From the Idea to the Solution: Transmissions that Make the Difference
Interview with Klaus Deleroi, Managing Director of REINTJES GmbH
Electromobility and the demand for more sustainability have revolutionized the entire field of drive technology. It is necessary to set new benchmarks in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness, and performance. REINTJES GmbH from Hameln, a globally renowned specialist in drive technology, has been setting standards with innovative and future-oriented solutions for years. Currently mainly focused on the maritime sector, the company intends to strengthen its industrial presence in the coming times.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Deleroi, you are a specialist in the development and production of marine transmissions. What type of transmission do you manufacture?
Klaus Deleroi : Our company founder invented the reversing gear before World War II, which can reverse the direction of the output shaft in comparison with the input shaft. These transmissions are used in shipping to change the propeller's direction and facilitate the maneuvering and turning of the vessel. We now manufacture different transmissions, depending on requirements, for example for work ships, fast ships, or fast ferries. Particularly, the large transmissions are all tailored individually to the needs of our clients. Since 2014, we have also been involved in the field of electric and hybrid drive systems.
Wirtschaftsforum: So, the topic of e-mobility has also reached the maritime sector?
Klaus Deleroi: Of course. All cargo ship owners must work on their decarbonization, reduce their CO2 emissions. Shipping should become cleaner. Especially the major providers all want to operate methanol-ready ships. Therefore, the trend is moving towards multiple-drive transmissions. Currently, they are using hybrid systems. The next step will involve purely electric drives, initially, however, mainly for ships that do not travel long distances, such as port ships.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is REINTJES doing to reduce its own ecological footprint?
Klaus Deleroi: We have installed our own photovoltaic system and are currently negotiating with the city utilities about renting a wind turbine. We are connected to the district heating system, so we only need 'electricity'. Recently, we have started a new project. We buy old gearboxes or gearboxes from scrapped ships, refurbish them, and offer them back to the market at a lower price. Circular economy is the keyword here.
Wirtschaftsforum: Do you exclusively focus on gearboxes and drive systems?
Klaus Deleroi: This is clearly our core competence. However, at the customer's request, we also produce individual components in our contract manufacturing, such as gears, shafts, or complete wheelsets.
Wirtschaftsforum: Who are your customers and where do they come from?
Klaus Deleroi: About 70% of our customers are shipyards. In addition, we also cater to engine manufacturers, such as MAN. The Netherlands are currently by far the most important market for us. In general, however, we are set up across Europe. Smaller ships are still being built here. But we also have customers in Southeast Asia and Turkey on our reference list. We deliberately focus our purchasing exclusively on Europe. We neither buy in the USA nor in China.
Wirtschaftsforum: What distinguishes REINTJES in the competition from other providers?
Klaus Deleroi: First of all, our products are high quality, robust, and durable. Moreover, our customers appreciate our personal approach and proximity. Our consulting competence is an important factor for our success. We listen closely to our customers, so we understand what they really need and can recommend the best solution for them.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your topics for the second half of 2024?
Klaus Deleroi: Hybridization and decarbonization are two important topics in the near future – here, we need to further develop our products. In two years, 20 to 25% of all our transmissions should be electric or hybrid. At the moment, there is still a price barrier that deters many customers. We will also consistently expand our portfolio, for example, to include complete drive systems including propellers, possibly even with a battery. This will enable us to offer complete packages. Shipyards have a big problem finding engineering professionals. Here, we can support with holistic solutions. Currently, we are still mainly focusing on the maritime market. In the near future, we want to position ourselves even more strongly in the industrial sector, to build a second pillar and become less dependent on shipping.
Wirtschaftsforum: Currently, the economy in Germany is marked by many uncertainties. What is your appeal to politics?
Klaus Deleroi: Shipping is essential – also in Germany. However, the government continues to neglect this issue. We can help make our world a little cleaner. But for that, people need to notice us and listen to us.