Plant Fire Department / Plant Security

A tradition dating back to 1889. Safety around the clock.

The DEUTZ AG Plant Fire Department has a history spanning more than 135 years. Its origins date back to 1889, when the voluntary “Humboldt Fire Brigade” was founded at the former Maschinenfabrik Humboldt plant in Cologne-Kalk. In 1898, the “Deutz Engine Works Fire Brigade” was established in Cologne-Deutz. The two brigades merged in 1947 to form a single company fire brigade.

In 1960, the fire brigade of the former Klöckner-Humboldt-Deutz AG received official state recognition. Today, it combines this long-standing tradition with modern equipment, highly trained personnel and professional emergency response.

Professional security services for DEUTZ AG

The Company Fire Brigade is part of DEUTZ SICHERHEIT Gesellschaft für Industrieservice mbH, a subsidiary of DEUTZ AG. Around 80 employees provide a wide range of safety and security services within the organisation, including 52 operational members of the fire brigade.

With two duty shifts and eleven emergency vehicles, we provide fast and reliable assistance around the clock. Our responsibilities include:

  • preventive and operational fire protection,
  • technical rescue and assistance,
  • response to workplace emergencies,
  • protection of production and operational processes,
  • regular inspections, drills and training,
  • involvement in fire protection and safety planning.

The emergency control centre at the Cologne-Kalk plant currently forms the operational hub of our emergency response activities. All incidents are coordinated and managed from this location. A new, modern emergency control centre is planned for the Cologne-Porz site to further develop our infrastructure and meet future requirements.

Ready when it matters

Prevention is a key part of our work. Through regular inspections, professional advice and early involvement in operational planning, we help identify hazards and reduce risks before incidents occur.

Continuous training and realistic exercises ensure that our firefighters are prepared for a wide range of emergency situations. We also work closely with municipal fire brigades, public authorities and other emergency response partners.

Tradition, experience and modern technology form the foundation of our work – protecting the people, facilities and production processes of DEUTZ AG.

Historical milestones

1889
The voluntary “Humboldt Fire Brigade” is founded at the former Maschinenfabrik Humboldt plant in Cologne-Kalk.

1898
The “Deutz Engine Works Fire Brigade” is established in Cologne-Deutz.

1947
The two fire brigades merge to form a single company fire brigade.

1960
The Klöckner-Humboldt-Deutz AG Company Fire Brigade receives official state recognition.

1989
The State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia presents an honorary certificate to mark the brigade’s 100th anniversary.

2014
The DEUTZ AG Company Fire Brigade celebrates its 125th anniversary alongside DEUTZ AG’s 150th company anniversary.

Christian Mertens

Head of Plant Fire Brigade and Plant Security

Phone +49 221 822 6766
Email: Christian.Mertensdeutzcom

Uwe Weixelbaum

Deputy Head of Plant Fire Brigade and Plant Security

Phone +49 221 822 6767
Email: uwe.weixelbaumdeutzcom

Area of responsibility

Preventive Fire Protection

Preventive fire protection comprises all measures designed to prevent fires, limit their spread and minimise their potential impact. Its primary purpose is to protect people, the environment, public safety and property. Effective fire protection is also essential at events and temporary venues.

It is divided into three main areas:

Structural fire protection
Measures incorporated into the planning, construction and maintenance of buildings to prevent or limit the outbreak and spread of fire.

Technical fire protection systems
Technical equipment such as fire detection, alarm and sprinkler systems, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. These systems provide early warning, support evacuation and help contain fire and smoke.

Organisational fire protection
Operational measures including employee instruction and training, the appointment of fire safety officers, and the preparation of emergency and evacuation plans.

Operational Fire Protection

Operational fire protection begins once a fire or another hazardous situation has occurred. It includes rescuing people, fighting fires and taking immediate action to control hazards. These duties are performed by municipal fire services as well as company and industrial fire brigades.

Another important objective is to minimise secondary damage caused by smoke, heat or extinguishing water, thereby protecting people, the environment, facilities and property.

First Response Services

Our first responders provide qualified initial medical care until the public emergency medical service arrives. Short response times within the plant enable life-saving measures to be initiated quickly.

Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Extinguishers

We regularly inspect, service and maintain fire extinguishers in accordance with the applicable requirements, ensuring that they remain reliable and ready for use.

Maintenance and Inspection of Breathing Apparatus

Breathing apparatus is professionally inspected, maintained and prepared for the next operation. This includes functional checks, cleaning and documentation.

First Aid Training

Our first aid courses provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to respond quickly and confidently to accidents and medical emergencies.

Fire Safety Assistant Training

We train employees to become fire safety and evacuation assistants. The courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical fire extinguisher exercises.

Emergency Control Centre

The emergency control centre is the central point of contact for emergency calls, hazard reports and safety-related incidents. It coordinates operations, alerts emergency personnel and manages the necessary response measures.

Plant Security

  • Patrols and inspections on the factory premises
  • Building and site inspections
  • Entry and access controls
  • Monitoring of security-sensitive areas
  • Reporting of hazards and initiation of further measures