Buildings of the Future
Interview with Werner Ottilinger, Managing Director of Sauter-Cumulus GmbH
The beginnings of SAUTER Germany go back almost 100 years. Founded in 1925, the company has developed from a small operation into one of the leading specialists in building and room automation as well as facility management. From the beginning, emphasis was placed on innovation and quality: both remain the foundation of success to this day.
Building automation ensures that modern structures can be operated more efficiently, comfortably, and environmentally friendly. Through the smart networking and automation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as lighting and security systems, energy consumption and operational costs can be significantly optimized. SAUTER Deutschland offers a wide range of products and services in the area of building automation, system integration, and facility management. The technologies and services support the entire lifecycle of a building, from new constructions to modernization measures. A key goal of SAUTER solutions is to make properties sustainable, energy-efficient, and thus fit for the future.
In the last ten years, SAUTER has heavily invested in digitalization to address the challenges of skilled labor shortages and increasing sustainability requirements. "Digitalization drives us to automate our processes and thus compensate for personnel shortages. At the same time, it allows us to reduce CO2 emissions and adhere to our decarbonization path," explains Managing Director Werner Ottilinger. These investments have paid off, as the company has doubled its revenue over the last ten years and now employs around 1,500 staff across 35 locations in Germany.
Growth through Expansion
SAUTER's growth strategy includes both organic and inorganic growth. "Germany is a saturated market, so we focus on acquisitions in Europe. Countries like Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland offer promising opportunities," says Werner Ottilinger. The company plans to expand its market presence through targeted acquisitions to remain competitive in the long term. Despite the crisis in the construction industry, the company remains unaffected so far. "Our order books are still full, as we will be affected by the current construction crisis only in two to four years, being a downstream construction industry," explains the managing director. This positive order situation allows the company to continue investing heavily in its future.
Sustainability as a Core Competency
A central part of the company philosophy is the issue of sustainability. "We have certified ourselves in sustainability and at the same time offer solutions that help our customers reduce their CO2 emissions," emphasizes Werner Ottilinger. The company develops intelligent software tools that range from automatic shading to smart room automation. These solutions contribute to using energy only when it is actually needed, thereby minimizing the ecological footprint. Another example of the company's commitment to sustainability is the transition to electric vehicles and the use of recyclable IT and capital goods. "We want to lead by example and encourage our customers to also adopt sustainable practices," explains Werner Ottilinger.
Challenges and Strategic Orientation
As in many industries, the shortage of skilled workers is also significantly felt at SAUTER. "The job market is swept clean. Finding suitable employees will be our biggest task in the coming years," says Werner Ottilinger. The company is already investing heavily in employer branding to be perceived as an attractive employer. Through advertising on platforms like Xing, LinkedIn, and even at MediaMarkt and Saturn, SAUTER Germany tries to attract the best talents for itself. Furthermore, the visionary managing director sees enormous potential particularly in the areas of digitalization and artificial intelligence.
"Machine learning will take hold faster than real artificial intelligence, but both offer exciting opportunities for building automation," predicts Werner Ottilinger. He also emphasizes the importance of having a clear political direction regarding sustainability and energy policy: "The uncertainty surrounding the Building Energy Law must be eliminated as soon as possible. We need clear guidelines to plan and implement investments."
SAUTER is facing exciting times. "Our expertise enables us to respond flexibly to market requirements while offering sustainable solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment," summarizes Werner Ottilinger.
With cutting-edge technology, the company advances building automation and sets new standards. At the same time, SAUTER Germany is deeply committed to sustainability, actively shaping a greener future.