Twin transformation in mechanical and plant engineering: How digitalization and sustainability together enable new business models and make the industry fit for the future.
Mechanical and plant engineering is already a key driver of a wide range of transformation processes – including in the area of twin transformation. There is particularly great potential in combining digital technologies with approaches to energy efficiency and resource conservation. A wide range of modern technologies are being used: from IoT and big data to new materials and innovative production methods. Practical implementation is achieved through methods such as AI-supported predictive maintenance, intelligent sensor technology, optimized plant designs and circular economy concepts.
To make this potential tangible, ProduktionNRW hosted an event at Flender GmbH in Voerde on 4 June 2025.
Flender: technology with responsibility
Dr. Tim Sadek, Head of Technology & Innovation at Flender, kicked off the event by introducing the host company. Flender is one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive technologies and has positioned itself as a driver of innovation, particularly in the field of wind power. In addition to its technological expertise, the company’s social commitment was emphasized: Flender has received several awards for its sustainability achievements and pursues ambitious targets for reducing emissions. The company therefore sees itself not only as a technology supplier, but also as an active contributor to a climate-friendly, responsible industry.
Digitalization meets sustainability: future opportunities for mechanical and plant engineering
Jessica Fritz, expert for digitalization technologies at VDMA Informatik, opened the event with a look at the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal – an extension of the Green Deal with the aim of strengthening European industry and accelerating decarbonization. The mechanical and plant engineering sector could play a key role here: By using digital tools such as AI, blockchain and ERP systems, resource management can be improved, social responsibility strengthened and sustainable business decisions supported.
One concrete example: ERP systems can play a central role in implementing the requirements of the CSRD directive on sustainability reporting – an area in which many companies are still at the beginning.
Digitalization and sustainability as enablers for competitiveness in drive technology
Dr Jan Reimann, Flender One Project Manager at Flender GmbH, presented Flender One, a fully digitalized product platform for industrial gear units that combines efficiency, availability and sustainability. Processes are digitally mapped and automated across the entire value chain – from configuration to production and assembly.
The central components are digital product data, automated engineering and sales processes and a proprietary platform solution that integrates various IT systems. Intelligent sensor technology on the product enables predictive maintenance, reduces downtimes and extends the service life of the gearboxes. FLENDER ONE thus exemplifies the combination of digitalization and sustainability – and the competitiveness of tomorrow.