company

Innovating Filtration & Mixing Solutions Since 1982

Swiss-engineered candle filtration and vibratory mixing systems, designed for demanding solid-liquid separation, where containment, purity and product recovery cannot be compromised.

fundabac old picture
fundabac candle old picture

Decades of Engineering.
Thousands of Systems in Operation.

about us

DrM Group, formally DrM, Dr. Mueller AG, was founded in 1982 by Dr. Hans Müller (1913-1984), an engineer from ETH Zurich whose work produced over 400 patented inventions. That engineering foundation remains the basis of everything DrM builds today.

DrM Group is headquartered in Männedorf, Switzerland, with manufacturing and engineering subsidiaries in Poland, China, India, the USA and Malaysia. Its global reach is further supported through a network of sales agencies, licensees, and dedicated representatives.

As a privately held company, DrM is managed by a team of engineers and technical specialists. Its core mission is to develop solid-liquid separation and mixing solutions that improve process performance, reduce environmental impact, and deliver measurable cost benefits for clients. Fully enclosed designs, automation, and integrated washing and drying processes are central to achieving that.

DrM specializes in custom-designed filtration and mixing systems for chemical, pharmaceutical, food, oil and gas, and mining applications. From FUNDABAC® and CONTIBAC® candle filters to FUNDAMIX® vibratory mixing technology and the FUNDALOOP® single-use filtration system, all are engineered to the specific requirements of the application and the process conditions they must operate within.

A Legacy of Innovation

Tailored Solutions
for Every Industry

DrM Group

A Global Presence

Commitment to Excellence

40+

years of excellence

6

global locations

85+

countries served

4,100+

units installed

One Customer. One Problem. One Solution.

Loads from YouTube

Engineering Milestones Since 1982

our story

DrM is Founded

DrM was founded by Dr. Hans Müller in Männedorf, Switzerland. In the years leading up to its creation, he invented and patented a new type of candle filtration system, a breakthrough that marked a turning point in solid-liquid separation for the chemical industry.

The company began by manufacturing and supplying the FUNDABAC® and CONTIBAC® filter technologies, primarily to chemical manufacturers, alongside lab-scale filtration sets, pilot units, and spare parts.

1982

1984

drm hq old

Dr. Hans Müller’s Legacy

Dr. Hans Müller was the engineer behind over 400 patented inventions spanning chemical processing, food technology, and biotechnology. In 1939, he patented the catalytic converter for automobiles, decades before emissions regulation became a global priority.

After World War II, he joined Nestlé, where he developed drying and concentrating equipment for food products, including the thin film evaporator, a technology that became widely adopted in processing industries.

He later founded Chemap, where his FUNDA Filter became a standard in solid-liquid separation across thousands of chemical plants worldwide. His work in biotech processing established Chemap as an early presence in biological manufacturing.

Dr. Müller passed away in 1984. The company he founded two years prior continues to build on the engineering principles he established.

1984

1986

dr. hans mueller

Introduction of the Heel Volume Filtration Process

DrM patented the heel volume filtration process, enabling recovery of the remaining product-laden slurry at the end of each filtration cycle within the same vessel. The technology extended DrM's candle filter systems into pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing, where product yield and minimal loss are primary selection criteria.

1986

1990

fundabac filter old

Engineering Leadership Continues

Following the death of Dr. Hans Müller in 1984, ownership of the company passed to the next generation of the family. DrM remains privately owned and continues to operate as a family business under the leadership of his grandson, Patrick Mueller, a chemical engineer and ETH Zurich graduate with an MBA from INSEAD.

1990

1997

patrick mueller

Launch of STERIBAC®

DrM launched the STERIBAC® candle filter, a fully drainable, CIP/SIP-compatible system engineered to GMP standards for sterile solid-liquid separation. The STERIBAC® extended DrM's filtration technology into pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing, where regulatory compliance, hygienic design, and full product recovery within a closed system are non-negotiable process requirements.

1997

2001-15

steribac filters

Global Expansion

Between 2001 and 2015, DrM established subsidiaries in the USA (2001), China (2005), Poland (2005), India (2011), and Malaysia (2015). Each location provides local engineering, testing, and after-sales support, reducing response times and strengthening DrM's ability to serve clients across key industrial markets.

2001-15

2012-18

drm shanghai

FUNDAMIX® Revival & Innovation

In 2012, DrM reacquired the vibratory mixing technology originally developed by Dr. Hans Müller and reintroduced it under the FUNDAMIX® name. The system was re-engineered with modern materials and automation, using an oscillating perforated plate to generate axial flow without rotating components, eliminating shaft seals and reducing contamination risk.

By 2018, a redesigned drive unit produced a quieter, more efficient generation of the technology, launched as FUNDAMIX® Silent. The redesign extended the operating range across a broader set of process conditions while maintaining the low-shear mixing characteristics that make the system suitable for sensitive pharmaceutical and biotech applications.

2012-18

2020

fundamix mixing

Single-Use Technology

In 2020, DrM expanded into single-use technology with the launch of FUNDAMIX® SU, a vibratory mixing system designed for sterile biotech and pharmaceutical applications, and the Single-Use Pinch Valve, engineered for reliable flow control in flexible single-use tubing. Both products are assembled in DrM's dedicated ISO-certified clean room facility.

The same year marked the introduction of FUNDALOOP®, a patented single-use, multi-cycle filtration system for chemical and biotech processes. Its self-cleaning backflush mechanism regenerates the filter media between cycles, extending bag life and reducing plastic waste compared to conventional single-use depth filtration.

2020

2021

fundamix su

DrM Poland Expansion

DrM Poland has been part of the DrM Group since 2005, operating as the primary manufacturing and engineering hub within the EU. In 2021, the team relocated to a new facility in Włocławek, expanding production capacity to over 3,800 m² across multiple halls, more than doubling the footprint of the original site. The facility supports the design, fabrication, and delivery of filtration and process equipment for DrM projects worldwide.

2021

2025

drm poland

DrM India Expansion

In December 2025, DrM India relocated to a larger facility in Vadodara, combining modern office space with dedicated workshop and assembly areas. The new site strengthens local engineering, manufacturing, and after-sales capabilities, supporting project execution across India and the broader Asian market.

2025

1982

india new office

Cleaner Processes.
Better Outcomes.

our vision

To set the engineering standard for solid-liquid separation and mixing solutions, enabling chemical, pharmaceutical, and industrial processes to operate with greater efficiency, safety, and minimal environmental impact.

Engineering That Earns Its Place

our mission

Delivering measurable process improvements through filtration and mixing solutions that reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and lower operational costs without compromising performance.

DrM develops technical expertise across its global team and builds long-term partnerships with clients across chemical, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors to deliver solutions that meet the demands of each application.

At the Heart of DrM Group

core values

Knowledge

01

We value expertise and technical excellence, fostering a culture of continuous learning and mastery.

Innovation

02

As pioneers in our field, we lead the way with groundbreaking technologies.

Passion

03

We love what we do and empower employees to see their ideas put into practice, knowing their contributions matter.

Creativity

04

We embrace out-of-the-box thinking, finding unconventional solutions to complex challenges

Client first

05

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. By listening to their needs, we provide solutions that work for them.

Sustainability

06

Our solutions safeguard the environment, and we strive to minimize our ecological footprint through responsible choices.

Integrity

07

We act with fairness and accountability toward employees, customers, and suppliers, owning our actions and their outcomes.

Committed to a Greener
Future Through Innovation

sustainability practices

Environmental Responsibility

Environmental responsibility is key to our management decisions. For years, sustainability has guided our maintenance and investments to boost efficiency while minimizing impact. We focus on responsible resource management and renewable energy use.

Since 2009, DrM has tracked key metrics in an annual report, analyzing:

  • Commercial waste production

  • Disposal of auxiliary materials and chemicals

  • Water consumption

  • Electricity consumption

  • Natural gas and heating oil consumption

  • Solar power production

Energy Management

Since 2011, electricity consumption has been reduced by over 25% through energy-efficient equipment and lighting. The installation of rooftop photovoltaic panels now generates around 80 MWh of solar energy, covering approximately 25% of our electricity needs. Improved insulation and energy-saving windows have allowed us to eliminate oil heating, reducing natural gas consumption by more than 25% over 8 years.

Waste Management

Our manufacturing process primarily uses steel and plastics, resulting in metal and plastic waste. Over the past 10 years, we’ve reduced this waste by over 25%, recycling materials whenever possible. Chemical waste, mainly from client testing, is limited to around 500 kg per year, with leftover materials returned to the origin whenever possible.

Water Management

Water resource in Switzerland is not of major relevance. Nevertheless, consumption was optimized wherever possible and savings of around 15% were achieved.

Reduced Risk, Footprint
& Emissions

Our systems are designed for fully automatic, closed operations that ensure zero emissions and no risk to the environment or humans. The compact design optimizes space and reduces project footprint.

Customized Solutions

We custom-design filtration systems to meet specific client needs, offering both standalone candle filters and turnkey automated solutions. Our vibratory mixing products include standard models with flexible options to fit technical and budget requirements.

Application-Specific Design

Each solid-liquid separation application is unique. DrM begins by discussing the project with the client and requesting an application questionnaire. After reviewing the information, DrM specialists may recommend on-site testing or piloting to ensure the process is scalable and to provide a reliable technical/commercial proposal.

Long-term Oriented Relations

We value long-lasting partnerships with our suppliers, which are key to our strong customer relationships. By working closely with stakeholders, we develop customized products that meet customer needs. We carefully select suppliers who manage their businesses sustainably and maintain ongoing partnerships to ensure quality and stable supply.

Committed to a Safe Work Environment
and Continuous Improvement

Responsibility
production production production production production exit

Health and Safety at DrM

Our procedures to maintain a safe and secure environment:

Commitment to Occupational Health

DrM's management is dedicated to preventing occupational diseases and providing an ergonomic workplace, ensuring the health and well-being of all employees.

Hazard Awareness and Immediate Action

We promptly notify workers and visitors of any hazards within the workplace. A Safety Officer (SO) is responsible for maintaining safety standards and keeping records of any hazards or corrective actions taken.

Employee Training and Compliance

The Safety Officer ensures all employees are trained in safe working practices, both in the workshop and office, and that they sign the Mission Statement to affirm their commitment to safety.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

DrM provides PPE to all employees and visitors and ensures it is worn at all times in areas where safety risks are present, maintaining a high level of protection.

Emergency Preparedness

All employees and visitors are made aware of assembly points and emergency escape routes in case of evacuation. Clear signage throughout the facility ensures swift and safe evacuations when necessary.

Encouragement

Empowering Growth and
Development

At DrM, we invest in our employees’ growth by offering financial support for education, flexible work arrangements for studies, and access to training and seminars. We foster a dynamic and collaborative work environment through social events that strengthen our company culture. Additionally, we provide internships to support young professionals in launching their careers while maintaining strong ties with partner universities.

Quality Systems

Our headquarters and subsidiaries are ISO 9001:2015 certified for the following capacities:

DrM, Dr. Mueller AG is also EN ISO 3834-3 certified for standard quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials.

Iso 9001:2015 iso certificate india certificate Oekoprofit 2025

Switzerland

DrM, Dr. Mueller AG is certified for the development, manufacturing, lease, sales and service of specialty filtration and mixing systems.

China

DrM Shanghai Co., Ltd is certified for design, manufacture and sales of filters.

India

DrM Filter Technology Pvt. Ltd. is certified for design, development, manufacturing and supply of specialty filtration systems as well as sales and supply of mixing systems.

Poland

DRM Polska Sp. z o.o. is certified for execution of industrial installations and pressure vessels.