Modernisation of the Control Centre K+S Minerals and Agriculture GmbH

The customer and the result

K+S Minerals and Agriculture GmbH is an internationally active raw materials company headquartered in Philippsthal (Werra). At this site, a central control room is operated on a 24/7 basis. As part of a comprehensive modernisation, a future-proof control centre solution was implemented, meeting both ergonomic requirements and the need for long-term technical flexibility.

The result is a high-performance, holistically designed control room that optimally combines efficiency, operational reliability and modern workplace design.

The initial situation and challenge

The existing control room was both technically and structurally outdated and no longer met current requirements in terms of ergonomics, functionality and integration capability.

Given limited spatial capacity, the challenge was to realise a fully integrated and future-ready control room suitable for continuous 24/7 operation. Particular emphasis was placed on creating optimal operating and viewing conditions, integrating modern system architectures and ensuring seamless integration into existing IT and building infrastructures.

The Knürr solution – TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

The control room solution implemented by Knürr is based on a holistic concept that integrates and sustainably optimises ergonomic, functional and technological requirements.

Products and services supplied:

• Knürr® Ergocon and Knürr® Elicon VC-E control room workstations

• Video wall solutions: modular video wall frame constructions with coordinated base cabinets for centralised, high-availability process visualisation

• Storage and cabinet solutions: integrated storage systems including sideboards for structured organisation of equipment and work materials

• End-to-end implementation: planning, manufacturing, on-site installation and commissioning

Further technical highlights:

• Height-adjustable control room workstations with sit/stand functionality for continuous shift operation

• Optimised reach zones, clear lines of sight and structured monitor arrangements to minimise operating errors

• Integrated cable management ensuring order, ease of maintenance and operational reliability

• Seamless integration into existing IT systems and building management infrastructure

• Modular system design enabling future expansions without structural modifications

The result and the benefit

With the new control room, K+S benefits from a modern and future-proof control centre that fully meets the demands of a high-availability 24/7 operation.

Ergonomically optimised workstations sustainably improve working conditions, enhance concentration levels and increase operational responsiveness. At the same time, structured workstation concepts and optimised workflows lead to greater efficiency and improved process quality.

Thanks to its modular architecture, the control room remains flexibly expandable and provides a secure long-term investment foundatio