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

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

info(at)hof-sonderanlagen.de

Mornshausen site:

HOF Sonderanlagenbau GmbH
Vor dem Langen Loh 2
35075 Gladenbach-Mornshausen
Germany

Phone + 49 6462 9169-0
Telefax + 49 6462 9169-199

info(at)hof-sonderanlagen.de

News

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.
 

More on the topic of HOF sustainability can be found here >

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:

[Translate to Englisch:] Thomas Frank - (Geschäftsführer) - Refolution Industriekälte GmbH
[Translate to Englisch:] Fabian Plaum - (Sales Management)
  • 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

HOF TECH-Innovation-Day 2025 – Focus on Application of Process Analytical Tools in Freeze-Drying

On November 12, leading experts from the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and technical sectors will meet in Marburg to discuss the future of pharmaceutical production.

A full day of practice, knowledge, and inspiration, featuring the three key topics of the TECH-Innovation-Day:

Johannes Kuhl - certified engineer - Sales Management
Emanuel Baldauf - Dr.-Ing., Leiter Verfahrenstechnische Anlagen - Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co. KGeferent VETTER Industrie GmbH
  • Annex 1 – Requirements and Implementation
  • Application of Process Analytical Tools in Freeze-Drying
  • Sustainable Refrigeration Technologies and Processes


After highlighting the first focus topic Annex 1 –
Requirements and Implementation in our previous issue, today we turn the spotlight on the second main topic:


Application of Process Analytical Tools in Freeze-Drying – Transparency in the Process

How can product quality in pharmaceutical freeze-drying be monitored even more precisely in the future?

Mass spectrometry opens up new insights – directly into the process. But how can this technology be efficiently integrated into existing systems without fundamentally changing the production environment?

Especially in validated production lines, the challenge is to combine stability and innovation.
Modern analytics should not only measure – but understand.

At the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day 2025, we will demonstrate how inline-capable mass spectrometry makes the freeze-drying process more transparent, safer, and more efficient – from development scale to large-scale production.

Gain practical insights into the use of modern process analytical tools, discover real-world applications, and take away valuable impulses for further enhancing process reliability in freeze-drying.

Look forward to fascinating insights:
A presentation on the use of modern, inline-capable mass spectrometry – including an overview of the technological fundamentals, system integration, and a practice-oriented case study.


Tomorrow starts today.

 

“Modern process analytics brings clarity to the details – making freeze-drying more precise and traceable.”

Johannes Kuhl
Certified Engineer
Sales Management

 

What else to expect at the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day


Sustainable Cooling Technologies and Processes

Sustainability, energy efficiency, and regulatory requirements in focus: 

  • Expert presentation on current regulatory requirements
  • Technology overview of HOF cooling systems – techniques in comparison with advantages and disadvantages
  • Practical example: Application of sustainable cooling technology at the HOF Pharma Blast Freezer and the FTU


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


Factory Tour & Personal Exchange

Experience HOF on site – with an exclusive guided tour through our facilities in Lohra and Mornshausen.

On 11 and 12 November 2025, each from 15:00 to 17:00.

 

Stay tuned –
in the next editions we will present the further key topics.


More about the TECH-Innovation-Day >


With kind regards,
Yout HOF-Team

Would you like to know more?

Ask us a question!