On October 8, around 30 international students from TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences) – specializing in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, and Renewable Energies – visited SPH’s site in Overath as part of the “Ready, Study, Go” initiative. The project aims to prepare international talents for a successful career start in Germany, connect them with regional companies, and support businesses in recruiting skilled professionals.

After a warm welcome from CFO Frank vom Hofe and CEO Dr. Tim Hamacher, the students – a diverse group with a wide range of academic and cultural backgrounds – gained an in-depth look at the company’s operations, production facilities, and offices. A key focus was SPH’s high-temperature heat pump ThermBooster™ , an innovative solution that helps industrial companies reduce emissions, energy consumption and costs. During a guided plant tour, participants followed the key stages of product development and manufacturing.

Interactive workshops then offered insights into:

• Leak testing
• Functional and performance testing on SPH’s system and compressor test stands
• Integration of industrial heat pumps and
• System control and automation

Throughout the sessions, students engaged actively with the SPH engineers and technicians. “It was inspiring to see the students’ strong enthusiasm for technical innovation and sustainable energy solutions,” said CFO Frank vom Hofe.

The visit concluded with informal networking over light refreshments, where the SPH team highlighted various entry opportunities – from working student positions to bachelor’s theses.

The day offered valuable insights into SPH’s technologies and ways of working, demonstrating how collaboration between academia and industry can foster practical learning and mutual understanding. SPH extends special thanks to Yvonne Klein and the “Ready, Study, Go” team at TH Köln for organizing the visit, and to Bianca Degiorgio from the Economic Development Agency Rheinisch-Bergische Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH (RBW) for initiating the connection.

Interested in joining SPH as a working student or completing your bachelor’s thesis with us?