Hilgefort Joins the ZÜBLIN Group

Hilgefort Joins the ZÜBLIN Group

ZÜBLIN Stahlbau GmbH, a subsidiary of STRABAG SE and one of Germany’s premier steel construction specialists, is acquiring key assets of Hilgefort GmbH through an asset deal. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for ZÜBLIN Stahlbau, particularly in enhancing its bridge construction capabilities and deepening vertical integration within its operations. The move secures the future of Hilgefort’s 70 employees and sets the stage for substantial growth and innovation at the Dinklage site, located in the district of Vechta in Lower Saxony.

Expanding Capabilities through Strategic Asset Acquisition

Hilgefort GmbH has built a reputation over several decades as a specialist in plant component manufacturing and apparatus construction. Under the new agreement, ZÜBLIN Stahlbau will integrate this technical expertise into its existing operations, further enriching its already diverse portfolio of services in steel construction. The asset deal includes approximately 40,000 square meters of land, three large-scale production halls, and a wide range of movable fixed assets, positioning ZÜBLIN Stahlbau for immediate operational scalability at the newly acquired site.

“This acquisition is not just about adding production capacity; it’s about strategically extending our reach in the infrastructure and bridge construction sector,” explained Marco Eckert, Technical Managing Director of ZÜBLIN Stahlbau GmbH. “Germany is facing urgent demands for infrastructure upgrades, especially in the transport sector. By integrating Hilgefort’s facilities and workforce, we are proactively expanding our ability to deliver high-quality, large-scale steel bridge projects more efficiently and with enhanced vertical integration.”

Safeguarding Jobs and Preserving Valuable Know-how

A central aspect of the acquisition is the continued employment of Hilgefort’s 70-member team, whose expertise spans complex metalworking and advanced welding technologies. This decision not only reflects ZÜBLIN Stahlbau’s commitment to social responsibility but also ensures the preservation of critical technical know-how that has defined Hilgefort’s legacy in the steel fabrication sector.

“I am genuinely pleased that our team, who have contributed so much to the success of Hilgefort GmbH, will now be part of a larger, future-focused organization like ZÜBLIN Stahlbau,” said Ulrich Hilgefort, Managing Director of Hilgefort GmbH. “Their specialized skills and hands-on experience in processing complex steel structures will continue to thrive in an environment that offers new perspectives, broader projects, and more diverse development opportunities. I am honored to accompany this transition personally and to support a seamless integration.”

The integration plan will not only maintain the operational continuity of the Dinklage facility but will also support ZÜBLIN Stahlbau’s broader vision of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering excellence.

Hilgefort Brand to Live On as Product Line

While Hilgefort GmbH will cease to exist as an independent entity, its legacy will persist through the continuation of its specialized products under the ZÜBLIN Stahlbau brand. The company has decided to retain and further develop Hilgefort’s product line, especially in the area of apparatus and plant component construction. This move underscores ZÜBLIN Stahlbau’s long-term commitment to diversifying its capabilities and leveraging proven product innovations from acquired companies.

“The Hilgefort name stands for quality and reliability in steel apparatus construction, and it’s a brand we are proud to carry forward within our own structure,” noted Marco Eckert. “It’s not only a question of preserving tradition, but of adapting and evolving it to meet modern engineering challenges.”

Strategic Implications for the Bridge Construction Sector

This acquisition comes at a pivotal time for Germany’s infrastructure sector. As the country accelerates investments in roads, bridges, and transport corridors, demand for experienced steel bridge constructors is rising rapidly. ZÜBLIN Stahlbau, already a respected name in steel building, industrial plant, and bridge construction, is seizing this opportunity to cement its leadership position by investing in expanded facilities and workforce resources.

The Dinklage site, equipped with large production halls and highly specialized machinery, provides the perfect foundation for handling complex and large-scale bridge components. With additional fabrication space and workforce integration, ZÜBLIN Stahlbau will be able to execute projects more flexibly and with higher levels of vertical integration—from design to production and on-site assembly.

Part of a Broader Growth Strategy

The Hilgefort integration is in line with ZÜBLIN Stahlbau’s long-term growth strategy. As the demand for modern, sustainable infrastructure grows across Europe, the company aims to capitalize on synergies within the STRABAG Group and position itself as a one-stop solution provider for steel structures of all types. The enhanced Dinklage location complements existing ZÜBLIN Stahlbau facilities in Hosena (Brandenburg) and other parts of Germany, creating a geographically distributed and operationally agile network.

Moreover, the move supports sustainability goals by optimizing production workflows, minimizing transportation between sites, and streamlining material procurement processes—critical factors in reducing the overall environmental footprint of steel construction projects.

A Foundation for Innovation and Collaboration

Looking ahead, the Dinklage site is poised to become a hub for collaboration, not only within ZÜBLIN Stahlbau but across the broader STRABAG ecosystem. By drawing on shared resources in design, engineering, and logistics, the company plans to foster innovation in steel fabrication technologies, automation, and material optimization.

Training and development programs are also being planned to ensure that existing and new employees alike continue to grow their skills in alignment with ZÜBLIN Stahlbau’s strategic direction. Special emphasis will be placed on welding technologies, quality assurance processes, and digital design integration using Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools.

A Strategic Win-Win for Employees, Customers, and Infrastructure

In sum, the acquisition of Hilgefort GmbH’s assets by ZÜBLIN Stahlbau GmbH is more than a business transaction—it is a forward-looking investment in people, capacity, and critical national infrastructure. By preserving jobs, honoring legacy expertise, and reinforcing strategic capabilities, the company is positioning itself as a cornerstone in Germany’s future infrastructure landscape.

The integration of Hilgefort’s operations into the ZÜBLIN family not only brings continuity for employees and customers but also opens doors to new opportunities in engineering innovation and sustainable construction. As Germany gears up for the next generation of infrastructure development, ZÜBLIN Stahlbau stands ready—with enhanced capabilities, expanded resources, and a skilled, committed team.

Source link

Newsletter Updates

Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter