Forge of the Future in Technology
Interview with Andreas Fischer, Managing Director of erfi Ernst Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
A success story made in Freudenstadt – erfi shows how German small and medium-sized enterprises are shaping the technology world of tomorrow. The company erfi stands for more than just laboratory equipment. Since 1955, the family business has been developing innovative workspace systems for research, industry, and education and has established itself as a market leader in the electronic lab setups. The company is not just a traditional SME but a technology forge that supplies international corporations and educational institutions with highly precise workspace systems.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Fischer, erfi is a Hidden Champion in the field of technical workstation systems. What is behind your success concept?
Andreas Fischer: We are specialists for technical workstation systems. Our core competence is in three areas: electronics laboratory setups, workstation systems for industry and education, and test systems for electrical safety and function. Essentially, this means we develop tailored solutions for research, development, and production. Our products range from technical laboratory workstation systems, measuring and testing devices, and assembly workstations to highly complex test systems for electrical safety and function.
Wirtschaftsforum: Who are your typical customers?
Andreas Fischer: The range is wide: It includes industrial giants like BMW, Mercedes, Siemens, and Bosch, as well as public institutions such as vocational schools, universities of applied sciences, and universities, all the way to the Bundeswehr. We supply complete laboratory systems. These are developer workstations including measuring and testing equipment with state-of-the-art software control as well as award-winning laboratory cabinets. We are particularly proud of projects like the battery research laboratories at VW or the training centers of the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe. Each customer receives a tailor-made solution that is precisely adapted to their specific requirements.
Wirtschaftsforum: What makes erfi unique?
Andreas Fischer: Our innovative strength is our unique selling point. Our new product, elneos six, is the world's first laboratory device that can be controlled touch-free by voice and 3D gestures – and all without an internet connection. This device meets the highest hygiene requirements and has been awarded the German Design Award. We don't just develop products, we develop future technologies.
Wirtschaftsforum: How have you economically managed through the past years?
Andreas Fischer: Surprisingly robust. In 2023, we increased our revenue by 30%, and by another 20% in 2024. Currently, we have a very high order backlog. However, we see challenges due to the political situation, particularly budget uncertainties in Germany. While many companies had to introduce short-time work, we maintained full employment. Our strategy now is to increasingly expand into international markets, especially the USA.
Wirtschaftsforum: What future plans do you have?
Andreas Fischer: We have multi-track strategies. In the short term, we are focusing on the US market, where we are already starting to build distribution structures. In the medium term, we are working on new product innovations. Our new 400-page catalog is already the most comprehensive furniture catalog for laboratories and technical workspaces. For the next two to three years, we have major innovations in the pipeline, which I do not want to discuss in detail yet.
Wirtschaftsforum: How is sustainability at erfi?
Andreas Fischer: For us, sustainability is more than just a buzzword. We heat our production halls with wood chips from our own production and already cover half of our electricity needs through photovoltaic. Our new systems are largely made of recyclable aluminum. The tabletops can be shredded and reused. We think in cycles, not in linear processes.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does erfi do differently than the international competition?
Andreas Fischer: Our strength lies in the combination of German engineering, family tradition, and innovative power. While competitors from countries like India or China want to copy our products, we focus on quality, individuality, and close customer relations. We do not mass produce, but rather tailor-make. Each workstation, each laboratory device is individually developed for the customer. On June 1, erfi will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Since 1955, our family business in its 2nd generation has been shaping the industry with innovation and precision. For us, an anniversary that impressively combines tradition and future orientation.