premium pharma solutions
The specialist as a sought-after partner for industry
HOF Sonderanlagenbau GmbH has been owned for several decades by the central Hessian entrepreneur Hans-Georg Hof and is now in the second generation under the leadership of his son, Dr. Alexander HOF. The company is a specialist in its sector and, with its extensive know-how and many innovative ideas, has laid the foundation for its high level of technological expertise.
Welcome to HOF
HOF Sonderanlagenbau GmbH has been the leading specialist for manufacturing
individual freeze drying systems, loading and unloading systems
and freezing and thawing equipment for over 30 years.
Focus on your product
Individually designed, planned and manufactured – with state-of-the-art technology
Power of innovation
to find answers
We let knowledge grow
Our know-how is the basis for your success
Communication & media
Knowing what is important
Contact
Headquarters:
HOF Sonderanlagenbau GmbH
Ludwig-Rinn-Str. 1-3
35102 Lohra
Germany
Phone + 49 6462 9169-0
Fax + 49 6462 9169-199
Mornshausen site:
HOF Sonderanlagenbau GmbH
Vor dem Langen Loh 2
35075 Gladenbach-Mornshausen
Germany
Phone + 49 6462 9169-0
Telefax + 49 6462 9169-199
News
HOF: The innovative force – new impulses for safe pharmaceutical processes
In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, true progress is achieved where experience, technical precision and the willingness to explore new approaches come together.
This is precisely where HOF comes in: delivering solutions that go further—because complex challenges often require more than the obvious answer. This commitment shapes our thinking and our actions. We do not seek the simplest solution, but rather design equipment and systems that address demanding requirements in a technically reliable, practical, and future-ready manner.
At the heart of this is always one key question: How can technologies and systems make your demanding pharmaceutical and biotechnological processes even safer, more efficient and more future-proof? You can experience this consistent focus on innovation and pioneering plant engineering in our core areas:
Advanced refrigeration technology
Sustainable systems that set new benchmarks in efficiency, environmental compatibility, and long-term viability.
Freezing and thawing systems
Systems designed to bring sensitive pharmaceutical and biotechnological products to temperature with maximum reliability and precision.
Robot-assisted loading and unloading systems
Systems that move vials safely, transfer them precisely and safeguard pharmaceutical processes through automation.
Custom-engineered solutions
Plant concepts that do not avoid complex requirements, but solve them through advanced engineering.
That is HOF. The power of innovation.
HOF Innovations & Products –
Technology that delivers real value in practice
Innovation at HOF begins where demanding challenges require more than the obvious answer. When sensitive products, high-value batches and complex systems are at stake, what matters to you is not the idea itself, but reliable performance in operation.
That is exactly where we focus our development efforts: refrigeration technology, freezing and thawing systems, robot-assisted loading and unloading solutions, and customized engineering designed to capture your requirements and implement them with technical reliability. Turning complex challenges into solutions you can depend on.
“For us, innovation does not mean developing something new for its own sake. What matters is whether a solution makes processes safer, more efficient and more future-proof.”
Dr. Alexander Hof (CEO)
How this innovative strength can work for you in practice is demonstrated by the following selected HOF solutions and technologies:
HOF CryoBlizzard
sustainable & safe
Refrigeration from ambient air for your system: down to approx -110 °C – efficient, low-maintenance and completely exempt from F-gas regulations.
Find out more here >
HOF Freeze-Thaw
Unit Pharma
Controlled freezing and thawing of sensitive biopharmaceutical products – with modern refrigeration technology, precise and versatile in application.
Find out more here >
HOF waterbath &
debottling system
Automated, controlled thawing and safe opening of frozen plasma bottles – with precise robot technology for reproducible processes.
Find out more here >
HOF SIRIUS:
High-tech System
Safe vial handling, precise transfer, and automated process flows – with robot-assisted high-tech handling for your production.
Find out more here >
HOF VTS:
Vial transfer system
Sicheres Vial-Handling für anspruchsvolle Be- und Entladeprozesse – mit moderner Sensortechnik und kurzen Umrüstzeiten.
Find out more here >
HOF Pharma
Blast Freezer
For rapid and controlled freezing of bag and bottle systems – flexible, high-performance, and future-proof.
Find out more here >
HOF: Sustainability made measurable
Sustainability has become a key issue for today’s industry and technology. Growing demands from markets, supply chains, and regulatory changes are noticeably reshaping the expectations of companies and their technologies. For many companies, sustainability has become essential in ensuring long-term viability and lasting partnerships.
For HOF, sustainability is therefore not just a trend or a label, but a commitment we put into practice every day – in how we manage our company, develop energy-efficient solutions, and handle resources responsibly.
Sustainability at HOF – Responsibility You Can Measure
At HOF, sustainability is considered a measurable responsibility – efficient processes, reduced emissions, and energy-efficient, long-lasting plant concepts that provide solutions built to last. At the same time, true sustainability starts with people who make it happen – supported by an environment that prioritizes quality, safety, and long-term thinking.
For our customers, this means one thing: technologies and systems that work efficiently, ensure long-term process reliability, and are ready for future challenges. In this newsletter, we want to showcase selected examples of how this approach shapes our work—from research and development to energy-efficient technologies, sustainable process solutions, and long-term service concepts.
HOF Tech-Innovation-Day 2025 – Sharing knowledge. Shaping the future.
On 12 November 2025, HOF welcomed numerous experts and representatives from the pharmaceutical industry to the Welcome Hotel Marburg. Under the guiding theme “Innovation Meets Practice”, the day focused on technical dialogue, knowledge exchange, and practical insights.
The get-together on the evening before the event already reflected the special atmosphere: open discussions, new contacts, and constructive exchanges on current developments.
The Tech-Innovation-Day offered a platform to bring together different viewpoints, discuss challenges, and explore approaches that support future projects. The positive feedback from participants confirmed the high value of this knowledge transfer for daily practice.
Technical Presentations and Program Focus
The event provided a structured overview of current technological developments at HOF. The presentations covered three core topics:
- Annex 1-Compliant Loading and Unloading Systems
- Sustainable Cooling Technologies / Processes
- Process Analytics for Freeze-Dryers
The speakers presented practical examples, technological updates, and concrete solution approaches for pharmaceutical production. The contributions were complemented by background information on efficient processes, operational safety, and current regulatory expectations.
Many participants also took the opportunity to join the guided site tours in Lohra and Mornshausen, gaining a direct insight into HOF’s manufacturing processes and working methods—and seeing how the expertise presented during the event is applied in practice.
Additional impressions are available in the video >
We sincerely thank you for your participation and look forward to welcoming you again at one of our upcoming events.
“Sharing knowledge, discussing new approaches, and developing solutions together—that is what makes the HOF Tech-Innovation-Day so valuable.”
Dr. Alexander Hof
(CEO)
HOF TECH-Innovation-Day 2025 – Focus on Sustainable Cooling Technologies and Processes
On November 12, we will officially open our doors in Marburg – and cordially invite you to be part of it.
A full day of practice, knowledge, and inspiration dedicated to the three core topics of the TECH-Innovation-Day:
- Annex 1 – Requirements and Implementation
- Use of Process Analytical Tools in Freeze Drying
- Sustainable Refrigeration Technologies and Processes
After highlighting the second focus area, we now turn to the third and final topic block, completing our series leading up to the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day 2025.
Sustainable Cooling Technologies and Processes
The demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling technologies continues to rise – especially in sensitive applications such as freeze drying and freeze-thaw processes.
At the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day, we will explore current developments, regulatory frameworks, and practical solutions for a sustainable future in cooling technology for pharmaceutical applications.
In three exciting sessions, you will gain a comprehensive overview of new regulations, technical innovations, and successful industrial best practices.
Session 1:
F-Gas Regulation –
Impacts and Opportunities
Insights into current and upcoming EU F-Gas Regulation and REACH legislation. Which refrigerants will remain approved in the future? What transition periods and obligations apply to operators? Learn more about the background of these regulations and how to avoid compliance risks.
Session 2:
Alternative Cooling Technologies
This session focuses on innovative and sustainable cooling concepts designed to make processes future-proof and independent of regulatory restrictions.
In addition to the technologies themselves, practical implementations will be presented – including examples from HOF freeze-drying systems and HOF freeze-thaw solutions.
Session 3:
Case Study – Sustainable Freeze Drying in Practice
Gain deep insights into the real-world implementation of sustainable cooling technologies in industrial freeze drying. An industry user will share the entire journey – from planning and selecting suitable systems to on-site commissioning. Challenges such as process stability, energy efficiency, investment costs, and maintenance will also be addressed.
Roche Diagnostics GmbH
Look forward to practical insights:
Experience the future of sustainable cooling technology – from regulatory frameworks and alternative systems to proven industry applications.
Discover how innovative technologies using natural refrigerants, energy-efficient processes, and intelligent system solutions form the foundation for a climate-friendly and economically viable production.
Tomorrow starts today
“Sustainable cooling technologies are not a trend, but the logical consequence of responsible plant engineering.”
Fabian Plaum
(Sales Management)
What to expect at the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day
Annex 1 – Requirements and Implementation
How can the new Annex 1 guidelines be effectively implemented in practice?
- Technical lecture on Annex 1-compliant loading and unloading systems – including an overview of regulatory requirements and their technical implementation at HOF
- Practical industry case study
Application of Process Analytical Tools in Freeze Drying
How modern process analytical tools are transforming freeze drying and enhancing process safety:
- Basics and theory of mass spectrometry
- Case Study: Mass Spectrometry
Factory Tour & Personal Exchange
Experience HOF live – with an exclusive guided tour through our facilities in Lohra and Mornshausen,
on November 11 and 12, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Be there when innovation and practice meet on November 12 in Marburg – at the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day 2025.
Find all details about the program, topics, and registration on our landing page:
More about the TECH-Innovation-Day >
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Yout HOF Team
