of valves. Innovation therefore also means investing in future technologies and trends before the market actively demands them.
What goals have you set yourself in your new Group-wide role?
BS — My objective is to work with my colleagues to significantly expand technological collaboration between the Divisions and Business Units. HOERBIGER is a technological powerhouse, and it is important that we make even better use of the existing technologies and market expertise throughout the Group. We are also working much more closely together in our innovation projects.
Which technologies are on the innovation agenda?
BS — In our innovation activities we’re concentrating on megatrends such as hydrogen, emissions reduction, sustainability, e-mobility and safety. Hydrogen technology is a key focus, with new developments being pursued across nearly all business sectors. In automotive technology, we are vigorously advancing new products in battery technology, electrolysis and electrical actuators for shifting systems. Additionally, we are exploring new applications in global growth markets, including the semiconductor industry, paper processing, wind power and medical technology.
So sustainability is an important driver of innovation at HOERBIGER?
BS — Sustainability is at the core of our innovation and technology projects, with approximately 90 percent of our initiatives dedicated to this focus. Our commitment to sustainability is longstanding, as we have been actively engaged in this area for many years.
HOERBIGER works together with research institutions in many areas. How important are external partnerships and collaborations for our innovation projects?
BS — External partnerships and collaborations are crucial for our innovation projects, particularly in basic research. I am very proud that most new ideas come from within the company: from development, production, engineering, sales or product management. This underscores the importance of our employees’ expertise and dedication. I therefore believe it’s essential for our development departments, businesses, and external research institutions to collaborate closely and equitably.
What innovations or technologies inspire you outside of HOERBIGER?
BS — In my private life I’m a fan of vintage cars and classic motorcycles. I appreciate well-crafted, robust, and reliable technology, exemplified by old BMW motorcycles. This passion for reliability extends to my work at HOERBIGER, where our success hinges on producing reliable and efficient products – those that define performance. A marginal improvement is futile if it compromises durability.
"Our success rests on with products that are reliable and efficient – in other words, performance-defining.”"
HOERBIGER Group