As the underground construction industry evolves, the demand for precision, worker safety, and material efficiency has never been higher. OM Opitz+Matuschak GmbH (OM), a specialized equipment manufacturer based in Dorsten, Germany, is meeting these challenges head-on by bridging the gap between high-level engineering and site-level usability.
Deepening the Commitment to Excellence
After a successful year as an affiliate member, OM is proud to announce its transition to full corporate membership within EFNARC. This step reflects our growing dedication to the global shotcrete community and our desire to play a more active role in shaping the technical and professional standards of underground construction. Over the past year, we have seen firsthand the value of EFNARC’s mission, and as a corporate member, we are eager to contribute our specialized expertise in nozzle technology to the broader industry dialogue.
Engineering Durability: The Ceramic Advantage
Founded by industry practitioners who understand the daily realities of the job site, OM has built its reputation on a core innovation: the OM ceramic spray nozzle.
This ensures a consistent material flow and mix over extended use, resulting in superior surface finishes and optimized air distribution. The impact of this technology is best seen in its portfolio of high-stakes infrastructure projects, including the Brenner Base Tunnel, Stuttgart 21, and the Elleringhausen Tunnel extension.
Aligning with EFNARC: Raising the Bar for Safety and Quality
OM’s mission naturally converges with EFNARC’s commitment to "continually raise the technical and professional standards of the industry." This alignment is most evident in three key areas:
Worker Health: Our low-dust nozzle technology directly supports on-site health and safety, adhering to EFNARC guidelines for cleaner spraying environments.
Structural Integrity: Optimized compaction and consistent flow improve the mechanical performance of sprayed concrete—a critical metric for EFNARC compliance.
Professional Education: Beyond equipment, OM prioritizes practical training, ensuring that operators understand the nuances of nozzle handling and maintenance to foster a more skilled global workforce.
Proven Performance: The Elleringhausen Case Study
The effectiveness of our collaborative approach was recently highlighted during the Elleringhausen Tunnel extension. Working alongside leading firms like Züblin and Hochtief, OM implemented ceramic nozzle technology that fundamentally changed the working environment.
The unique internal mixing dynamics of the system led to a measurable reduction in airborne dust. For the spray operators, this meant drastically improved visibility and reduced hazardous exposure in a confined underground space. Furthermore, contractors reported a significant reduction in rebound and more uniform material distribution—proving that high safety standards and cost-effective execution go hand-in-hand.
Future Outlook: Modernizing Dry-Spray Operations
Looking ahead, OM is set to challenge the industry's perception of dry-spray operations. Historically criticized for high dust exposure, dry-spray remains a vital technique that we believe can be modernized through innovation.
We are currently preparing to launch a new dry-spray shotcrete machine designed to function without a pressurized silo system. By eliminating pressure-related dust emissions at both the intake and the nozzle, this innovation aims to remove the "outdated stigma" associated with dry-mix shotcrete. Through field-driven feedback and technical partnerships, OM Opitz+Matuschak GmbH continues to drive the industry toward a cleaner, more controlled, and technically viable future.
Contact Information
For technical, commercial, or strategic inquiries regarding shotcrete systems and project collaborations, please contact:
Gordon Opitz Managing Director Opitz & Matuschak (OM), Swebenring 15, 46286 Dorsten, Germany
Email: info@oundm.com
Phone: +49 (0) 2360 / 785
