Neat, friendly, and focused, Daniel Ditzel is sitting at the table and ready to go. He orders the grilled feta with salad and water. In clear and concise words, he tells us why Weiss Klimatechnik is the ideal partner for air conditioning projects.
Mr. Ditzel, why do projects at Weiss Klimatechnik always run smoothly?
There are, of course, many good reasons for this. Perhaps most importantly, we take projects personally to ensure every customer achieves the best possible results for their needs.
How do you make that possible?
After more than 40 years in the business and with around 150 projects a year, we have a lot of experience with air conditioning technology for clean rooms, dry rooms, and measuring rooms. Even with unfamiliar topics, our specialists know how to approach them, find solutions, and implement them safely.
Are we talking about standard products or special designs here?
Both. Ultimately, every project is a unique construction for us. We have never built the same project or device twice. Everything is planned and executed individually. Of course, we use a modular system with standard components that we always combine and add to as required.
Isn’t it difficult to keep track of everything?
Yes and no. We manage multiple projects concurrently—each at various stages. To maintain a good overview, I hold a status meeting with each project manager once a month. Then I know how things work and where they are. I am, of course, always directly available in the case of urgent issues.
Do urgent issues arise often?
Construction projects involving multiple trades are rarely straightforward and come with unique challenges. Something always differs from the plan or doesn’t go as agreed. Anyone who has built a house understands this. It’s similar with our projects—only technically it’s usually much more complex.
How do you solve problems on the construction site?
I first need to determine where the issue lies and why. Is material missing or is the preparatory work of another trade faulty? Is the planning wrong or are we behind schedule? There are a thousand things that happen on a construction site every day and have a direct influence on everything that follows.
How do you mediate between the different trades?
It depends on the problem. Sometimes it is enough to clarify with the client why it is hanging, and sometimes a technical alternative has to be developed in the shortest possible time. I step in as a troubleshooter and manage the interfaces. Because regardless of the issue, the result must be right.
Do you do it alone?
Of course not. I keep everything coordinated. But I also have a team of 20 project managers, who each have their own employees. Most of them are experienced air conditioning specialists. If one person gets stuck, another knows a way or finds a new one. We are quite good at this.
In finding solutions?
Yes. Our expertise is unparalleled. My department has around 600 years of experience in air conditioning technology—some of them in the third generation. No other company can match that. That’s why I always say, no matter what the task is, we will find a solution and are committed to ensuring that it is implemented in a technically correct manner. Our market experience extends beyond mechanical engineering and construction; we also manufacture our own hygienic precision air conditioning units.
A clear advantage for your clients?
Exactly. We leverage our expertise to offer our clients the best possible solutions tailored to their specific requirements. Quality is the most important parameter in our projects. Ultimately, the quality of the products our clients produce using our air conditioning technology can mean the difference between life and death. This applies in particular to cytostatic drugs used in chemotherapy. We approach the execution of our projects with this in mind.
How does this actually look in a project?
We ensure the necessary cleanliness during the construction phase. It’s often the little things that make the difference in the end. For example, we work with several intermediate cleaning steps in the project and prevent construction dust from being carried into the ducts and systems. During the assembly phase, we consistently seal duct ends to prevent contamination.
What role do quality and precision play in your devices?
Also a big one. That is why we work with firmly established processes and according to strict standards. For example, when we order stainless steel in a certain alloy, we check the material composition of the alloy in the incoming goods department using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. This allows us to detect material defects before we process it. Or if we carry out measurements in a clean room and then with measuring equipment that is checked in our own accreditation laboratory.
You’re also involved in standards committees, aren’t you?
True. We are active in various standards committees in which we work as practitioners on standards that are important for the entire industry. We believe that it is important to share our knowledge for the benefit of all—regardless of who ultimately carries out the order.
An exciting field. What about the next generation?
I would have to lie if I said that the skills shortage doesn’t affect us. We continue to undertake remarkable projects both locally and in the broader industry. News of our success spreads quickly. To this end, we have introduced a career model in which graduates can take on responsibility at an early stage and as part of a team with experienced employees. This offers junior staff excellent prospects at an early stage.
Mr. Ditzel, thank you very much for the interview and bon appétit.
Brief profile of Daniel Ditzel
After studying electrical engineering, Daniel Ditzel worked at Siemens AG for over seven years, most recently as Head of Project Management Building Automation. Since 2022, he has been making sure that the projects at Weiss Klimatechnik run smoothly. Whether running a half marathon, hiking, or playing golf, this ambitious amateur athlete enjoys staying fit in his free time.