What began nearly 30 years ago as a series of initial conversations has evolved into a robust and forward-thinking partnership. HEIDEMARK, one of Germany’s leading turkey processors, and Colubris have built a cooperation founded on shared values: innovation, continuity, and a sustainable approach to water and energy use.
A trusted partnership since 1998
_online.jpg)
“I have been with HEIDEMARK for over 33 years,” says Rainer Lüken, who is responsible for wastewater, fresh water, and energy management. “We started talking to Schneider Engineering (taken over by Colubris in 2008) in 1998. After visiting several plants, we decided to work with Schneider. Since then, the partnership has continued to grow.”
Over the years, Colubris has developed, supplied and supported a wide range of water treatment solutions at HEIDEMARK’s facilities in Germany. “They provided us with crucial technologies,” Lüken explains, “from drum screens and sieves to full clarification, treatment and reuse systems.”
“We’ve never had to halt production due to water treatment issues.”
Rainer Lüken | HEIDEMARK
_online.jpg)
Operational continuity through precision
The wastewater from HEIDEMARK’s production process undergoes a carefully designed treatment journey. It begins with coarse screening, followed by chemical-physical treatment, and biological treatment. “We also have a treated water recovery system in place since 2018, which we developed together with Colubris”, says Lüken. “This system ensures we maintain our water reserves and reuse energy from the clean water in production. The rest of the treated water is then discharged into the Hageler Bach stream.”
That level of efficiency ensures more than just sustainability, it guarantees operational continuity. “We’ve never had to halt production due to water treatment issues,” Lüken notes. “That’s a huge benefit. On top of that, we reuse both clarified effluent water and polished effluent water for various non-product-contact purposes.”
“What sets Colubris apart is the personal attention of their team.”
Rainer Lüken | HEIDEMARK
This forward-thinking approach reflects the collaborative spirit between the two companies. “Colubris is always open to pilot projects,” Lüken says. “We’ve tested solutions together- like we did with the clean water treatment- and that helps us develop tailored, future-proof systems.”
_online.jpg)
‘We know each other well’
What sets Colubris apart, according to Lüken, is the personal attention of its team. “We know each other very well. We know how Colubris works, how they think, and how they build. That familiarity makes working together much easier. Of course, there are always good days and bad days, but in the end the collaboration works very well. That’s why I would definitely recommend Colubris to others.”
About HEIDEMARK
HEIDEMARK is a poultry processing company specializing in turkeys. The company manages the full value chain, from rearing and farming to slaughter and distribution, with its own farms, transport, and logistics.
HEIDEMARK’s long-term vision is clear: sustainable production, efficient water and energy use, and strategic partnerships like the one with Colubris. Together, we’re not only treating water, we’re building a cleaner and smarter future.
For more information, please visit HEIDEMARK's website.