Firefighting at Heart, Innovation in Action
Interview with Ernst Müller, Managing Director of MURER Fire Protection GmbH
Fire departments are indispensable – whether in case of floods, forest fires, or traffic accidents. To ensure they can perform their work safely and effectively, they need reliable equipment and competent service. For more than 75 years, MURER Fire Protection GmbH from Einbeck-Greene has been ensuring just that. In conversation with Managing Director Ernst Müller, it quickly becomes clear: Here, firefighting passion is lived - around the clock.
"We are regionally rooted and place great value on personal contact," emphasizes Ernst Müller. Three field representatives are constantly on-site with the fire departments, introducing new products and advising on equipment, respiratory protection, or hazardous materials. In an emergency, MURER-Feuerschutz can be reached around the clock – even on holidays. "During the flood disaster, we issued 580,000 sandbags on the second day of Christmas. Others were on Christmas vacation – we weren't," Ernst Müller proudly explains. This commitment to readiness builds trust – one of the most important foundations for long-term customer relationships.
Pioneer work in E-vehicle fires
Founded in 1949, MURER-Feuerschutz has developed into one of the most important partners for fire departments in Lower Saxony and the Harz region. "We currently service about 1,600 fire departments in the region," explains Ernst Müller.
With 23 employees, the company generates an annual revenue of around 19 million EUR. In addition to the headquarters in Greene, MURER also operates a branch in Hannover featuring a shop area and a seminar room.
Apart from reliability, MURER-Feuerschutz scores with innovative solutions. A special highlight is the patented E-Löschlanze®, developed in collaboration with Volkswagen. It allows for targeted extinguishing of burning batteries in electric vehicles – a challenge that fire departments around the world face. "Normal water is not sufficient, as the battery would continue to burn uncontrollably," explains Ernst Müller. "Our lance pierces the battery, delivers water directly inside, and thus interrupts the dangerous thermal runaway. In tests, the battery temperature was reduced from 580 degrees to 80 degrees in just ten seconds." The E-Löschlanze is now distributed worldwide – to South Korea, Hungary, or Brazil. For international distribution, MURER works with local partners who also conduct training.
Another innovative project: firefighting robots that can be used in dangerous situations, for example in forest fires on mined terrain. "We have just delivered two robots to the Hildesheim fire department," Ernst Müller reports.
Passion for firefighting and modern service
What distinguishes MURER-Fire Protection is not only the technology but also the lived firefighting passion of the employees. Almost all are active in volunteer fire brigades, many in leadership positions. "Those who go on operations themselves know exactly which equipment really works in an emergency," says Ernst Müller. This knowledge flows directly into consulting and service. The company is also up to date in terms of digitization: The web shop has been completely modernized and offers municipalities the possibility to handle orders easily online and to inform themselves about products.
Future with responsibility
In October, Ernst Müller will retire. A new leadership will then take over the responsibility. However, he does not expect major upheavals: "We have created a solid foundation. Of course, small things will adapt, but our recipe for success remains the same: trust, passion, and reliability."
Müller also looks calmly at industry-specific challenges. Although there are recruitment problems among volunteer fire departments, particularly in small towns, overall he sees stable development. "The children and youth fire departments are doing excellent work. In my town with 2,000 residents, we have over 40 children and teenagers in the fire department – this is encouraging for the future."