Villingen isn’t just a production facility—it’s a center of excellence for developing and manufacturing electromagnetic valves.
Alexander Merz, Plant Manager
Meet Alexander Merz, Plant Manager
Since joining the Villingen plant in 2004, Alexander has built a career shaped by his diverse experience across multiple disciplines. With a background in R&D, project management, and operations, he brings a broad perspective to his role as Plant Manager. His ability to see the bigger picture and understand the different facets of the organization ensures that innovation and precision remain at the core of everything they do. Under his leadership, Villingen continues to thrive as a key development and production hub within Solero Technologies.
What makes the Villingen plant special?
Villingen isn’t just a production facility—it’s a center of excellence for developing and manufacturing electromagnetic valves. With over a century of expertise, we pride ourselves on turning concepts into high-precision components that enhance safety while conserving energy. Our team works closely with customers to design, prototype, and refine solutions that meet the highest industry standards.
How does your plant contribute to Solero’s overall success?
Villingen plays a vital role in Solero’s strategy, combining deep technical expertise with high-volume production capabilities. In addition to taking our customers’ “black box” requests and turning them into high-quality, functional products, we think beyond the brief—developing smart ideas that help save space, simplify systems, and reduce costs. Whether it’s in fuel and oil management, suspension control, or sensor cleaning, we’re helping drive Solero’s growth in both combustion and electric vehicle markets.
What’s the key focus of operations?
We specialize in high-pressure valves for fuel and oil control in combustion engines, as well as suspension systems that enhance vehicle performance. As the automotive industry shifts, we’re at the forefront of developing next-generation solutions like sensor-cleaning valves for hybrid and electric vehicles. With a new production line dedicated to a major OEM project, we’re showcasing our adaptability in an evolving market.
How would you describe the team culture and community impact?
We have a welcoming, open culture where people genuinely enjoy working together. Employees proudly wear Solero shirts—it’s a reflection of how connected we feel to the company and its mission. We also maintain strong ties with local universities, offering apprenticeships and career opportunities. Villingen itself is a wonderful place to live, with the Black Forest right on our doorstep and easy access to Switzerland, France, and Austria.
What does ALL-IN mean for your team?
For us, ALL-IN means full commitment—to our products, our customers, and each other. Whether we’re tackling a new project, optimizing a production line, or finding creative solutions, we give our best every day. Transparency is key—I hold regular reviews with departments and company-wide updates so everyone is aligned on our challenges and opportunities. And the consistent support from Solero’s leadership, especially with Dr. James visiting us monthly, reinforces our commitment.
What’s next for the Villingen team?
We’re excited about the new assembly line for the sensor-cleaning valve and see tremendous growth opportunities there. We’re also looking forward to developing platform-based products, which will streamline production and offer greater flexibility. The automotive industry is changing, and we’re ready to innovate, adapt, and continue delivering top-tier solutions to our customers.
