Electrical Planning with Foresight
Interview with Kurt Dörflinger, Managing Director of K. Dörflinger Gesellschaft für Elektroplanung mbH & Co. KG
In the world of high-rise architecture and complex building technology, K. Dörflinger Gesellschaft für Elektroplanung mbH & Co. KG is a name that stands for quality and innovation. For over four decades, the company based in Allendorf has shaped the electrical infrastructure of prominent buildings, particularly in Frankfurt am Main. With projects such as the Messeturm and the Westend Tower, Dörflinger has not only co-designed the city's skyline but also set standards in electrical planning.
The K. Dörflinger Gesellschaft für Elektroplanung mbH & Co. KG is an exemplary representative of successful engineering 'made in Germany': grounded in decades of experience, yet always at the cutting edge. With a clear commitment to quality, digitalization, and technical innovation, the company demonstrates how modern high-rise construction works today – and who is shaping it.
A Pioneer of Electrical Planning
The company's story begins with a personal journey: 'I came to Germany in 1969 with 50 Deutschmarks in my pocket,' recalls Kurt Dörflinger. In 1982, he finally started his own business – a bold move that would pay off. 'We have planned almost all the skyscrapers in Frankfurt,' he says with no small amount of pride. Today, the company is a major player in the industry, employs 85 people, and operates branches in Eschborn (near Frankfurt) and Bingen. His two sons have since taken over the shares of the company – but Kurt Dörflinger remains active as CEO. 'I enjoy the work and the development of technology,' Kurt Dörflinger says about what drives him. 'There is no standing still with us.'
Helping Shape the Skyline of Frankfurt
K. Dörflinger Gesellschaft für Elektroplanung specializes in the planning of complex electrical systems, particularly in skyscrapers, schools, hotels, and commercial properties. Their expertise is also applied in safety-critical areas such as air traffic control. "We operate nationwide and are also active in Austria," explains Kurt Dörflinger. The range of services includes classical electrical planning as well as control engineering and working with digital models. "We have been using Building Information Modeling (BIM) for years," says Kurt Dörflinger. "And we consistently utilize the digital twin. This allows us a more precise, efficient, and transparent project execution." The Messeturm, at a height of 257 m one of the tallest buildings in Europe, was a significant project for Dörflinger. Between 1988 and 1990, the company carried out the electrical planning for this iconic building, which today is considered a landmark of Frankfurt. The challenges were in integrating state-of-the-art technology into the postmodern architecture of Helmut Jahn. Dörflinger relied on innovative solutions to meet the requirements of such a prestigious project. Another highlight in Dörflinger's portfolio is the Westend Tower. With a height of 208 m and a rental area of 80,700 m2, the building with 53 floors offers modern office spaces with skyline views. Dörflinger was responsible for the electrical planning, meeting high standards of functionality and design. In addition, the company operates its own office, which exclusively deals with the planning of data centers—a growth market with high technical demands.
Digital Competence Meets Craftsmanship Precision
Digitalization is rapidly changing the construction industry – for Kurt Dörflinger, this is an opportunity: 'Technology changes every day. To keep up, one must continuously evolve.' That's exactly what his company does. The use of digital tools and models has long been standard. But this alone is not enough – the employees' expertise is also crucial. 'We have always aimed to bind our employees to our company in the long term. Thanks to the familial structures and good cooperation, we have succeeded well over the past decades and we are very proud of our employees and the development of our company,' says Kurt Dörflinger. 'Our strength is that customers know us and know that we deliver quality work at a reasonable price.' This combination of technical competence, economic thinking, and personal commitment has earned the company an excellent reputation. The way they deal with customers is always characterized by reliability, emphasizes the managing director: 'We keep our word and deliver quality – this is a matter of course for us.' The fact that his sons Sascha Dörflinger and Mark Dörflinger now own the company is seen by Kurt Dörflinger as an important step into the future: 'The next generation brings new ideas, but remains true to our core values.' The generational change has been successful – and the company structure is designed to be flexible in responding to market requirements. New technologies, such as BIM or planning according to the principle of the digital twin, continue to be developed and adapted. The goal is clear: to remain among the best in the industry in the future. The company is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and has VdS/DIN 14675 certification for fire detection and voice alarm systems. A strong commitment to quality and safety characterizes the company culture. Employees are regularly trained and further educated to stay up-to-date with technology. This investment in the team secures the high quality of services and promotes the innovative power of the company. And what does Kurt Dörflinger see for the coming years? 'The challenges will not diminish – but that is exactly what makes this profession so exciting. Technology continues to evolve, buildings are becoming smarter, and our task is to help shape this development.'