Anlagenbau

Anlagenbau, or plant construction, is the engineering discipline focused on the design, procurement, construction, and commissioning of industrial plants and facilities. It spans sectors such as chemical and petrochemical processing, oil and gas, power generation, metals, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and waste management. In German-speaking regions it often refers to turnkey projects delivered by EPC-type contractors.

It combines process engineering (process design, equipment sizing, mass and energy balances) with mechanical engineering (equipment layout, piping, civil works) and electrical and automation engineering (controls, instrumentation, electrical systems). It also covers procurement, fabrication, site construction management, and commissioning, along with safety, environmental and quality compliance. Projects may be turnkey (Schlüsselfertig) or partial and are typically delivered by specialized engineering firms, general contractors, or integrated EPC/engineering teams.

Project lifecycle includes feasibility studies, basic and detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, commissioning and handover. Modern practice employs modularization and digital tools such as 3D design, digital twins and BIM to improve coordination, shorten schedules, and manage risk.

Standards and regulation: compliance with national and international standards (DIN/EN, ISO), safety and environmental regulations, and risk assessment methods (HAZOP). Quality assurance, supplier qualification, and permitting are integral to the process.

Market characteristics: Anlagenbau is capital-intensive and project-driven, requiring cross-disciplinary coordination, long planning horizons, and robust supply chains. It is essential for energy transition, resource processing, and critical infrastructure, with many projects spanning borders and involving multiple international suppliers and contractors.