2025 was a special year for Sensatec: We celebrated our 20th anniversary. What began in 2005 as a bold step toward independence has grown into one of Germany’s leading companies in in-situ remediation. That’s reason enough to look back on this remarkable journey. We reflect on the early days, the periods of rapid growth, and the innovations that have made Sensatec what it is today.
The Beginning: From an Idea to a Company
On May 1, 2005, Dr. Stephan Hüttmann took the plunge: He left the environmental department of Groth & Co. to found Sensatec GmbH in Kiel, together with two employees who firmly believed in the possibility of sustainably remediating soil and groundwater. The in-situ technique, which was still relatively unknown at the time, was to become their life’s work.
The direction the company would take became clear right from its very first project: the construction of a pilot gas wall for Berliner Wasserbetriebe. It was a small project, but one with great symbolic significance—and the starting point for two decades of technological innovation.
Growth Spikes at Home and Abroad
In the years that followed, Sensatec experienced rapid growth. Acquisitions such as those of ISTEV GmbH in Berlin and BBGM GmbH in Overath brought new expertise to the company. At the same time, the company expanded its presence throughout Germany with new branches in Berlin, Ulm, and Cologne.
At the same time, an international network of partners emerged that now extends to Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Southern Europe, and Africa. Sensatec technologies were in particularly high demand in the African mining sector. Successful projects in Morocco, Tanzania, Namibia, and South Africa followed. Today, the African business is managed by a separate subsidiary headed by Harry Ylikangas.
What began as a focus on industrial contaminated sites has long since evolved: Through the Brownfield Solutions Initiative (IBS), Sensatec is driving the revitalization of brownfield sites. Solid injection—known as TSE technology—is a key technology that enables highly efficient remediation in a wide variety of geological structures. Today, the team consists of over 60 highly qualified employees.
20 Years in Milestones
A look at the key milestones brings this journey to life:
2005:
- Founding of Sensatec GmbH
- First Contract: “Construction of a Pilot Gas Wall for the BWB”
2006:
- Volkswagen AG’s First Major Contract for an In-Situ Remediation of Heavy-Duty Trucks in Wolfsburg
- Founding of the Fehrbellin Firm
2007:
- Participation in the first major geothermal project (GeoCitti)
2009:
- License Agreement with Berliner Wasserbetriebe for the Exclusive Use of the “Bioxwand Patent”
- First ISCO Remediation Measure
- Certification as a specialized contractor pursuant to Section 19.1 of the WHG
2012:
- Establishment of the Witten (North Rhine-Westphalia) and South (Bavaria) branches
2015:
- Acquisition of ISTEV GmbH, Berlin
2016:
- Establishment of a molecular biology laboratory at the Berlin branch
- Successful cultivation of Dehalococcoides cultures in Kiel and the launch of DHC sales
2017:
- Launch of the first EU research project, “Mibirem”
2018:
- Purchase of the first TSE system
- Launch of the First TSE Remediation Projects
2021:
- Acquisition of BBGM GmbH, Overath, and integration of the Witten branch
- Launch of the First BMBF Research Project on the Remediation of PFAS-Contaminated Soil
- Acquisition of the Drilling Technology Business of Kneib Geoservices GmbH
2022:
- Launch of the Brownfield Solutions Initiative
- First In-Situ Remediation Project for Mercury Contamination
2023:
- Recognition of HilTech’s Process and Apparatus Patent
- Successful completion of the TSE remediation project“Pioneer Barracks Hanau”with over 200 metric tons of injected active ingredients
- Founding of Sensatec Africa Ltd., Mauritius
- Relocation of Management to Kiel Holtenau
2024:
- First Large-Scale In-Situ Remediation of PFAS Contamination at an Airport in Northern Germany
- Recipient of the 2024 Brownfield Award for the project“LCKW Groundwater Remediation, Pioneer Park Hanau”
2025:
- 20th Anniversary Celebration
- Launch of the first major thermal remediation project undertaken independently at a site in Saxony – Completion of the portfolio for in-situ remediation projects
What Has Sustained Us Over the Past 20 Years
With state-of-the-art drilling and geotechnical engineering, specialized laboratory services, innovative plant engineering, and an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers, Sensatec is well-equipped to meet future challenges. What’s remarkable is that the company has grown organically, entirely without outside capital, and has successfully addressed issues such as sustainability and the shortage of skilled workers.
From the pilot gas wall in 2005 to the large-scale PFAS remediation at the airport in northern Germany: This success story represents more than two decades of pioneering spirit and a passion for research. And it’s far from over!
Stop by the“About Us”page to learn what Sensatec stands for today and where we’re headed next.
