Pepperl+Fuchs and Lufthansa Technik Found Start-Up 3D.aero

Pepperl+Fuchs: The two German companies Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH of Mannheim and Lufthansa Technik AG of Hamburg have founded an equally owned joint venture called 3D.aero GmbH. The aim of this new company is to research, develop and sell innovative automation solutions for the aviation industry. Furthermore, it will work on solutions for the digitalization of workshops. Its headquarters are at the ZAL TechCenter in Hamburg-Finkenwerder, one of the largest and most modern aviation research centers in the world. This location will enable 3D.aero to network with other aviation companies.

Besides industrial workshop and factory automation solutions, 3D.aero will also offer the application of optical measuring devices, digital inspection and image processing applications and related consulting services. The company will operate as a modern start-up and have flat hierarchies, with the young team consisting mainly of Pepperl+Fuchs employees and graduates of the Institute for Aircraft Production Technology at Hamburg University of Technology.

For Pepperl+Fuchs, this is another milestone in its expansion strategy. “Thanks to this joint venture, we are now able to apply our long-term expertise in industrial automation in the aviation industry as well. So we are especially looking forward to our close collaboration with Lufthansa Technik,” says Dr. Gunther Kegel, CEO of Pepperl+Fuchs.

“We are delighted to have won Pepperl+Fuchs, a leading manufacturer of electronic components and sensors for factory and process automation, as a partner. This will enable us to keep pursuing our Industry 4.0 strategy and use this know-how for our processes and products,” says Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel, Senior Vice President Engine Services at Lufthansa Technik. While 3D.aero was founded as part of a concrete project at the Engine Services division, it will however serve all Lufthansa Technik divisions as well as other companies in the aviation industry.

About Pepperl+Fuchs
With 6,000 employees worldwide, Pepperl+Fuchs is one of the leading companies for industrial sensors and explosion protection. The headquarter in Mannheim is the center of this technical expertise. Engineers and specialists research and develop the latest technologies and products here. The family business was founded in 1945. Today, it has 40 subsidiaries and is represented on 6 continents. The global presence allows it to combine the best of both worlds: highest technical standards with efficient, cost-effective production possibilities. Pepperl+Fuchs has established itself as a partner for globally active operators of automation technology and offers the broadest portfolio of proven components for the requirements of factory and process automation.

About Lufthansa Technik
With some 35 subsidiaries and affiliates, the Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world. Certified internationally as maintenance, production and design organization, the company has a workforce of more than 25,000 employees. Lufthansa Technik’s portfolio covers the entire range of services for commercial and VIP/special mission aircraft, engines, components and landing gear in the areas of digital fleet support, maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, completion and conversion as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin products.