30 Years of Success Through Innovation and Customer Proximity
Interview with Martin Tump, Managing Director of Ingenieurbüro UTEK GmbH
Engineering offices play a crucial role in the development and implementation of technical projects – from planning complex facilities to ensuring compliance and sustainability. They provide companies from various industries with the necessary know-how to drive innovations efficiently and safely. In doing so, they combine technical expertise with practical solution competence and significantly contribute to turning visionary ideas into feasible projects. With its headquarters in Dortmund, Ingenieurbüro UTEK GmbH has been a major player in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries for 30 years.
The engineering firm UTEK GmbH is a prime example of the innovation and adaptability of the German Mittelstand. Thanks to its broad portfolio and strong customer ties, the company will continue to play a significant role in the industry in the future.
From Idea to Market Leader
The beginnings of the engineering firm date back to 1994, when CEO Martin Tump, along with Martin Egbring and Dirk Kunert, all fresh chemical engineering graduates, founded the company. "At that time, the job market was difficult and we decided to set up our own company," recalls Martin Tump. The initial focus was on environmental management systems, a field that was then still emerging.
UTEK quickly found its niche: maintenance management and later plant qualification in the pharmaceutical industry. "In the late 1990s, the demand for qualification projects was enormous," explains Martin Tump. "That was our growth driver until about 2010." Today, the range of services also includes process automation, compliance engineering, and plant safety.
Comprehensive Concepts
With around 150 employees and a turnover of about 13 million EUR, UTEK is now a medium-sized company that works closely with industry giants such as Bayer, bp, and Merck. "We are problem solvers and rely on close cooperation with our customers," emphasizes Martin Tump. "Our teams are often located directly on-site to respond quickly and efficiently to challenges." UTEK is particularly strong in the area of compliance, which now accounts for half of its revenue. "Whether it's plant safety, emission control, or handling substances hazardous to water - we develop comprehensive concepts that meet the increasing regulatory requirements," continues Martin Tump.
Challenges in a Dynamic Market
The economic changes also pose new challenges for engineering firms. While the pharmaceutical sector remains stable, the chemical industry is experiencing a decline. "An innovative environment would be desirable, but currently even hydrogen projects are stalling," says Martin Tump. Nonetheless, he sees opportunities, particularly through digitalization. "Online work allows us to implement projects efficiently, even when our teams are not on-site."
Another topic is the shortage of skilled workers. Through close cooperation with universities, UTEK has developed a strategy that involves young engineers from the start. Many remain loyal to the company in the long term. "Our working students often become permanent employees. That was one of the best decisions we have made."
Sustainable corporate structure for the future
To future-proof the company, UTEK has adjusted the ownership structure. Four long-term employees were involved as authorized signatories with company shares.
"It was a lengthy process, but necessary to ensure continuity and stability," explains Martin Tump. He also criticizes the political framework conditions: "The support for transitional models in owner-managed companies could be improved."
In the coming years, UTEK plans to consolidate current growth and increasingly participate in innovative projects. "We are planning engineers through and through. When exciting, forward-looking projects come along, we are ready to contribute."