Under the motto 'Quality that ignites', Friedrich Sobbe GmbH has been manufacturing high-precision igniters for industry, pyrotechnics and specialist applications for over a century. With a clear innovation strategy and a focus on sustainability, this medium-sized company is holding its own in a challenging market environment. For a highly efficient battery storage system for its production line, the member of the ZENIT network utilised an EU grant of €10,000 under the EENergy programme. The company had applied for the funding supported by the NRW.Europa team.

Based in Dortmund, the company develops and manufactures electrical and mechanical detonators, pyrotechnic igniters, as well as cable and accessory solutions for blasting technology and specialist applications. With a workforce of 45, the company develops and manufactures bespoke solutions – ranging from one-off items to mass-produced products.

Founded in 1909, Sobbe is now a leading player in the field of ignition technology – with national and international customers in the film and media industry, mining, the construction industry and security sectors.

Despite the highly technical nature of its products, the company remains down-to-earth: the high adaptability of its production machinery allows for short-notice changes and bespoke solutions.

Sustainability is an increasingly important aspect for the company. A sustainability strategy is already enshrined in the company’s articles of association. Under the ‘Vision Green’ label, the company aims to transform its processes and products towards a more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly design. In practice, this is implemented through measures such as the substitution of hazardous chemicals, waste minimisation and systematic environmental management controls.

NRW.Europa-Support
Using the €10,000 secured through the EENergy funding scheme, Sobbe installed a highly efficient battery storage system for its production line. This allows the company to utilise its own PV-generated electricity more efficiently and reduce electricity costs through market flexibility. Instead of having to feed the additional electricity generated at weekends and on public holidays into the grid, it can now be stored and used for the company’s own production needs. Furthermore, during the week, there is the option of charging the storage units at night when electricity prices are low, and using less electricity during the day. This not only reduces energy costs but also eases the strain on the power grid.

The NRW.Europa team also successfully supported Sobbe in applying for the research allowance (FZul) and in securing funding for sustainability and development projects. The aim of these projects is to develop more efficient, resource-conserving pyrotechnics whilst consistently avoiding the use of harmful substances.

Background: EENergy
The Enterprise Europe Network’s EENergy project, of which NRW.Europa was a partner, provided nine million euros in funding across two calls in 2024 and 2025 to help around 1,800 SMEs identify their energy efficiency needs and draw up a corresponding action plan. The aim was to increase resilience to energy price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, improve sustainability and reduce environmental damage. Sobbe was among the 40 successful applicants from North Rhine-Westphalia.

“Energy efficiency plays a key role in our sustainability strategy. That is why we used the EENergy funding secured through the NRW.Europa team to install a highly efficient battery storage system for our production line. This saves a great deal of energy.”
Peter Walter Hauser, Managing Director of Fr. Sobbe GmbH

Contact to the EEN client: 

Homepage Fr. Sobbe GmbH - Fabrik elektrischer Zünder

Check out the video about the EENergy-project at Fr. Sobbe GmbH (youtube).
 

Contact to NRW.Europa:
ZENIT GmbH / Enterprise Europe Network
for North Rhine-Westphalia NRW.Europa
Marcus Collier-Wright
Phone: ++49 208 30004-57
E-Mail: Marcus.Collier-Wright@zenit.eu

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