HÖRL & HARTMANN drives research, innovation and sustainability forward

With Tristan Klein and Kai Rudhof, a proven success duo is returning to Hörl & Hartmann. The two materials technology engineers have a long history together: they specialised in heavy clay ceramics during their studies, developed innovative brick concepts and patents and later ran Ziegelwerk Ott as owners.

In 2019, Hörl & Hartmann entered into a strategic partnership with the two and acquired shares in what is now Ziegelwerk Deisendorf (see ZI 5(2019)). While Klein moved to "Mein Ziegelhaus" as Managing Director, Rudhof remained closely associated with Hörl & Hartmann as a technical consultant. Now they are joining forces again to actively shape the future of the brick and tile industry as Managing Directors of Hörl & Hartmann Innovations GmbH.

Double expertise for one vision

Kai Rudhof and Tristan Klein complement each other perfectly: while Rudhof, as an expert in production processes and process engineering, supports the plants in an advisory capacity and optimises processes, Klein concentrates on raw material and product development as well as basic research. "Making bricks, developing bricks, advising bricks - that's our core expertise," explains Rudhof. "I like to be close to production and identify optimisation potential, while Tristan develops innovative solutions in the laboratory. This combination is what makes us so successful as a team."

Sustainability and efficiency take centre stage. "CO2 reduction, energy saving and alternative manufacturing processes are key challenges," adds Klein. "Our aim is to set new standards in the industry with innovative approaches."

Kai Rudhof took over production management at Ziegelwerk Ott during his studies and soon brought Tristan Klein on board. Together, they comprehensively modernised the plant and built up a holding company with other business areas such as a laboratory and a consulting division.

While Klein later moved to "Mein Ziegelhaus" as Managing Director, Rudhof remained closely associated with Hörl & Hartmann, first as Managing Director in Deisendorf and later as an external consultant. Now both are returning to the company to be able to contribute their expertise more directly. In particular, the desire to work more closely together again played a decisive role.

Focus on innovation and sustainability

"With Kai Rudhof and Tristan Klein, we are gaining two experienced experts who complement each other perfectly and will drive our industry forward with their innovative spirit," emphasises Michael Hörl, Technical Managing Director of Hörl & Hartmann. "We look forward to breaking new ground with them and further expanding our position as a pioneer in innovation and sustainability."

In addition to research, development and product management, Klein and Rudhof are also focusing on digitalisation and sustainable production methods. "The bricks of tomorrow must not only be efficient, but also be produced with lower energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions," says Klein. A leaner and more efficient product range is also essential in order to utilise resources efficiently.

A strong team for the future

With their return to Hörl & Hartmann, Rudhof and Klein are combining their strengths. "We work best as a team," they both agree. "At Hörl & Hartmann, we have the ideal conditions to drive forward innovations that create real added value for our customers and the environment."

Matthias Hörl, Commercial Director of Hörl & Hartmann, is also delighted with the new addition: "By working closely with Tristan Klein and Kai Rudhof, we can drive developments forward in an even more targeted manner and put them directly into practice. We have a shared vision, want to set new standards and actively shape the path to a sustainable and innovative future."