When it needs to be exactly right...
Interview with Michael Zintl, CEO of DZG Metering GmbH
The gradual transition of the power grid towards Smart Energy is in full swing. By 2032, all households in Germany are to be equipped with digital electric meters. Smart meters play a central role in the digital energy transition on various levels, including when it comes to e-mobility. DZG Metering GmbH, based in Oranienburg, distributes measuring devices and systems that further advance the digital energy transition.
DZG Metering is a hotbed of innovation with roots stretching back more than 100 years. 'DZG was founded in 1919, originating from the era of Ferraris meters and focused on purely mechanical electricity meters. The transition to electronic electricity meters was difficult for the company, as there were too many challenges at various levels. It was an entirely different product with different requirements, requiring specifically trained employees,' says DZG Metering CEO Michael Zintl. After a challenging period, a new era began in 2012. Thanks to a strong Chinese partner, the company began developing and distributing electronic electricity meters – a real boost. Since then, the meters have been prefabricated in China, finalized in Oranienburg, and developed in Regensburg – a perfect symbiosis of innovation and tradition. 'In Regensburg, we have our own research and development department, providing excellent conditions to bring cutting-edge technologies to market,' explains Michael Zintl.
"The software for the electricity meters is developed here, among other things." With the development of direct current meters seven years ago, the company set another accent. "As e-mobility brought up the topic of hyperchargers, the focus had to be shifted to direct current," says Michael Zintl. "With the Italian company Alpitronic, we have a powerful partner and market leader by our side." Thanks to this partnership, DZG was able to present a legally compliant direct current meter for the first time in 2021 – "a special challenge, as there were no valid standards for this at the time," says Michael Zintl. "We were one of the first with a legally approved DC meter. Today, you can find our meters in almost every fast charging station in Germany."
Strengthening Germany as a Business Location
With the direct current meters, DZG has established a second business area in addition to household meters – a sector that holds great potential in light of the energy transition. The company now offers a complete portfolio of solutions for the charging sector, including meters for AC and DC charging stations, to enable their installation and operation in public areas. By refocusing on the core product business in the areas of household meters and meters for charging stations, DZG is performing well – with a team of 50 employees, the revenue stands at around 30 million EUR. While the development focuses in Regensburg, the manufacturing takes place in Oranienburg. "We are dealing with many new topics and developments here," says Michael Zintl. "These include, for example, intelligent measuring devices." In the industrial sector, DZG has made a name for itself with DIN rail meters in both AC and DC areas – in the latter with several DC meters handling maximum currents of up to 200A, 650A, 800A or 1500A at 1000V or 1500V. In the household meter sector, Michael Zintl sees the company holding a market share of 15 to 20% among the six major players that significantly influence the German market.
Despite close cooperation with the Chinese partner, the value creation is over 55% in Germany. "Manufacturing in Germany is very important to us," emphasizes Michael Zintl. "Our goal is to continue to have part of the production in Germany and to even expand it using sustainable materials from Europe, so that we only need to source PCBs from the Far East. Development in Germany also has many advantages; customer support gets a whole different quality." The increasing complexity of smart meters offers new opportunities. "Smart meters can communicate with the gateway," says Michael Zintl. "Such demanding products cannot be offered so cheaply in the Far East, which gives us the chance to gain a stronger foothold here."
Agile, fast, and innovative
The DZG will take on further exciting challenges in the future. Currently, the company is working on expanding its charging station portfolio; all meters must be capable of updates, which is an absolute must for Michael Zintl.
Another topic is wireless connections between meters and gateways, known as wireless M-Bus connections. By mid-2025, additional charging stations are expected to be approved; moreover, completely new products are to be advanced, with the first prototypes expected by the end of the year. In production, a first fully automatic manufacturing line with robotics is planned to work even more efficiently. In the medium to long term, the goal is to expand the position in the household meter sector, gain a stronger international foothold, further advance automation, and develop a disposal concept for meters. Above all, the aim is to continue being an active part of the energy transition. 'We are innovative, fast, and agile,' emphasizes Michael Zintl. 'While others are still in the decision-making process, we are already in development. On a dynamic market, this is essential.'