The Invisible Helpers of the Industry
Interview with Dr. Aaron Geenen, CEO of EFS Gesellschaft für Hebe- und Handhabungstechnik mbH
Whether in automobile production, aerospace, or healthcare: wherever heavy loads need to be moved, components precisely positioned, or ergonomic workplaces designed, modern handling technology comes into play. It ensures that humans and machines work together productively and safely – a key technology for competitive manufacturing in high-wage Germany. How this area is evolving in times of digitalization, automation, and skilled labor shortages, and the role innovative companies play in it, is revealed in a look behind the scenes at EFS Gesellschaft für Hebe- und Handhabungstechnik mbH.
Wirtschaftsforum: Dr. Geenen, you have been with EFS for over six years and CEO since March. What initially brought you to EFS – and what keeps you there to this day?
Dr. Aaron Geenen: I always like to say: Although I'm not originally from EFS, I now feel very much at home. My path into handling technology was rather classic: university education, a PhD focusing on human-machine cooperation in plant engineering, and then the switch to EFS as the head of development. Right from the start, I was fascinated by the ability to actively shape things here – we manage to efficiently bring together humans and machines in the production environment. This is a very tangible contribution to productivity, especially in a high-wage country like Germany.
Wirtschaftsforum: EFS has been around since 1996. How has the company changed during this time?
Dr. Aaron Geenen: We have undergone a clear development: from a purely mechanical provider to an innovative system partner with our own software development. A key milestone was the electrification of our product range. Today, we cover the complete value chain at our location in Nordheim – from development to manufacturing to service and sales. With about 74 employees, we are active internationally, supported by locations in the USA and China for local support.
Wirtschaftsforum: You describe EFS as a technology leader in handling technology. What makes the company one?
Dr. Aaron Geenen: For us, being a technology leader means that we are always a little faster and braver than others. We combine mechanical excellence with innovative software and develop new solutions that offer real added value. A good example is our current world first: handling robotics with the ratioBOT. This is an in-house development that exactly fills the gap between traditional handling technology and conventional robotics - human-robot collaboration on a new level. In many production environments, full automation is not possible or not economically viable - for example, when heavy components need to be moved flexibly. This is where our worker-led devices come into play, which we are now making even smarter with technology approaches from handling robotics. The ratioBOT is a new class of device that allows the lifting of heavy loads to be fully automated in collaborative operation with humans. For example, heavy units weighing up to 150 kg can be efficiently and economically introduced in assembly.
Wirtschaftsforum: So, the automotive industry is an important customer?
Dr. Aaron Geenen: Definitely – we literally had our hands on every second door of a well-known car manufacturer. But we are set up independently of the industry: Whether it's e-mobility, energy transition, aerospace, or healthcare – wherever heavy loads need to be moved safely and precisely, our technology is in demand.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you approach the issue of digitalization at European Business For Safe Transfers (EFS)?
Dr. Aaron Geenen: With healthy self-confidence, but also with a sense of proportion. We talk about demand-driven digitalization: We analyze processes and digitize where it really adds value. This applies to internal processes as well as to our products. Artificial intelligence is an integral part—we use it for document capture in the office or for data-based optimization of our systems.
Wirtschaftsforum: At a time when many companies are relocating their production abroad, you are sticking to your location. Why?
Dr. Aaron Geenen: Because we believe that we can only remain competitive as a technology leader in the high-wage country of Germany. We have the complete value chain here in Nordheim – this ensures quality, speed, and flexibility. Of course, this is not the cheapest way, but it's the most sustainable. Our customers appreciate that.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the plans for EFS in the coming years?
Dr. Aaron Geenen: We have a stable base and want to continue to grow – especially with our new handling robotics. Our goal is to act even more internationally and at the same time expand our leading technological position. In short: We want to shape the future of production together with our customers.
Wirtschaftsforum: Finally: What personally motivates you every day at EFS?
Dr. Aaron Geenen: It's simply fun to work in a company that quickly turns ideas into practice. It often only takes a few months for us to turn a concept into a finished machine – it's a dream for engineers. And when I see how our solutions make work safer, more ergonomic, and more efficient for people, it fills me with great pride.