"There's a lot to do in pipe rehabilitation."
Oliver Drozd, Managing Director of RSC Pipe Construction and Rehabilitation GmbH
According to a survey by the German Association for Water Management, Wastewater and Waste (DWA) on the condition of the sewerage system in Germany, nearly one fifth of public sewers are damaged. Approximately 13.5% of public sewers could not even be recorded during the investigation. The current rehabilitation rate of about 1% based on a sewer length of almost 600,000 km is not sufficient to cope with demographic change and the increasingly frequent occurrences of heavy rainfall and extreme weather events. To protect the water resource, dense, stable and operable pipelines are essential. RSC Pipe Construction and Rehabilitation GmbH in Cottbus offers a wide range of different methods for the rehabilitation of pipeline systems and has expertise in the drinking water, wastewater, and gas sectors.
With more than 30 years of experience in the construction and renovation of gas, water, and sewage pipelines, RSC Rohrbau und Sanierungs GmbH is a valued partner for public, commercial, and private clients. “In the beginning, RSC was primarily involved with projects for traditional sewer rehabilitation,” says Managing Director Oliver Drozd, who joined the company in 2015 and took over the company from the founder in 2021 as part of a succession arrangement. “Over the years, the portfolio has significantly expanded so that today we offer all types of rehabilitation methods, from traditional open construction to robotic rehabilitation.”
Trenchless Rehabilitation
Especially in cities where space is limited and the impact on businesses and citizens should be kept to a minimum, trenchless renovation methods are preferred. Modern technology offers a wide range of possibilities in this area. "If an existing channel has not completely collapsed, various renovation methods, such as cured-in-place pipe lining or close-fit lining, can be used," explains Oliver Drozd. "With pipe relining, we have already achieved insertion lengths of around 1,200 m."
Wide Range of Services
With the burst lining method, pipes that have already collapsed or are severely deformed can be rehabilitated. "A bursting tool is used to destroy the old pipe while simultaneously pulling in a new liner pipe," elaborates Oliver Drozd. "Under favorable conditions, the old pipe's cross-section can even be enlarged." Additional services include all necessary measures to ensure water supply and disposal.
A Sought-After Partner
Every project comes with its own challenges and opportunities. "With each new project, we were able to expand our knowledge and incorporate new techniques into our portfolio," says Oliver Drozd. "Thanks to our comprehensive experience working on a variety of different projects, our expertise is often sought after by engineering offices." The company operates throughout Germany and often selects projects that allow it to incorporate new methods into its portfolio or take on new challenges.
Certified Quality
"As the holder of many quality seals, RSC Rohrbau und Sanierungs GmbH is a strong partner for the implementation of our clients' projects," says Oliver Drozd. The procedure-dependent certifications offer the client a form of security, ensuring certain standards are maintained and the generally accepted rules of technology are implemented. "RSC Rohrbau und Sanierungs GmbH mainly participates in public tenders. However, our expertise is also utilized by large private clients, such as chemical corporations or the food industry, as part of restricted tenders and awards," says Oliver Drozd.
Succession Arranged
The company's many strengths have certainly contributed to easing the transition to the new owner when the company founder announced in 2021 his desire to retire. "I had the option to buy the company," says Oliver Drozd, who was in charge of technical management before the takeover. "After careful consideration, I decided to take the step into self-employment. On January 1, 2022, I took over RSC Rohrbau und Sanierungs GmbH 100%."
Plenty to Do
The prospects for the future are positive. With the high awareness of protecting the resource of drinking water and bodies of water in general, there's plenty of work for RSC. "Here in Brandenburg, the end of lignite mining has led to a rise in the groundwater level, making deficiencies visible," says Oliver Drozd. "The challenge is not so much in recognizing the need, but in financing the necessary repairs." Through memberships in industrial and trade associations, RSC Rohrbau und Sanierungs GmbH tries to highlight the problems of potential customers and adapt its portfolio to the tasks of the clients as needed.
Training Companies
Another challenge is the shortage of skilled workers. "The market does not produce skilled workers, so we have to invest in our own young talent," confirms Oliver Drozd. "We currently have two apprentices and also offer a dual study program in the fields of civil engineering and industrial engineering. We are pleased that we were able to win over women for these positions as well. We have found that women are not only excellent candidates but also have a positive impact on the working atmosphere in the company."
Good Future Prospects
RSC currently employs 60 people at its headquarters in Cottbus and in the branches in Saxony and Forst (Lausitz). In addition, a company specializing in the removal of unexploded ordnance was founded, KBC Kampfmittelbergung Cottbus GmbH. "Our goal is to continue to grow and to invest even more in training," says Oliver Drozd. "In doing so, we want to maintain our openness to new things."