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HOF Freeze-Drying Systems with PCS7 and Simatic Batch

With the integration of a freeze dryer into a composite system there is a need to install a central user interface including its data management.

These requirements can be realized with HOF LYOCOM III and newly with the Siemens process control system PCS7.

With the integration of a freeze dryer into a composite system there is a need to install a central user interface including its data management.

These requirements can be realized with HOF LYOCOM III and newly with the Siemens process control system PCS7. A uniform navigation interface for all subsystems allows intuitive operation of the process control. The parameterization and documentation of batch processes is done by the Simatic Batch Recipe Editor.

The developement of process control system Siemens standard libraries or customers own libraries can be used. This allows a detailed description of the operating conditions of individual basic functional elements.

The application flow of the basic functional elements is carried out in step sequences, which can be visualized on the user interface. Hereby the troubleshooting is much easier.

The company HOF is therefore able to integrate a freeze-drying system in the PCS7 control system or to deliver a freeze-drying system with PCS7. As standard we will furthermore offer our proven LYOCOM III system.

Vehicles of HOF in a new look

The HOF vehicle fleet was in the past and will be in the future periodic replaced by new vehicles. Based on our new corporate design and uniformity of colour representation the HOF vehicles becoming successively converted into the metallic silver colour as of 2012.

The HOF vehicle fleet was in the past and will be in the future periodic replaced by new vehicles. Based on our new corporate design and uniformity of colour representation the HOF vehicles becoming successively converted into the metallic silver colour as of 2012. The dark red colour is no longer serving as an identifying feature.

The now more than 60 vehicles in the service department are equipped with the latest special tool. With the expertise of our technicians and the right equipment we will be able to continue to provide the best possible conditions for a customer service application.

Relocation of the manufacturing site for the shelf production to the facility „Werk 3“

HOF also intends to conduct in the future the delicate shelf manufacturing in-house. For an optimized and efficient process flow, the shelf production department will move to the company's own facility “Werk 3” to Mornshausen.

HOF also intends to conduct in the future the delicate shelf manufacturing in-house. For an optimized and efficient process flow, the shelf production department will move to the company's own facility “Werk 3” to Mornshausen. Thanks to the redundant design of the new production lines, manufacturing processes are optimized and secured. For the acquisition of the new production lines and for the renovation of the building, investments have been made in the amount of 400,000 €. The renovation measures will be completed in May 2012, so that the shelf production department will be able to start working in the new environment in the coming month of June.

Relocation of the pilot plant laboratory “Technikum” to the facility “Werk 3”

Safe and stable freeze-drying processes are an important link in the production chain of our custo-mers. Therefore, HOF has been offering support in process development and process optimization since 2009. As part of the continuous improvement of this service, a new pilot plant was set up at the facility “Werk 3” in Mornshausen.

Safe and stable freeze-drying processes are an important link in the production chain of our custo-mers. Therefore, HOF has been offering support in process development and process optimization since 2009. As part of the continuous improvement of this service, a new pilot plant was set up at the facility “Werk 3” in Mornshausen. This pilot plant laboratory is equipped with modern appliances such as a Minilyo with radiation separator, a cryomicroscope and a resistance and temperature measuring device. The aim is to optimize the drying processes and to improve the quality of the product. Furthermore, the HOF Mass Analyzer enables the analysis of the mass spectra, in particular traces of silicone oil, and the monitoring of water vapor concentrations in the process atmosphere under vacuum.

Transformation and extension of the management area in Lohra.

As a central meeting point and core of the main building in Lohra, the administrative area was expanded during a reconstruction phase from March to April 2012.

As a central meeting point and core of the main building in Lohra, the administrative area was expanded during a reconstruction phase from March to April 2012.

Thanks to the modification of the adjoining former staff room, the existing office space could be transformed into in a large office providing a pleasant atmosphere, equipped with ten workstations. A welcoming reception area for visitors has been integrated. The design of the open space office and of the reception area was aligned to our newly developed Corporate Design.

In addition, a large office for the service administration and an office for the IT department were upgraded with the latest equipment.

The company HOF invests about € 150,000 in the total modification of the head office with the aim of making the business flow processes for the staff of HOF more positive and efficient.

 

New HOF corporate design

Much like any other means of market advertising, relaunching a Corporate Design (CD) is subject to the circumstances of the times as viewing habits change and reflect the image of a company. In the course of the relaunch of the CD by HOF, the company logo was the first to be reworked in accordance with our corporate colours.

Relaunch of the company logo and office equipment

Much like any other means of market advertising, relaunching a Corporate Design (CD) is subject to the circumstances of the times as viewing habits change and reflect the image of a company. In the course of the relaunch of the CD by HOF, the company logo was the first to be reworked in accordance with our corporate colours. Here, the communication effect of the company logo was to suggest high quality as well as graphically express the company's seriousness, competence and creativity along with a technological aspect.

After relaunching the company logo, the company equipment and image brochure were adapted to the new image according to the factors mentioned above. Subsequently, HOF's website was redesigned based on the new CD.

The new website of HOF

The most important aim of relaunching HOF's website was to optimize overall usability first and foremost. In order to be able to handle increasing communication requirements, the format was switched from landscape to portrait. HOF is growing continuously, which is why it needs more and more space for communication. A portrait format gives HOF every option to design the entire website in a more customer-oriented way so as to be able to better cater to the individual needs of the site's users.

Along with overhauling the general appearance of the website, other important targets of the new website were to considerably improve the corporate profile and to meet the requirements of the increasing number of requests for information coming from customers and interested parties.

In this regard, virtually the entire website was redesigned from scratch and visually updated, whereupon the fresh breeze in the form of the sensible ideas of Web 2.0 also became noticeable.

The contents were expanded upon and greatly and sensibly amended, with the menu navigation being newly designed from a logical point of view so that, in just a few clicks, the user can find the information they want even faster. In addition, the navigation technique was graphically modified to make it easier to follow.

The established base colours continue to be the corporate colours of yellow, blue and shades of grey, which reflect the overall impression in terms of colour. The content design was also changed. Font sizes and types were optimized and various items of information were packed into a number of small and differently formatted boxes, so-called header boxes, which make it easier to differentiate and view information.

Medium-sized company awards

In September 2011, HOF was distinguished as a finalist at the Großer Preis des Mittelstandes awards ceremony. In Germany, the award is a coveted business award.

The selection of award-winners and finalists is made by twelve regional juries and one final jury. Three companies can be distinguished as award-winners for each competitive region, with five additional companies as finalists. A call for proposals is sent out to communities, associations, institutions and companies every November, calling for nominations of outstanding medium-sized companies.
The foundation has five decisive competition criteria: The overall development of the company, the creation/security of jobs & traineeships, modernisation & innovation, commitment to the region and service & customer proximity.

[Translate to Englisch:] Die Firmeninhaber Gerlinde und Hans-Georg Hof bei der Preisverleihung

In September 2011, HOF was distinguished as a finalist at the Großer Preis des Mittelstandes awards ceremony. In Germany, the award is a coveted business award.

The selection of award-winners and finalists is made by twelve regional juries and one final jury. Three companies can be distinguished as award-winners for each competitive region, with five additional companies as finalists. A call for proposals is sent out to communities, associations, institutions and companies every November, calling for nominations of outstanding medium-sized companies.
The foundation has five decisive competition criteria: The overall development of the company, the creation/security of jobs & traineeships, modernisation & innovation, commitment to the region and service & customer proximity.

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