The specialist for individual solutions Freeze drying systems | Loading and unloading systems | Freeze-Thaw Units | Service | LYOPOOL HOF-Service+ makes the difference Issue 03/2023 HOF-Service+ An interview with service experts Oliver Fleischer and Holger Prinz PAGE 4 - 5 Strong as a team Installation of HOF plants – highly professional, reliable and efficient PAGE 6 - 7 HOF – TOP 100 HOF is part of the SME innovation elite in 2023 for the eighth time PAGE 11

HOF – Service+ HOF-Service+ makes the crucial difference “HOF-Service+ guarantees comprehensive quality customer service for your plant project. From the beginning and be- yond.” HOF-Service+ is a fundamental component of our com- pany philosophy. Our organisational structure also reflects just how important good customer service is to us. At HOF, all work on your plant is carried out by our own personnel – even long after the system has been de- livered. HOF employees transport, install and commis- sion your plant and also qualify it. This minimises in- terfaces and prevents problems, saving time and costs. Proven in times of crisis And talking about saving time and costs: Looking back, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic was far-reaching and manifold. One of the results was that sup- ply chains worldwide were interrupted. Many goods could no longer be delivered on time or even not at all, which created substantial scheduling issues, including potential downtime of plants. 60,000 spare parts immediately available – 24-hour service To keep downtime as low as possible, HOF therefore maintain an extensive stock of spare parts with over 60,000 items, con- tinuously maintained and optimised. This ensures that the key spare parts for all systems are always available without delay, which is a particularly positive aspect in emergencies. Direct access to important spare parts can substantially reduce or prevent downtime. This service also helped many companies during the pandemic. The effectiveness of the “HOF 24-hour service” also becomes evident in this context. The option of being able to react and be on site around the clock prevents downtime to ensure con- tinued production for our customers. Phone +49 6462 9169-0 Time is money In an emergency, our customers can always reach one of our HOF employees at +49 6462 9169-0: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And why? Simply because we know that our systems are an important part of the production process and that reli- able production has to be ensured. Our emergency team from customer service and production know the system down to the last detail and can help immediately to keep downtime as short as possible. “HOF-Service+ guarantees comprehensive quality customer service for your plant project. From the beginning and beyond.” Holger Prinz – Head of Service 3

HOF – interview Oliver Fleischer Head of Service Mr Prinz, high quality customer service also requires wel trained personnel. What specifically do HOF provide for their employees? We are very mindful to ensure that our service employees are always up-to-date with the latest technical developments. Our managers in particular are committed to training their em- ployees and the experienced service engineers are happy to actively pass on their knowledge to their younger and less experienced colleagues. A training culture in action. Mr Fleischer, one last question: What do you see as the stand-out feature of the HOF-Service+ concept? It is the overall package. We are always improving and ex- panding our range of services. That is not possible without our excellent service personnel who think outside the box, and that in turn would not work without the dialogue with our customers at eye level. Our customers expect technically competent, comprehensive advice from HOF. We have to listen, understand and act with a focus on the customer, and that is exactly what we are doing with HOF-Service+. 5

Watch the video of FAST SKIN expansion, NT filling capacity at Merz Dessau: www.hof-sonderanlagen.de > communication + media > downloads HOF – videos of plant installations Strong as a team Teamwork as a top priority Competent and prudent actions on site as well as the great commitment of all involved are the hallmarks of HOF-Service. Arriving at the site on time is a matter of course and also in- cludes expert unloading. Professional positioning, assembly of the plants, commissioning and final qualification – these are the quality characteristics of the HOF service team. Teamwork is always a top priority. 7

HOF – service Our services for you With our HOF-Service+, you receive a broad range of innovative services Qualification HOF qualify plants in the GxP-regulated environment to the full extent. Our own qualification department create the indi- vidual qualification and validation requirements. Process development The qualified HOF process development offers you important added reliability. This means that HOF can reliably support you with all questions regarding process control. Design and concept studies HOF is the specialist for individual solutions and provides ideal integration of freeze drying plants and systems in industry and research, based on customised studies. Maintenance For perfect functioning and little or no downtime, HOF offer expert maintenance carried out by specialists who really know the specific plant. Of course this also includes documented test runs. Training Targeted transfer of knowledge, adapted to your company and your system, avoids machine downtime and makes fast and independent action possible. More information on HOF services are available on our website: www.hof-sonderanlagen.de/service 9

HOF – TOP 100 Record participation in the TOP 100 anniversary edition − HOF remains part of the SME innovation elite in 2023 With 550 applicants, the TOP 100 anniversary edition had more companies taking part than ever before. HOF succeeded in being awarded the TOP 100 seal of approv- al for the eighth time running. The top innovators will receive their awards at the TOP 100 awards ceremony on 23 June 2023 in Augsburg as part of the German SME Summit. Scientific journalist and TOP 100 mentor Ranga Yogeshwar will be person- ally congratulating them on their success in the TOP 100. e d . 0 0 1 p o t : e l l e u q d l i B TOP 100: the competition compamedia have been awarding the TOP 100 seal for special power of innovation and outstanding innovation success to small and medium sized enterprises since 1993. Prof. Dr Nikolaus Franke has been the scientific director since 2002. He is the founder and director of the Insti- tute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. With 26 research awards and over 200 publications, he is one of the lead- ing international innovation researchers. Scientific journalist Ranga Yogeshwar is the mentor of the TOP 100 programme. The Fraunhofer Society for the Advancement of Applied Research and the German Asso- ciation for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (BVMW) are project partners. The “manager magazin” and “im- pulse” magazines support the comparison of the compa- nies as media partners, while “ZEIT für Unternehmer” is a cooperation partner. “Receiving the award for the eighth time running makes us particularly proud. We do not take it for granted and we will continue our endeavours to offer our customers the best, most innovative solutions.“ Dr Alexander Hof, CEO 11