EICHLER GmbH: Repair of obsolete industrial electronics and automation technology

Keeping obsolete industrial electronics going, with the EICHLER logo
Type of organisation or company
Country
Germany
City
Pürgen
Language for original content
Key Area
Project elaborated in partnership
No
Ongoing
Yes
Type of funding
Description

EICHLER GmbH is a German company specialising in the repair, supply and lifecycle support of industrial electronics used in automation technology. 

Founded in 1979, the company helps industrial operators keep existing systems available by repairing defective components, supplying replacement and used devices, and supporting discontinued or hard-to-source automation products.

Guided by the principle “repairing instead of throwing away”, EICHLER contributes to the circular economy by extending the useful life of industrial electronics that would otherwise often be replaced or scrapped. Each year, specialised technicians carry out more than 30000 repairs on programmable logic controller (PLC) assemblies, human-machine interface (HMI)  devices, operator panels, industrial PCs, drive technology, robotics and other automation components. Repairs are performed at component level where technically and economically feasible.

Quality, environmental protection and occupational safety are managed through an integrated system certified according to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018. EICHLER also has KTA 1401 certification for quality assurance in the nuclear sector.

Before repaired or sold devices are returned, they are functionally tested using dedicated test technology. EICHLER provides a 24-month warranty and guarantee for repairs and devices sold. 

Main results
  • Waste prevention: EICHLER helps industrial operators avoid unnecessary replacements by repairing and reusing automation electronics, reducing electronic waste.
  • Service life extension: More than 30 000 repairs per year extend the use of PLC assemblies, HMI devices, operator panels, industrial PCs, drives and robotics components.
  • Lower emissions: Repair and reuse generally require fewer raw materials and less energy than new manufacturing and therefore reduce related CO2 emissions.
  • Obsolescence support: After manufacturers have discontinued a given product, EICHLER supports plant availability with repair, replacement devices, tested spare parts, surplus stock purchasing and lifecycle support.