HEROSE’s journey began on April 1, 1873, when Theodor Rose, a foundry foreman, established a factory producing fittings for shipbuilding and domestic engineering. The company’s path took a pivotal turn in 1941 with the acquisition of the valve manufacturer HERO, founded by Eduard and John Pulvermann in 1921 in Hamburg. This merger led to the creation of HEROSE Armaturen und Metalle GmbH in 1947.
Under the visionary leadership of Wilfried Zschalich, HEROSE ascended to global prominence in the valve industry. In 1996, Zschalich invested in a new production site, emphasising cryogenic and safety valves made of stainless steel. His son, Dirk Zschalich, joined the company in 2003 and took the reins in 2015, propelling the company into the digital age and expanding its international footprint.
Dirk transformed HEROSE into a global entity with subsidiaries in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, China, India, and Australia. The company’s globalisation efforts included establishing HEROSE Ltd. in the UK in 1999, acquiring LORCH Sicherheitsventile GmbH & Co. KG in 2013, and opening offices in India and China in 2014 and 2017, respectively. In 2017, HEROSE also acquired MACK Valves Pty. Ltd. Since 2019, HEROSE has focused on hydrogen technology, celebrating its 150th anniversary sary in 2023. Reflecting on this milestone, Burmeister notes, “Our 150th anniversaryry is a testament to our resilience and our ability to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving industry.”
Renowned for its commitment to safety, HEROSE specialises in handling technical gases, vapours, and liquids. With a legacy spanning 150 years, the company stands as a leading manufacturer and supplier of valves and safety valves for cryogenic technology, small-scale LNG applications, and general industrial applications. HEROSE’s innovative and durable products reach over 80 countries worldwide. As Jana Burmeister, Manager Marketing at HEROSE, puts it, “Our products are designed to meet the highest standards of safety adn reliabbility, ensuring peace of mind for our customers.”
Quality and safety are paramount at HEROSE. The company employs rigorous testing and high-quality raw maetrials to ensure its products meet the highest standards. Extensive tests are conducted on valves using water, air and cryogenic test benches, simulating extreme conditions. During the inspection of incoming goods, parts are randomly measured for dimensional accuracy, and pressure bearing components are tested for strength and tightness before assembly. HEROSE also utilises Positive Material Identification (PMI) with X-ray fluorescence analysis to verify the chemical composition of raw materials. Production is carried out on modern CNC and milling machines by qualified professionals, ensuring precision and quality. Valves are degreased with specially developed equipment and labelled using laser-controlled engraving machines. “We leave no stone unturned when it comes to quality assurance,” says Burmeister.
“Every valve that leaves our facility has been meticulously tested and verified.” Burmeister continues, “Our valves are integral to a wide range of industries, providing critical solutions that keep operations running smoothly.” HEROSE’s products find applications in various industries, including cryogenic and general industrial sectors. These applications encompass hydrogen, LNG, ammonia, industrial and air gases, steam, compressed air, and the transport and storage of liquid, powdery, and granular goods.
Innovation is at the heart of HEROSE’s operations. The company excels in developing tailored solutions to meet market demands. HEROSE is pioneering a new generation of valves designed for extreme temperatures ranging from -270°C to +400°C, special valves for air separation, and valves for LNG liquefaction. The company is also addressing the challenges of the climate-friendly energy transition by developing valves for hydrogen and alternative fuelling applications. For instance, the safety valve type 06820 is engineered to handle set pressures up to 1200 bar for gaseous hydrogen fuelling applications. The valves of Type 11C01 are especially design for low temperature vacuum piping systems to handle media down to -269°C.
Collaboration among HEROSE’s subsidiaries is crucial for fostering innovation and maintaining a high level of expertise within the company. “Innovation is in our DNA,” Burmeister asserts. “We are constantly pushing the boundaries to develop cutting-edge solutions for our customers while using a global engineering team with experience from different applications and customers feedback.”
Sustainability is a core value at HEROSE too. “Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it’s a fundamental principle that guides our operations,” Burmeister emphasises. The company is ISO 14001 certified, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility.
HEROSE’s products are designed for long service life and can be repaired and maintained, reducing waste. The materials used are nearly 100 percent recyclable, and production waste is disposed of sustainably and recycled.
Maintaining a competitive edge in the global market, HEROSE stays attuned to market needs and ensures a global presence through its sales team and partners. The company has authorised service partners worldwide, ensuring consistent quality standards and customer support. Regular exchanges with customers are key to understanding and meeting their needs. “Customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do,” says Burmeister. “We believe in building long-term relationships based on trust and mutual respect.”
Cryogenic technology has been a cornerstone of HEROSE’s product portfolio for decades. “Our expertise in cryogenic technology sets us apart in the industry,” Burmeister explains. “We have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of this field.” The company’s decision to enter the cryogenic market led to the development of customised stainless-steel valves, which have become a primary focus. Today, cryogenic technology remains a significant area of expertise for HEROSE.
To avoid hydrogen embrittlement, the company has introduced new bodies with higher nickel content, allowing its products to cater to LNG, industrial gases, and hydrogen applications. HEROSE’s new sales structure, dividing the world into three regions, enables a more focused approach to market needs and requirements. “Adapting to new market demands is crucial for our continued success,” Burmeister states. “We are committed to staying ahead of the curve and delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Customer support and after-sales service are integral to HEROSE’s operations. The company provides robust support through a dedicated service team and a network of over 60 authorised service partners. HEROSE offers tools like VALVIO to help customers find the right safety valve and provides extensive information on its website and social media channels. “Our customers can rely on us for comprehensive support and guidance,” Burmeister assures. “We are here to help them every step of the way.”
HEROSE’s aims to enhance its engineering capabilities on a global level, leveraging digitalisation to facilitate international collaboration. This approach optimises processes, reduces throughput times, and improves customer offerings, ensuring timely delivery to international and local markets. “Innovation and continuous improvement are at the heart of our R&D efforts,” Burmeister highlights. “We are always looking for ways to enhance our products and services.”
The company’s innovative solutions and commitment to sustainability position it as a leader in the valve industry, and its recent focus on hydrogen technology highlights its capabilities in addressing new market demands. “Hydrogen technology is a key area of growth for us,” Burmeister notes. “We are excited about the opportunities it presents and are committed to leading the way in this field.”
Looking to the future, HEROSE aims to continue its growth trajectory, complementing its position as a leading supplier of high-quality valves in the cryogenic, industrial and alternative fuel and energy sectors. The company plans to become a “solution and service provider,” offering modules and services that enhance the performance and longevity of its products.
“Our vision for the future is clear,” Burmeister concludes. “We will continue to innovate, expand, and deliver exceptional value to our customers.” •
