HÜBNER Group sets benchmarks for sustainability with signature gangway refurbishment

The comparison shows the success of Hübner's highly sustainable approach to refurbishment of UIC-561 gangways.

Mr Kurzrock, how does the HÜBNER Group contribute to the mobility sector?

The HÜBNER Group is a global system supplier for the mobility sector with the business divisions Mobility Rail, Mobility Road, Material Solutions and Photonics. We are the worldwide leader in gangway systems for rail vehicles and buses as well as a supplier of chassis technology, cockpit display solutions and door sealing and safety profiles.

What does the rail industry need to know about the running refurbishment projects?

Our signature approach to gangway refurbishment is to replace only what needs replacing and to avoid waste wherever possible. We are currently doing the same for a major Italian customer in the technically challenging refurbishment of UIC-561 gangways. We offer this very sustainable service to our customers not only for our own gangways, but also for those of our competitors. Our company is present in over 30 locations in 17 countries around the world to provide our customers with tailor-made services and products. Our local production and global network enable short delivery routes and thus contribute to an improved carbon footprint.

Why is refurbishing better than buying new?

Refurbishing gangway systems after around 15 years of operation is the better alternative. This is because buying a new system is neither cost effective for the operator nor environmentally friendly. We are primarily concerned with minimising the waste products that have to be disposed of at great expense. With HÜBNER at their side, customers can be sure that our experts will choose the most cost-effective and sustainable option, even for technically demanding refurbishments. We say: Keep what’s good before you create unnecessary waste!

How important is sustainability to HÜBNER?

We set high sustainability standards throughout the entire product cycle. From development and production to maintenance, we aim to use as few resources as possible and work in an energy-efficient way. Our high level of vertical integration ensures that our products are as sustainable as possible: we manufacture key materials such as rubber, silicone and fabrics ourselves. We extend the life of our products and conserve valuable resources through our after-sales service and refurbishment concepts. We promote sustainable mobility through future-proof eco-design and a growing portfolio of products and services for energy-efficient operation.

In addition to its headquarters in Kassel, Germany, the HÜBNER Group has more than 30 locations in 17 countries where green roofs and solar systems are used to work as sustainably as possible.

How does your portfolio differ from those of your competitors?

We serve a wide range of industries and markets. We are strong in mobility, both for rail and for buses and commercial vehicles. We also offer material solutions suitable for the aerospace industry, and laser technologies for research and healthcare. This broad portfolio enables us to cross-sell to our customers who receive a wide range of solutions and services from a single source.

What message would you like the global rail industry to hear?

We are well-known as the world leader for gangway systems, but we can do more, much more. We are a top innovator in product and system solutions that promote aerodynamics and significantly increase energy efficiency in public transport. You can rediscover us time and time again and benefit from our vertical integration. We are making a significant contribution to helping our customers reduce their own carbon footprint.

What advancements do you see coming in the near future?

We are certain that promoting energy efficiency will be a key issue in the coming years. Not least to influence the energy consumption of e-mobility vehicles. There will also be a growing demand for digital solutions in buses and rail vehicles. We will present fitting product solutions at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin. Our customers can meet us in hall 1.2 at stand 120. For more information customers can visit our landing page, here.