At the egeGigaFab, located at egeplast headquarters, Microducts are manufactured across 11,000 m² for comprehensive broadband expansion in Europe. State-of-the-art plant technology and a high degree of automation are the key features of the new facility. High-quality fiber optic networks represent the most valuable asset for network operators. With egeplast Microducts, they ensure long-lasting protection for their fiber optics.
Premium Quality
The production of Microducts at egeplast began in 2003 and has evolved into a significant business segment for the company in recent years. Under the leadership of Division Manager Ralf Utsch, consistent sales growth has been achieved over the past 15 years. While the quality has always been perceived as premium by German and international customers, manufacturing efficiency and production logistics clearly had room for improvement. Consequently, at the end of 2021, egeplast, as a family-owned company, made the decision to invest in a dedicated Microduct production facility at its Greven site, on a newly acquired 40,000 m² adjacent plot.
Capacity Expansion and High Degree of Automation
Under the leadership of Head of Engineering Dr.-Ing. Tobias Hallmann, an unparalleled production facility was created. Microduct production started in mid-2024 at the egeGigaFab, and the planned capacity expansion was achieved in Q4. The entire product, manufacturing, logistics, and material supply concept was completely rethought to remain competitive in Germany, with its high labor and energy costs, in the future.
Output speeds have doubled, setup times have been reduced, and the level of automation impresses many visitors. Dr.-Ing. Herbert Müller, a member of the egeplast Advisory Board, states: “I have been familiar with extrusion for 40 years, but I have never seen such a modern production facility.” Joeri Van Bogaert, a connoisseur of the fiber optic market for two decades and FTTH Council Europe President from 2007-2010, comments: “In my experience, egeplast has always been a leader in quality and manufacturing innovation within the Microduct industry, and it has reaffirmed its position by establishing the egeGigaFab. This egeGigaFab provides a backdrop that could be part of a sci-fi movie set. Production is extremely efficient and simultaneously sets a new standard for quality and a reduced CO2 footprint.” A photovoltaic system with an output of 1,300 kWp is installed on the roof of the 11,000 m² hall.
Cordial Invitation
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved for their great and tireless commitment during the planning, construction, and start-up phase. We cordially invite our customers to visit the new plant. You are welcome to see for yourself the quality label “made in Germany” for the expansion of the European fiber optic network.
