Nova-Apparate
- Headquarters
- Donaueschingen, Germany
NOVA Apparate GmbH, headquartered in Donaueschingen, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of custom-engineered central air handling units (RLT-Geräte) for the European market. The company treats air as a “food” – prioritising hygiene, oxygen richness, and long-term indoor air quality. Its product portfolio ranges from single-room ventilation for hotels and offices to full climate-control solutions for complex facilities such as production halls and large public buildings. NOVA is part of the Kampmann Group, a family-owned HVAC specialist that acquired a 51% stake in 2021, integrating NOVA’s manufacturing capacity and distribution network into its own operations. The company operates an ISO 9001-certified production site and employs over 200 people. Recent notable projects include supplying air handling units for the German Football Association’s (DFB) new academy in Frankfurt. NOVA’s brand promise is “grenzenlose Raumlufttechnik” (limitless indoor air technology), emphasising flexibility, quality, and energy efficiency.
Detailed Review
NOVA Apparate GmbH was established as a medium-sized specialist in ventilation and air-conditioning technology. In 2021, the Kampmann Group acquired a 51% controlling stake, giving NOVA access to a broader sales network and additional R&D resources while allowing it to retain its own brand identity and production site in Donaueschingen.
The company’s core competence lies in designing and manufacturing air handling units (AHUs) that are individually configured for each customer. These units are built in modular sections, allowing precise adaptation to building size, air volume requirements, and energy-efficiency targets. NOVA also supplies compact ventilation systems (Kompaktlüftung) that integrate heat recovery, filtration, and heating/cooling coils in a single chassis – ideal for retail stores, restaurants, and office buildings.
NOVA’s quality management is certified to ISO 9001. The company emphasises life-cycle support: from initial planning and simulation through on-site project management to after-sales service. Its field engineers provide direct, personalised support throughout each project.
A notable current project is the supply of AHUs for the DFB Academy in Frankfurt, Germany, using radial fans from ebm-papst. NOVA also actively publishes technical updates, such as the implications of the revised EU F-Gas Regulation (2024/573).
While the company does not publicly list detailed financials (it is a private GmbH), its over 200 employee base and strong integration into the Kampmann Group suggest robust order volumes. The company’s official website provides product configurators, case studies, and a distributor locator.
Market Positioning
NOVA competes primarily in the German-speaking European market for commercial HVAC equipment. Its strengths are custom engineering, short delivery times, and comprehensive project management. Weaknesses include a limited digital footprint compared to some larger competitors and a relatively narrow product focus on AHUs. Opportunities lie in the growing demand for energy-efficient building systems and the EU’s push for better indoor air quality. Threats include rising raw material costs and potential supply chain disruptions.
Key Products
Zentrale RLT-Geräte (Central Air Handling Units)
Custom-configured full-climate AHUs for commercial, industrial, and public buildings; modular design, ISO 9001-certified.
Kompaktlüftung (Compact Ventilation)
All-in-one ventilation systems for smaller spaces (retail, hospitality, offices) with integrated heat recovery and filtration.
Refrigeration Technology
Control appliances and cooling systems for industrial and commercial refrigeration applications.
Control Systems
Proprietary building management interfaces and automation for HVAC equipment.
Offices & Headcount
200 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
Notable past members
- Michael Gauselmann — Executive Assistant