Cooking on a Large Scale
Interview with Robert Brokelmann, Managing Director of ELRO Commercial Kitchens GmbH Germany
Quality, precision, and durability of products are associations often linked with Switzerland – and they are no cliché. This is impressively proven by the cooking systems of ELRO-WERKE AG from Bremgarten, Switzerland. In Germany, the company is located as ELRO Commercial Kitchens GmbH in Kempen.
Niche Providers and Pioneers
Those who value high-quality cooking technology in communal catering choose ELRO. Durable cooking systems and first-class service have made the company a sought-after partner for educational institutions, company canteens, nursing homes, airlines, hotels, and the cruise industry. "The company was founded in 1934 by the master butcher Robert Mauch," says Robert Brokelmann, who has been the managing director at ELRO Germany for two years. "From his daily work, Robert Mauch eventually came up with the idea to develop his own products to optimize cooking." In 1943, the first devices using pressure cooking technology came onto the market, and ELRO made a name for itself as the inventor of this innovative technology in the professional field. "Even though the market is currently rather uncertain, we continue to see positive development for ELRO. Our advantage is that we operate in a niche with our high-quality cooking systems in communal catering and are pioneers in some areas," explains Robert Brokelmann.
Modular and Made in Switzerland
The ELRO products stand for Swiss quality par excellence, are economical and durable. The modular range offers optimal solutions for a variety of needs. The collaboration with specialist dealers and planners has proven to be effective.
In addition to quality, the ELRO cooking systems impress with sophisticated technology; digital controls, with which all data can be captured and read, are a matter of course. Every device can be connected via interfaces. Sustainability also plays a major role at ELRO.
"We work with the Power Management System in cooking systems, which allows various devices to be networked. Energy is switched reciprocally between the devices, thereby reducing energy consumption by up to 30%," explains Robert Brokelmann. "An important step towards significant energy savings in the professional kitchen, which customers appreciate."
For Robert Brokelmann, who has reset several courses since taking over the management of ELRO Germany two years ago, it is the overall package that keeps ELRO on the track to success. This includes, for example, well-thought-out drawings and supportive BIM data for planners, which makes their work easier. "Devices like ELRO's stirring vessels are also facilitating work, currently experiencing increased demand," says Robert Brokelmann. For the managing director, this is partly a consequence of the staff shortage, which not only affects communal catering. ELRO's own employees are also a very important topic for the company. Today, ELRO employs over 100 people as a whole company. In Germany, about 30 are employed. "One of our most urgent goals is to retain our proven and knowledgeable staff," explains Brokelmann.
"Despite various market challenges, however, I remain optimistic about the future. Currently, we are, for example, working on the successor series to our current cooking systems. ELRO invests a lot of time and effort into the research and development of its equipment range in general. The result will pay off across the board for our customers this time as well – I am convinced of that."