Tradition in Changing Times - Gebrueder Heyl Analysentechnik

Tradition in Changing Times
Imprint
Publisher Gebrüder Heyl Analysentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Jörg-Tilman Heyl, CEO
Concept and text Berthold Budde, Dortmund, Germany: www.budde-medien.de
Layout and reproduction vogelsang-zander, Dortmund, Germany: www.vogelsang-zander.de
Cover design and event logo agenturspezial, Braunschweig, Germany: www.spezial-kommunikation.de
Translation Ashley Marc Slapp, Berlin, Germany: www.tac-translation.de
Images Heyl archive, Studio3 and Thorsten Hasse, Gronau, Germany: www.t-hasse.de (pages 5, 11, 16, 20, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
Print Ruth Printmedien GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
Printed in Germany, 2008
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher.
4
Foreword
Dear Reader,
»Everything originated in water and
makes me extremely proud and grateful
with mutual commitment, deep-rooted
opportunities for improvements and
everything is sustained by water«, wrote
to build on their achievements and to
quality consciousness and a real sense
innovations will always arise.
the celebrated German poet Johann
continue in their spirit.
of responsibility as well as the unfailing
Wolfgang von Goethe.
The Heyl family has been involved
dedication of everyone involved.
Water has now been our element for
in business for generations. This unique
It takes experienced, highly moti-
50 years. In 1958, my uncle Hans-Jür-
publication will look back on this history
vated and qualified employees to always
gen Heyl founded Gebrüder Heyl KG in
and the story of Gebrüder Heyl Analy-
provide our customers with the very
the German town of Hildesheim toge-
sentechnik. It combines the tradition
best. These employees are the heart and
ther with his cousin Hans-Joachim Heyl.
and principles of our company with our
soul of our company. I wish to express
Thanks to innovative products and
latest products and services and provides
my heartfelt gratitude to all of them
strong customer orientation, the two
an insight into our future.
during this anniversary year.
founders established a global reputation
A company's great achievements are
Expertise, courage, endurance and
in the field of industrial water treatment
a result of many small ones. But even
determination enable you to be success-
and water analysis. 50 years later it
the best results can only be achieved
ful in many business ventures. New
I hope that we will always recognise
and make the most of these opportunities for the benefit of our customers.
Yours faithfully,
Jörg-Tilman Heyl
5
300 years of business tradition
a brand new building in Charlotten-
banks of the River Spree. The company
strasse by »cabinet order« from Frede-
soon employed 500 people. Before his
rick the Great, King of Prussia.
death, Ernst Eduard Heyl entrusted the
For almost 300 years the name Heyl has
Beverages and colonial goods
After the death of his brother
paint sector to his sons, Richard Fried-
been synonymous with quality and
Almost one 100 years later, in 1735, the
Johann Jacob Heyl, Joachim Christian
rich (1830–1898) and Georg Friedrich
innovation in German business circles,
cobbler Michael Heyl (1701–1763), a
Friedrich called himself Johann Fried-
(1841–1889), which they operated from
especially in and around Berlin. The
great-grandson of his namesake, who
rich Heyl. He died just a few days befo-
1865 onwards as »Gebrüder Heyl &
Heyls in Hildesheim are also descen-
died at the Battle of Wittstock, founded
re the start of the French Revolution in
Cie.«. After the death of their father,
dants of this extensive family.
a brewery in Spandau.
July 1789. His son, Ernst Friedrich Heyl,
Richard retired from the business. Georg
His mercantile success enabled his
acquired sole proprietorship of the buil-
continued to run it on his own and tur-
Shipping and trade
sons to become official citizens of Ber-
dings in Leipziger Strasse and Charlot-
ned the paint factory into a public limi-
The name Heyl first appeared in Berlin
lin: Johann Jacob Heyl (1725–1775)
tenstrasse from his brother Carl Ludwig
ted company.
registers on 21 September 1597. A man
already owned a retail shop near the
in 1799. In 1809, Ernst Friedrich Heyl, a
named Jürgen Heyl married Gertraud
Berlin Palace at the age of 24. In 1765,
merchant of materials and spices and
»The Kitchen ABC«
Buschler in the parish of St. Nikolai. It
his younger brother, Joachim Christian
owner of »J. F. Heyl u. Cie.«, became a
In 1869, Georg married Hedwig Crüse-
was stated that Jürgen and his brother
Friedrich Heyl (1741–1789), founded the
member of the Berlin city council
mann (1850–1934), the daughter of a
Peter Heyl lived from »river shipping
trading company »J. F. Heyl & Co« loca-
assembly. One year later he became
Bremen shipping merchant. She became
and trade«.
ted in Potsdamer Strasse (later Leipziger
»Gilde-Ältester der Kaufmannschaft und
a famous social politician and founded
Strasse).
Handlungs-Compagnie zu Berlin« at the
the first Berlin school of home econo-
tender age of 41.
mics in 1884. Her book »ABC der Küche«
Another Heyl was mentioned in
1623 in the »Chronicle of Seehausen«
He supplied the leading gentry of
(south of Prenzlau): Jürgen Heyl’s son,
the day with exclusive goods: Game fish
Michael, married Gertraud Krusemark.
from northern Germany, pheasants from
Paints and chemicals
tical tips on housekeeping and recipes
On 4 October 1636, in the middle of the
Bohemia, champagne from Rheims,
The next generation of Heyls opened a
reflecting the latest nutritional science
Thirty Years’ War, he died at the Battle
sherry from Xerez and chocolate from
new entrepreneurial chapter. In 1833,
findings.
of Wittstock (Brandenburg) fighting
Vienna. Various materials and paints as
Ernst Friedrich Heyl’s son, Ernst Eduard
Swedish forces.
well as painting equipment were soon
Heyl (1797–1871), acquired a plot of
Spring water sales
added to the assortment. In 1771, this
land for the production of paints and
In 1865, the parent company, i.e. the
renowned merchant was presented with
chemicals in Charlottenburg on the
material shop including spring water
6
(The Kitchen ABC, 1888) contained prac-
History
The descendants of Ernst Eduard Heyl
sales in Charlottenstrasse, was taken
over by Carl Otto Heyl (1827–1879), the
eldest son of Ernst Eduard Heyl.
Chemistry and pharmacy
Ernst Eduard
Heyl
* 1797 † 1871
Luise Friederike
Fischer
* 1804 † 1864
In the other branch of the Heyl companies, the death of Hedwig Heyl in 1934
Friedrich Richard
Heyl
* 1830 † 1898
also meant the last direct family influence on the paint company. A grandson
Clara Wilhelmine
Charlotte Fischer
* 1836 † 1914
Eduard Hugo
Heyl
* 1835 † 1892
Charlotte E.
Holz
* 1838
Georg Erich
Heyl
* 1878 † 1957
Margarethe
Vollmer
* 1884 † 1955
Hans-Joachim
Heyl
* 1909 † 1966
Werner
Heyl
* 1918
of her brother-in-law and former coEduard Heinrich
Richard Heyl
* 1857 † 1917
owner Richard Heyl, the physician Dr.
Werner Heyl (1891–1974), founded the
Amalie Hedwig
Melanie Kittler
* 1864 † 1941
»Chemisch-pharmazeutische Fabrik Heyl
& Co., Berlin« in 1926. In 1958, two
Adolf Richard
Hans-Joachim Heyl
* 1890 † 1961
Charlotte Marianne
Berta Adele Stolle
* 1892 † 1960
Gertraud
Heyl
* 1922
Hans-Henning
Heyl
* 1929 † 2006
Rita Gisela Dorothea
Rauhut
* 1929 † 2002
Ute-Henriette
Heyl
* 1955
Hedda-Ulrike
Heyl
* 1961
Jörg-Tilman
Heyl
* 1971
partners left and decided to found their
own company at the branch office in
Hildesheim. This new company is the
focus of this 50th anniversary publication: Gebrüder Heyl Analysentechnik
Hans-Jürgen
Werner Heyl
* 1920 † 1989
Marianne
Fürstenau
* 1941
GmbH & Co. KG.
7
[
8
]
The early years
[ Two men, one idea ]
Starting up their own successful business also meant giving up their old roles:
On 4 February 1958 (backdated to 31 December 1957), the two cousins HansJürgen and Hans-Joachim Heyl resigned as partners of the chemical-pharmaceutical factory Heyl & Co. in Berlin. The main reason was fundamental differences of opinion about the direction of the business. The two cousins then
founded a new company in Hildesheim.
9
Hans-Jürgen Heyl
Hans-Joachim Heyl
In Hildesheim, Heyl & Co. – a pharma-
True to the family tradition
ceutical company founded by Dr. Wer-
The company’s name Gebrüder Heyl fol-
ner Heyl in Berlin in 1926 – owned pre-
lowed a long tradition dating back to
mises at Orleansstrasse 75b. Hans-
1833 with Ernst Eduard Heyl’s paint
Jürgen and Hans-Joachim Heyl took on
factory and had played a leading role in
these premises as well as a few em-
German business circles for almost one
ployees and machines in order to try
hundred years.
their hand at business. The founders
The two cousins now had the ideal
each took one of their brothers on board
basis to create a new production facili-
as further business partners: Dr. rer. oec.
ty, but they had yet to decide on a pro-
Hans-Henning Heyl and Dr. med. Wer-
duction range. What should they actual-
ner Heyl, the brother of Hans-Jürgen
ly
Heyl and Hans-Joachim Heyl respecti-
available to them? What were their
vely. The new company in Hildesheim
competencies? Who and where were
was named »Gebrüder Heyl Chemische
their customers? Questions which requi-
Fabrik KG«.
red quick answers.
produce?
Which
markets
were
Hans-Jürgen and his cousin HansJoachim were the general partners. They
incorporated the part of the old compa-
»A leap into
the unknown...«
Hans-Jürgen Heyl
ny which they had received from the
distribution of assets of Chemisch-pharmazeutische Fabrik Heyl & Co. in Berlin
Nonetheless, the two astute entrepre-
into the new business. Hans-Henning
neurs soon found the right solutions. At
and Werner Heyl were limited partners
first they produced pharmaceutical pro-
in this new venture.
ducts for Africa, including penicillin
drugs. The product range in those early
years of Gebrüder Heyl KG also offered
From Berlin to Hildesheim
10
dentistry products.
The early years
»Even as a child he loved inventing things.«
Dr. Gertraud Reeps, nee Heyl, about her brother Hans-Jürgen Heyl
From the very start Heyl produced a
purposes, extinguishing agents, harde-
product which would become a peren-
ning and soldering agents, casting com-
nial favourite: Durognost®, an easy-to-
pound for dentistry purposes, tooth fil-
use instrument for determining water
ling materials, mineral raw products,
hardness. This product led the fledgling
products for determining water hard-
company in a completely new direction.
ness, especially boiler feed-water.«
A groundbreaking discovery
Heyl KG started a trend which was to
The born inventor Hans-Jürgen Heyl,
continue for the subsequent decades:
who as a child had built his own radios,
Patent applications and renewals, the
benefited from a chance discovery
definition of new property rights and
which he put to good business use: Bet-
trademarks and the assertion of these
The founding years of Gebrüder
rights when dealing with global compe-
ween the numerous objects stacked on
the laboratory shelves stood a forgotten
titors. Besides the Durognost® trade-
®
Durognost – as modern today as 50 years ago
mark application at the West German
jar of reagent for a good six months. A
reagent is a substance used to monitor a
chemical reaction or state. Chemical
reactions are often displayed by a
change in colour. Much to the surprise
of everyone, the reagent stored at the
Hildesheim laboratory was still fully
functional after half a year. In a
newspaper interview almost 30 years
»According to the literature it
just wasn't possible. The reagent should have decomposed
after just a few days. We decided to analyse the individual
ingredients and subsequently
developed a reagent which had
a shelf life of up to two years.«
Patent Office in Munich, September
by Heyl in Hildesheim. In 1958, the
1958 also witnessed the registration as
business operations of Gebrüder Heyl
an international brand at Bureau inter-
KG were detailed as follows while regi-
national pour la Protection de la Pro-
stering the Durognost® trademark at the
priété industrielle in Berne, Switzerland.
West German Patent Office in Munich:
The first patent-protected Testomat®
»Pharmaceutical products, chemical
instruments were developed in coopera-
products for medicinal purposes and
tion with the Hildesheim-based compa-
healthcare, pharmaceutical drugs, pla-
ny Otto Otto. They were used to auto-
That was in 1960, a milestone in the
sters, dressings, pesticides, disinfectants,
matically monitor water hardness and
company history. Heyl applied for a
agents for increasing the shelf life of
worked with the liquid reagents develo-
worldwide patent for the new, liquid
foodstuffs; chemical products for com-
ped by Heyl. With these instruments,
reagent. The Durognost instrument was
mercial, scientific and photographic
Heyl ushered in a completely new era in
later, Hans-Jürgen Heyl explained his
amazing discovery:
the first successful product developed
11
The first patents of
Gebrüder Heyl KG
12
The early years
»Soft water is required almost everywhere. For
example, zero hardness is required for dialysis.
Our instruments with our reagent measure water
hardness automatically.«
Hans-Jürgen Heyl
industrial water treatment. At the begin-
Copenhagen-based H. Struers Chemiske
ning of the 1960s everyone in the indus-
Laboratorium for the sales and marke-
try suddenly became interested in water
ting of Durognost® in Denmark. The following years saw numerous other sales
Background information:
German Water Resources Act
waters, retaining and lowering surfaces
hardness.
Companies soon realised the bene-
collaborations for Durognost® and
The German Water Resources Act came
nelling groundwater as well discharging
fits of soft water. For example, their
Testomat®, for example in Great Britain
into force on 1 August 1957 and was
substances into groundwater.
pipelines and hot water generators were
and Spain.
amended several times during the years
The Act was fundamentally altered in
better protected against calcification,
until 2006. The scope of the application
2002 in the course of Member States
thus providing a longer service life. The
of the act encompasses the protection
transposing the EU Water Framework
Testomat® instrument from Heyl for
and use of surface waters and ground-
Directive into national legislation. Water
water, the development of waters and
resources management is now organi-
water management planning.
sed according to river catchment areas.
Certain usages must be officially appro-
The German federal states and
ved. The most important usages are
neighbouring countries now work in
water withdrawal, introducing and
close cooperation to monitor adherence
discharging substances into surface
to the regulations.
determining water hardness soon became a must-have product.
The number of international sales of
Heyl products was now gathering
momentum. By September 1958 Heyl
waters, removing, extracting and chan-
had signed an exclusive agreement with
13
[
Advertising leaflet and user manual
from the 1960s
14
]
Success with branded products
[ Success with branded products ]
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s Heyl enjoyed continued economic growth.
With numerous new national and international patents, continuous product
improvements and production and sales agreements, Heyl was not only able to
consolidate its market position, it actually expanded it. At the end of the 1970s,
two decades after its foundation, Gebrüder Heyl KG was stronger than ever.
15
Patents and brands
water hardness. Patents for the all
1965, a Japanese company launched a
For almost the entire first twenty years
important US market followed in 1964
reagent which Heyl’s patent agents jud-
Gebrüder Heyl KG focussed on patent
and 1965. Patents for »Durognost®«,
ged to be a »very crude imitation« of
procedures and the protection of its own
»Duroval®« and »Testomat®« products
»Durognost®«. And a patent dispute with
brands. In 1962, Heyl was awarded a
were awarded throughout the 1960s in
a pharmaceutical company lasted well
patent in Great Britain for its liquid
the Anglo-American world, in almost
into the 1970s. Quite often Heyl defen-
reagent used to measure water hardness
every western European country as well
ded its patents with further and new
and together with the Hildesheim-based
as further a field, e.g. in Japan and
developments and new industrial pro-
company Otto Otto a patent for the pro-
South Africa.
perty rights.
duction and sales of Testomat® instru-
However, the patents were continu-
ments which automatically monitored
ously under attack. For example, in
Successful products for the world
»Durognost®« and »Testomat®« – these
two brand names represent the first successful Gebrüder Heyl KG products to
sell in great numbers in the 1960s.
»Durognost®« combined reagents for
water hardness, the included measuring
monitoring and testing soft water – as a
tube was filled with the water sample,
liquid or in powder form. Heyl’s goal
which was then gradually filled with
was to develop a method with which
reagent tablets until the colour changed
customers could carry out water analy-
from red to green. The number of requi-
sis quickly, easily and safely outside the
red tablets determined the total hard-
laboratory. For example, when testing
ness, the residual hardness and/or the
pH-value. The laboratory technician test
case, weighing approx. 3 kg and not
Fig. left: Heyl conquers the Anglo-American market:
Patents from Great Britain (1961) and the USA (1964)
Fig. top right: Laboratory technician test case for onsite water analysis, Durognost® test kit, 1960
16
much bigger than a normal briefcase,
was a fully equipped portable laboratory with all the instruments and reagents
necessary for analysis.
Success with branded products
From 1961 onwards, Heyl revolutionised
water analysis with a small instrument
for the automatic continuous determination of residual hardness. It was received with great interest by companies
and institutions with continuous soft
water requirements which had to satisfy
the ever increasing process water quality demands. The Testomat instrument
made complex manual tests a thing of
Fig. from left to right: Chemical and administrative building in the 1980s, Orleansstrasse 75b, entrance to Montoirestrasse 6 in Hildesheim with adjacent production facility
the past. Fully automated and reliable
monitoring of the required water was
Cooperation, sales and marketing
In the pharmaceutical sector, Heyl had
Hindenburgplatz in the centre of Hildes-
carried out at defined intervals. Hard-
In 1960, Heyl entrusted the Cologne-
been cooperating since the early 1960s
heim.
ness dips were immediately indicated
based Gesellschaft für automatische
with Philips-Duphar from Hamburg,
However, Hans-Joachim Heyl felt
via an alarm signal and could be correc-
Wasseraufbereitung mbH (GAWA) with
which rented a building at the Hildes-
uneasy with this situation of being just
ted accordingly in no time at all.
the sales and marketing of Testomat
heim site. Together the two companies
another cog in the big Philips wheel and
Heyl continuously improved its suc-
instruments in order to push up sales.
produced pharmaceutical products, par-
decided to return to Gebrüder Heyl KG
cessful products for determining water
During the first year of cooperation sales
ticularly for the veterinary sector. To
in 1965. This was the same year that a
hardness and developed numerous ver-
rocketed to new heights. This cooperation
enhance this business, »Gebrüder Heyl
new office complex was constructed for
sions during the subsequent years.
lasted until 1967, after which time Heyl
Chemische Fabrik GmbH« (Chemo-Heyl)
the company at Orleansstrasse 75b.
Today, Durognost® and Testomat® as
choose to conduct the sales and marke-
was founded in 1962 with Hans-Joa-
Philips-Duphar continued to rent the
well as many other Heyl products are as
ting of its Testomat products and pur-
chim Heyl as the CEO. This new compa-
two older buildings.
popular as ever at home and abroad.
chased a one-third participation share
ny operated from the premises in Orle-
in GAWA. Two further shareholders held
ansstrasse and Montoirestrasse.
Hans-Joachim Heyl died suddenly
and unexpectedly in 1966. He left a
the other two thirds. Gebrüder Heyl
Gebrüder Heyl, which was now con-
huge gap in the company which requi-
Chemische Fabrik KG was renamed
siderably smaller and primarily operated
red lots of »hard work« to close, said
»Gebrüder Heyl Kommanditgesellschaft
in the field of industrial water treat-
Hans-Jürgen Heyl, who was now alone
für Analysentechnik« in 1965.
ment, relocated to rented premises at
at the helm. The long-serving notary of
17
Heyl, Walther Erhardt, sent a letter to
later due to the quality of his products.
wide interest. Agencies were set up in
Hans-Jürgen Heyl describing his deceased
And if in the unlikely event that a cus-
numerous countries, e.g. in Great Bri-
cousin as an »accomplished and enthu-
tomer became dissatisfied, Heyl ensured
tain, the USA, Spain, Italy, France, the
siastic entrepreneur, active and commit-
that a specialist or a field service part-
Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.
ted businessman and a man who always
ner was sent to provide rapid and custo-
Automated softening plants were now
lent a helping hand«.
mer-friendly help. This helped the com-
in big demand from the water treatment
pany establish a unique reputation
Quality and customer satisfaction
amongst its customers and was the basis
From the very start, quality was Hans-
for long-lasting successful business
Jürgen Heyl’s top priority. He was an
partnerships.
inventor and dynamic businessman
industry. And Heyl developed programGAWA mbH in Kerpen-Türnich
ming units and controllers to satisfy
these increasing demands. The range of
almost exclusively in the field of indu-
water testing instruments also continu-
strial water treatment. Heyl decided to
ed to grow.
whose goal was to improve the quality
Sound basis for business
terminate the rental agreement of
The premises in Hildesheim were
of Heyl products and to provide his cus-
During the 1970s, Heyl continued with
GAWA in Cologne and constructed a
now starting to burst at the seams due
tomers with the best possible result.
its expansion strategy. In 1973, the
new building at its own premises in Ker-
to the major expansion of the instru-
He explained proudly that certain
company purchased the shares of the
pen-Türnich. GAWA relocated to this
ment range and water chemistry. The
customers had once defected to a com-
Düsseldorf-based Henkel Group in
site in 1974.
old, single storey part of the building in
petitor in an attempt to cut costs, but
GAWA and subsequently held the majo-
In the meantime, Testomat instru-
Montoirestrasse was demolished and
had returned a few months or a year
rity. Gebrüder Heyl KG now operated
ments from Heyl had generated world-
replaced with a large modern building.
18
Success with branded products
Work commenced there at the end of
1978 and the employees profited from
the new machinery and state-of-the-art
workplaces. Modern workplaces, qualified and motivated employees as well as
high-quality products and services –
that was Heyl's recipe for success.
Even during this period of exceptio-
»In spite of large investments,
we always aim to work rationally, thus ensuring we have
sufficient reserves which will
allow us to keep our company
financially healthy even in
times of general economic
stagnation.«
nal growth Hans-Jürgen Heyl still relied
on a sound business strategy, as described in his 25th anniversary review in
1983:
Testomat® advertising brochure from the 1970s
Background information:
Environmental protection
nature conservation issues. Water pollu-
Environmental protection suddenly
attention. For example, the River Rhine
became a key issue in the 1970s. The
and River Neckar in Germany were
first United Nations environmental
highly polluted in the 1970s and had
summit was held in Stockholm in 1972
dangerously low levels of oxygen.
with representatives from more than
Today, after intensive measures to
100 countries. The delegates agreed
improve the water quality, both rivers
upon a plan of action for the environ-
boast almost drinking water quality, as
ment and development with recom-
do most German rivers. Using Heyl
mendations for its implementation. For
reagents it is possible to quickly and
the first time countries recognised the
cost-effectively determine the chemical-
need for cross-border cooperation
physical composition of water on site
when dealing with environmental and
without extensive specialist know-how.
tion control also became the focus of
19
[
20
]
Quality and service on principle
[ Quality and service on principle ]
Since the 1980s, Gebrüder Heyl Analysentechnik has concentrated on the continuous improvement of products and dedicated customer service. The death of
the company’s founder Hans-Jürgen Heyl in 1989 meant the end of an era.
However, the new growth strategy based on acquisitions under the new leadership at the end of the 1990s did not succeed and resulted in later corrections.
21
»intensively for the company now and
in the future«.
Patents and product improvements
Numerous Heyl patents which had expired after 20 years were renewed in the
1980s. Heyl profited from a 1983
amendment to the German patent law
which particularly related to the reversal
of the burden of proof for chemical products. This meant that the assertion of
claims from process patents was considerably easier for Heyl.
Heyl-publications from the 1980s
Strict customer orientation was a
hallmark of Gebrüder Heyl KG from the
tion of water softening plants«. It inclu-
tain flow rate, the controller triggered
very start. This also meant reacting
ded exchange material in a treatment
regeneration of the single filter softe-
Silver anniversary
quickly and flexibly to customer requi-
tank and regenerating agent in a stora-
ning plants. The quantity was calculated
1983 marked the 25th anniversary of
rements. At the request of various end
ge tank. According to the patent specifi-
automatically after entering the filter
Gebrüder Heyl Analysentechnik. Foun-
users, Heyl researched the development
cation the program-controlled water
size and the raw water hardness. Rege-
der Hans-Jürgen Heyl wrote down his
of automated water softening plants in
softening plants, which regulated the
neration could also be triggered at fixed
thoughts on the company’s positive
the 1980s. Customers were no longer
time intervals and water quantity, ensu-
daily intervals or at the push of a but-
development during the first 25 years.
interested in individual instruments,
red »hygienic and cost-effective operati-
ton. Other control systems developed by
During those years Heyl had built a
such as Testomat®, but desired fully
on with minimum environmental pollu-
Heyl were used as conductivity measu-
reputation nationally and international-
automated plants which were durable,
tion«. Industrial property rights were
ring instruments for monitoring water
ly as a quality brand for water analysis.
quick and only required occasional ser-
applied for in a number of countries.
purity, for example for full desalination
The then 63-year-old Hans-Jürgen Heyl
vicing by trained staff.
A few years down the road and Heyl
and osmosis plants, in laboratories, for
looked back with pride on just how far
In 1982, Heyl was awarded a patent
instruments were already operating with
automated sewage water monitoring
Heyl had come and promised to work
for its »process for the cyclic regenera-
microprocessor controllers. After a cer-
tasks or desalination controllers.
22
Quality and service on principle
Death of the company’s founder
Hans-Jürgen Heyl, who suffered a stroke in 1986, died aged 68 in April 1989.
For the past 30 years, ever since the
foundation of the company, his name
had stood for the quality of Heyl. With
business and sale partners around the
world, reliable instruments and rapid
delivery times, Hans-Jürgen Heyl had
used his innovative and astute business
skills to guarantee that Gebrüder Heyl
Analysentechnik was firmly established
in the water analysis sector.
After Hans-Jürgen Heyls death, his
widow, Marianne Heyl (*1941), who had
been involved in the company since
1965 and had gained first hand experience of her later husband’s business
processes, took over the reins of Gebrüder Heyl KG (until 1996). The sales and
marketing of Heyl products were expanded in cooperation with GAWA in Kerpen. Outward expansion, especially in
former eastern-block countries, and
strict inward cost management ensured
®
®
Nano filtration plant with integrated Testomat instruments and Softmaster controllers in a Dutch food processing company
rising annual profits.
23
Expansion and diversification
Analysentechnik GmbH & Co. KG had
In keeping with a general economical
subsidiaries and interests in France, Ita-
trend at the end of the 1990s, the new
ly and Poland as well as sales and mar-
Heyl management under the leadership
keting partners in Belgium, the Nether-
of Wolfgang Hamburger counted prima-
lands, Great Britain, Spain and South
rily on acquisitions to ensure growth. In
Africa.
1997, GAWA was taken over by Gebr.
However, the often expensive new
Heyl Analysentechnik GmbH & Co. KG,
acquisitions did not have the desired
whose legal form had in the meantime
economic impact and soon put strain on
been modified. GAWA had already
the company’s liquidity. Jörg-Tilman
increased its business division’s capacity
Heyl (*1971), a nephew of the compa-
to incorporate plant construction and
ny’s founder, has been head of Gebrüder
plant maintenance (sales of drinking
Heyl Analysentechnik and leading the
water and after sales maintenance) in
company with a new future-oriented
Egypt. One year later Heyl purchased
strategy since 2001. He draws on the
before the partially reckless neglect of
AWATEC AG based in Horgen near
classic strengths of the company, rely-
On 9 November 1989 the Berlin Wall
the environment became visible and
Zurich, Switzerland. This company ope-
ing on development and production
came down and the borders which had
the improvement of water quality
rated in the sewage sector and mainly
within an international network and
divided East and West Germany were
became a top priority. Heyl expanded
offered standard plants for industrial
utilising logical and modern marketing
breached. Within just a few months a
its industrial property rights to incor-
and operative process water cleaning.
and sales strategies.
peaceful revolution had swept through
porate numerous eastern European
Eastern Europe clearing away the com-
countries (e.g. Macedonia, Romania,
these two companies would more or less
munist orthodoxy and replacing it with
Czechoslovakia and Hungary) and offe-
cover the entire water treatment sector
democratically elected governments.
red the emerging economies of newly
Companies from the West soon recog-
democratic countries affordable water
nised the opportunities in East Germa-
analysis products.
Background information:
New markets in the east
ny and Eastern Europe. Gebrüder Heyl
KG also profited from these new mar-
kets in the 1990s. And it was not long
It was hoped that the acquisition of
and provide significant synergy effects
for sales, production and administrative
tasks. The name »Heyl Group« symbolically underlined this expansion strategy.
At the end of the 1990s, Gebrüder Heyl
24
Quality and service on principle
Heyl’s sales and marketing partners
Trademark protection around the world
25
[
26
]
Water is our element
[ Water is our element ]
High-quality products, rapid delivery times, customer satisfaction and friendly
professional relationships are the basic principles of the internationally-operating Gebrüder Heyl Analysentechnik GmbH & Co. KG. And these principles help
to further develop the cutting-edge products and services as well as support
further staff training.
27
again focussed on its »inner values« and
strengths. In the meantime, the company has sold its various acquisitions. The
product range of the newly founded
»Gebrüder Heyl Vertriebsgesellschaft für
innovative Wasseraufbereitung mbH«
includes ozone generators and UV
plants. And further product lines are on
the way. The parent company now
offers contract development and manufacturing as additional services.
The management team believes in
safeguarding
the
company’s
inner
strengths, particularly by expanding
development, marketing and sales.
Making the company strong from the
Milling of a BOB measuring chamber block
Measuring chambers for the Testomat® BOB instrument series
Inner strength –
competence network
Heyl attaches great importance to the
or qualified contract partners. This gua-
economic downturns, market crises and
reliability and long service life of its
rantees an extremely high level of ser-
social, economic and political shifts.
Water is Heyl’s element. The name
products. And the company has even
vice. The company has always believed
To achieve this goal, Heyl has built
Gebrüder Heyl Analysentechnik has
adapted the supply of spare parts to the
in listening to the wishes of its custo-
up an efficient network. This includes
stood for exceptional solutions in the
long service life of its instruments. Last
mers and finding the best solutions
close cooperation between specialists in
field of industrial water treatment since
but not least, Heyl develops and produ-
together.
France, the Netherlands, Switzerland
the foundation of the company in 1958.
ces all its own products in order to satis-
Since the late 1990s, when it beca-
and Poland to name just a few. The
This includes analysis, control and mea-
fy its own extremely high quality
me evident that the investment and
company’s long-term goal is to have at
suring instruments as well as test equip-
demands. Sales and marketing are car-
acquisition growth strategy was not
least one sales and marketing partner in
ment.
ried out by the company’s subsidiaries
bearing the desired fruits, Heyl has once
every country.
inside means making it fit to meet
potential external challenges, such as
28
Water is our element
The development department has already been expanded and will continue to
be so in the near future. The field of
PCB component placement for DOSIclip® (top)
Softmaster® motherboard on the solder wave (centre)
PCB of an MMP10 controller (exclusive product for
WWS AG, bottom)
Online analysis instruments for
various water parameters
Universally programmable control-
research will be built on and around the
lers with diverse interfaces
core business of industrial water treat-
Remote maintenance controllers and
ment and analysis in order to exploit its
correctly and flexibly. Today’s technical
analysis instruments
full potential. And networking plays an
product range offers modular instru-
Customer-specific reagents and
important role here too: Cooperation
ments for water softening, reverse
laboratory-independent test kits
with professional partners is intended to
osmosis, filtration and desalination as
Mobile analysis systems with labo-
further strengthen research and deve-
well as for measuring various parame-
ratory quality
lopment and result in effective motiva-
ters, for example iron, conductivity,
Decentral visualisation, data storage
tion. The plan is to also broaden already
pH-value and redox. Heyl combines the
and quality management.
successful training courses and semi-
proven reliability of its products with
nars. Lively exchanges between employ-
new functionalities and improved hand-
As a supplier of water treatment pro-
ees and course participants will lead to
ling.
ducts, Heyl’s development, production
development
Heyl sees itself more and more as a
and sales focus on the relevant plant
impulses. This creates fertile ground for
competent service provider of indivi-
engineering companies. Thanks to its
all areas of the network to interact with
dual, tailor-made applications which
network of subsidiaries, contractual
each other.
meet the highest requirements. This is
partners and authorised dealers, who all
particularly the case for food and pro-
share Heyl’s view, the company can pro-
Flexibility and innovation
cess engineering, industrial processing,
vide local presence in various markets.
Flexibility and rapidness guarantee
the pharmaceutical and chemical indu-
Together with its customers, Heyl is
growth and innovation. Heyl develops
stry and hygiene. Heyl offers fully ope-
building a global partner network which
intelligent analysis instruments, con-
rational modules for the said sectors
provides plant operators with twenty-
trollers and measuring units for indu-
which function individually or in com-
four-seven service and maintenance.
strial water treatment which help to
bination with other components:
further
research
and
reduce costs, to provide optimum utilisation of water and to operate plants
29
Reagents and analysis
Heyl offers all the required reagents in a
Instruments and components
improved utilisation of the softening
Reliable and cost-effective methods are
portable laboratory case for boiler water
A water treatment plant is only as effi-
plant, thus reducing costs. The statutory
indispensable for detailed water analy-
monitoring. This portable laboratory
cient and reliable as the components
requirements for complying with water
sis. The methods developed by Heyl
contains all the reagents necessary for
which operate it. Gebrüder Heyl Analy-
quality can be adhered to without
allow on-site analyses without know-
the statutory monitoring of boiler water
sentechnik
expensive services.
ledge of chemistry and laboratory
and boiler feed-water as well as all the
instruments and the fully qualified per-
Over the years, Heyl has continu-
equipment – mobile, safe, fast and cost-
necessary accessories for sampling and
sonnel offer extensive services at an
ously improved its Testomat® instru-
effective.
sample preparation. Heyl also provides
outstanding cost-performance ratio.
ments. Reliability, long service life, high
produces
high-quality
measuring accuracy and low-maintenance operation serve as a yardstick for
innovations. The latest generation of
this internationally successful series,
Testomat 2000®, offers easy operation
and extensive control functions, also in
conjunction with other Heyl products,
and numerous other functions and properties.
Duroval® titration solution
Testoval® chlorine colour comparison plate
Reagent A of Testoval® Phosphatest®
By varying the software and selecting different reagents, the standard
Testomat 2000® instrument can become
other portable water analyses, for exam-
Testomat 2000® –
the classic instrument
ple for electroplating, monitoring of
For the past 50 years Testomat® instru-
mining water hardness and other para-
ment, swimming pools or swimming
osmosis plants, aquariums or various
ments from Heyl have been an indis-
meters. Furthermore, control and dosing
pool technology, drinking and process
sewage water monitoring tasks; ensu-
pensable part of reliable water hardness
tasks can be carried out directly from
water, breweries, the drinks and food
ring customers can carry out their own
measurements when monitoring water
the instrument due to the elaborate elec-
industry and on dialysis wards in hospi-
on-site tests.
softening plants and protecting down-
tronics. Various options for new stan-
stream plants and processes. They detect
dard applications are available at a
operating and plant faults and ensure
favourable price.
The reagents Testoval® and Duroval® as
necessary individual analysis groups for
well as Testomat instrument reagents
can be used for industrial water treat-
tals.
30
an online analysis instrument for deter-
Water is our element
for both wall mounting and installation
in a switch cabinet door. Operation occurs
via a membrane keypad. The full text
display guides users through an intuitive operating menu. The Softmaster
instrument range with its standardised
hardware replaces the controllers of
older instruments.
EcoControl – systematic measuring
The EcoControl series is a new process
measuring system from Gebrüder Heyl
EcoControl LM
Analysentechnik. EcoControl LM or
EcoControl pH in combination with a
Testomat 2000®
Softmaster®
suitable conductivity probe allows users
to determine the conductivity or pHvalue of aqueous media.
Individual development
Practical experience always offers new
ther analogue or digital inputs or out-
Two independently programmable
The engineers and technicians at Gebrü-
ideas which result in new Testomat®
puts. The controller PCB is equipped
limit value contacts are available for
der Heyl Analysentechnik provide high-
developments.
with a rewritable flash memory on
various monitoring and control tasks.
quality
which the software is »installed«. If
Up to 200 measuring values can be stored
manufacturing for chemical and techni-
functions have to be altered, the soft-
with the time and date in a ring buffer.
cal applications. Customers specify their
The Softmaster® controllers have a
ware can be simply adapted. The con-
The availability of the last 200 measu-
requirements – Heyl meets them quick-
modular design. The basic PCB has
troller can be connected to a computer
ring results is, therefore, always guaran-
ly, efficiently and precisely.
several digital inputs and outputs who-
via a serial interface or a programming
teed. The microprocessor controller Eco-
One of Heyl’s top priorities is data
se functions are determined by the cor-
module »Flash-Link« in order to carry
Control DO 10 controls quantity-based
confidentiality and granting customers
responding software. Two plug-in cards
out software updates. The controller
desalination and dosing for cooling
guaranteed exclusive rights to these
can be additionally controlled via fur-
housing is a combined housing suitable
systems and air-washer plants.
products.
Softmaster® – computer control
contract
development
and
31
Customer services
ented, extremely cost conscious and
If questions regarding products or their
always at the customers’ service.
application and operation arise, Heyl
In an ever faster changing global
offers the best customer support, for
economy, all company employees must
example via a technical helpline. Experi-
be committed to lifelong learning. Heyl
enced employees handle orders, order
provides training for its employees. For
processing and complaints.
example, from the middle of 2006 to the
To familiarise customers with instru-
end of 2007 the company was involved
ment operation, Heyl offers training cour-
in the further training project »Trapez«
ses and seminars for its products. The
promoted by the German Federal Mini-
one-day events are held at the company’s
stry of Economics and the European
headquarters in Hildesheim. It is also pos-
Social Fund. It offered workers, in parti-
sible for customers to organise local trai-
cular women, in small and medium-
ning courses in cooperation with their
sized companies the opportunity to gain
ning to the promotion and improvement
respective national or international sales
additional qualifications alongside their
of foreign language skills, which are
partner.
daily work – from special computer
becoming more and more important in
courses and electronic component trai-
an internationally oriented company
Elisabeth Rupprecht at a labelling machine
Our employees – the heart and soul
of the company
Roland Grahn at a CNC milling machine
Ever since its foundation, Heyl has
and lasting relationships with custo-
always attached great importance to
mers. Heyl provides the ideal customer
The employees are the most valuable
fully qualified and highly motivated
support for each individual concern. The
asset and the heart and soul of the com-
employees.
Many
of
today’s
such as Heyl. The goal is for each
employee to participate in further training at least once a year.
40
members of the customer service team
pany. They have helped to shape the
employees have been working for the
are experienced and accomplished in
history of Heyl during the past 50 years
company for many years – continuity
their respective fields and up-to-date
and contributed greatly to its success.
which pays dividends.
and well informed. They will always
They have stuck with the company
Long-serving, experienced employ-
find the perfect solution for each and
through thick and thin. Their skills and
ees make it easier to establish trusting
every enquiry – committed, target-ori-
32
Claudia Lasarzik assembling products
personal commitment guarantee success
Water is our element
Growing competition in all product areas and flexible solutions in a global economy demand high levels of concentration and dedication from everyone.
With its international network, Heyl has
created an excellent basis to come out
top in a world of increasing competition
thanks to the coordination of varied
competencies.
Competition offers companies numerous opportunities to further improve
their strengths, implement them successfully and to win new customers. To
recognise, take and use these opportunities is a challenging yet fulfilling task.
The management and employees of
Margitta Wollmann sealing Duroval® drop test kits
Gebrüder Heyl Analysentechnik wish to
for Heyl, and the management will con-
ners and customers with new products
tinue to rely on their ability in the future.
and improved services. Heyl looks for-
repay the incredible loyalty of its part-
ward to a bright future full of optimism
Looking to the future
and zest for action – a future which it
Heyl is ready for the future. High-quality
will shape.
products, a clear corporate strategy with
real customer centricity and committed
and qualified employees are the foundations upon which the company will
thrive in the future.
33
Companies of the Heyl Network
Sales:
Germany
France
The Netherlands
Poland
Gebrüder Heyl Vertriebsgesellschaft
Heyl France Sarl
Pro Water B.V.
Perfect Water Systems Sp. z o.o.
für innovative Wasseraufbereitung mbH
www.heyl-france.fr
www.prowater.nl
www.perfectwater.com.pl
www.heyl-vertrieb.de
Techniparc
Lansinkesweg 6
ul. Kostruktorska 6
Montoirestr. 6
3 rue Boole
7553 AE Hengelo
02-673 Warszawa
31135 Hildesheim
91240 Saint Michel sur Orge
Tel.: +31 (0) 74 2 91 51 50
Tel./Fax: +48 (0) 22 8 43 69 96
Tel.: +49 (0) 51 21 76 09-0
Tel.: +33 (0) 1 69 46 1717
Fax: +31 (0) 74 2 91 53 50
Tel./Fax: +48 (0) 22 8 53 49 34
Fax: +49 (0) 51 21 76 09 44
Fax: +33 (0) 1 69 46 17 40
Email: info@prowater.nl
Email: perfectwater@onet.pl
Email: giw@heyl.de
Email: info@heyl-france.fr
Production and development:
Switzerland
CHRIST AQUA ecolife AG
Gebrüder Heyl Analysentechnik
www.christ-aqua.ch
GmbH & Co. KG
Neuhofweg 53
www.heyl.de
Postfach 127
Orleansstr. 75b
4147 Aesch
31135 Hildesheim
Tel.: +41 (0) 61 7 55 83 32
Tel.: +49 (0) 51 21 2 89 33-0
Fax: +41 (0) 61 7 55 85 51
Fax: +49 (0) 51 21 2 89 33 67
Email: info@christ-aqua.ch
Email: info@heyl.de
34