GF and Rittal deliver full-scope polymer cooling infrastructure for next-gen data centers. August 31, 2026 As data center operators push rack densities higher and accelerate the adoption of direct liquid cooling (DLC), the demands on cooling infrastructure are fundamentally changing. Unlike traditional air-based systems, DLC allows data centers to operate higher coolant temperatures, significantly improving overall energy efficiency by reducing chiller workload and enabling more effective heat rejection. The International Energy Agency and the World Economic Forum emphasize that cooling systems, power, water, materials, and workload management must all be addressed holistically to improve sustainability. In response, GF and Rittal have collaborated to deliver a fully integrated cooling solution for NETMOUNTAINS' new co-location data center in Velbert, Germany. With more than 30 years of experience in Facility Water Systems (FWS) and room cooling (HVAC), GF supplied the entire polymer-based cooling loop in this project - from the chiller and dry-cooler all the way to the rack and chip - covering the FWS, Technology Cooling System (TCS), and HVAC. Rittal acts as the complete solution provider for IT infrastructure and cooling equipment, integrating the complete cooling ecosystem, while GF delivers design, engineering, pre-fabrication, and all polymer components for the piping system, including the peripherals. Full-scope cooling, designed for expansion. NETMOUNTAINS' latest data center is designed for maximum project flexibility, offering seamless, multi-megawatt scalability to grow alongside customer requirements. The cooling infrastructure is engineered for these future demands, supporting rack densities of 66 kW, flow rates of approximately 1.2 l/s per server, and operating temperatures of 45/55°C in the TCS and 45/35°C in the FWS. "Our role is to bring all elements of the cooling ecosystem together into one reliable, integrated solution," explains Felix Kremelic, IT Projects Lead at Rittal. "By combining our IT infrastructure and cooling expertise with GF's engineered polymer Flow Solutions, we were able to deliver a scalable, high-performance system that meets today's requirements and is ready for tomorrow's workloads." Rittal, international provider of hardware, automation, and software, has developed a novel cooling solution and NETMOUNTAINS is one of the first to make this technology available to its customers for practical use. The cooling distribution unit delivers a cooling output of over one megawatt in compact rack format. Through its modular construction, it can be more easily integrated into data centers in practical operations. GF supplied Flow Solutions for: * FWS: ecoFIT PE100 piping from dry-cooler to CDU * TCS: LiquidCore engineered Flow Solution, including the PROGF PP-H distribution system from CDU into the white space, in-rack manifolds, and Quick Connect Valve 700. * HVAC: COOL-FIT pre-insulated piping system All systems were engineered, pre-fabricated, and quality-checked by GF to ensure fast installation on site and leak-free operation. Why polymers matter in modern data centers. As DLC gains wider adoption, polymers are increasingly replacing metal in mission-critical cooling loops. Unlike metal piping, engineered thermoplastics are inherently corrosion-free and do not release particles into the coolant, helping maintain coolant purity and significantly reducing system rinsing. In addition, polymer systems offer lower weight, high chemical resistance, and lower thermal conductivity, supporting stable and efficient cooling performance. Welded polymer connections further ensure long-term leak tightness and reliable operation, making them well suited for modern CDUs and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. The German project demonstrates how engineered polymer Flow Solutions are not only viable but essential for scalable, high-density data center cooling. Experience you can build on. With decades of experience in mission-critical environments - from semiconductor manufacturing to industrial process cooling and data centers - GF brings global expertise, standardized processes, and local project support. Combined with Rittal's leadership in IT infrastructure and cooling integration, the cooperation offers data center planners and operators a single, reliable path from concept to operation. Key quotes. "Increasing rack densities and the wider adoption of direct-to-chip liquid cooling are fundamentally changing the requirements for data center cooling infrastructure," says Ergin Sarac, Data Center Specialist at GF. "Instead of isolated systems, operators need fully integrated cooling loops. This project shows how combining IT infrastructure, cooling technology, and polymer Flow Solutions reduces complexity, accelerates installation, and improves long-term operational stability," explains Ergin Sarac. "For us as an operator, reliability and scalability were key," says Stephan Reugels, Co-Founder and CEO, NETMOUNTAINS. "The integrated cooling concept and the use of GF's engineered piping systems give us confidence that the infrastructure will perform consistently as rack densities increase and the data center expands over time."

Rittal & Eplan UK awarded Investors in People Gold 2026. Rittal and Eplan UK have been awarded Investors in People (IIP) Gold, recognising their shared commitment to developing people, fostering positive workplace culture and driving continuous improvement across both organisations. The achievement marks a significant progression from their previous Silver accreditation, held since 2019. IIP is an internationally recognised accreditation system for workplace culture, and is regarded as the global benchmark when it comes to people management. Its accreditation system is built around nine performance indicators under three categories: leading, supporting, and improving, which together can help create a positive work environment and measurable organisational impact. The Gold accreditation reflects the joint investment Rittal and Eplan have made in their 114 employees and the strength of their collaborative approach as one organisation. To achieve Gold, the majority of IIP's performance indicators must be assessed at an advanced level. Rittal and Eplan achieved advanced ratings across seven of the nine indicators, with the remaining two assessed as established. IIP assessors praised the organisation's supportive management culture, strong recognition and reward programmes, clear career development opportunities, and high-quality internal communication. They also highlighted the widespread understanding of company values, effective employee consultation, wellbeing initiatives and encouragement of innovation and new ideas. Shane Hope, Managing Director at Rittal UK said, "Instrumentation Monthly. Datateam Business Media Limited is incredibly proud to have achieved Investors in People Gold. This is a significant milestone for its organisation and reflects the collective effort, commitment and engagement of its people across both Rittal and Eplan. "Achieving Gold status places Instrumentation Monthly. Datateam Business Media Limited among a select group of organisations, and it demonstrates its shared focus on creating a supportive, high-performing and inclusive workplace. "Most importantly, this recognition belongs to our employees. Their collaboration, openness and dedication are what make Rittal and Eplan such great places to work." Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: "We'd like to congratulate Rittal & Eplan UK. Gold accreditation is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places them in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people." Following this achievement, Rittal and Eplan will continue to build on the feedback from the assessment to further strengthen their people strategy, and enhance their reputation as an employer of choice.