As part of his official inaugural visit to Saxony-Anhalt, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the headquarters of SONOTEC GmbH in Halle (Saale) on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. He was accompanied by Minister President Dr. Reiner Haseloff, Minister of Economic Affairs Sven Schulze, Minister of Science Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, and other representatives of the federal and state governments.

The delegation was welcomed by CEO Michael Münch, CCO Manuela Münch, and the company founders Hans-Joachim Münch and Dr. Santer zur Horst-Meyer. SONOTEC is a leading global specialist in ultrasonic measurement technology and has around 200 employees at its site.

Insight into value creation and high-tech production

The Chancellor gained comprehensive insight into the company's entire value chain. From the first mechanical processing step to electronics manufacturing and assembly, he was shown how an ultrasonic sensor is produced and the precise manufacturing steps involved.

This highlighted how many skilled jobs are concentrated at this location: from mechanics and electronics to development and logistics to international sales. Merz was impressed by the diversity and depth of production, which takes place entirely in Halle (Saale) and is delivered from there to the whole world.

Focus on medical technology – sensors for patient safety

The demonstration focused on the non-invasive ultrasonic sensors of the SONOFLOW series, which are used in safety-critical medical applications. The sensors ensure accurate, contactless flow measurement and reliable detection of air bubbles.

They are implemented worldwide in heart-lung machines, ECMO devices, and cardiac support systems – including those manufactured by Berlin Heart. This makes SONOTEC one of the companies whose technologies contribute to patient safety in medical care on a daily basis.

The future of the family business: dialogue on responsibility and further development

The discussion with the management also addressed the successful generational change and the long-term development of the company. Topics included responsibility towards employees, the importance of sustainable growth, and the role of family-run technology companies in an increasingly global market.

Manuela Münch underlined the significance of the meeting: “For us as a family-run medium-sized company, this visit is a special honor and a great appreciation. Such attention not only gives our company a high visibility, but also recognizes the importance of medium-sized companies in our region. Above all, it highlights the achievements of our employees – their expertise, their commitment, and the quality of our sensors, which are used every day in critical applications worldwide.”

“A center of power in the heart of Germany” – Appreciation from the Chancellor

In his press statement, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the strength of Halle as a center for business and research: “It has been a very interesting visit. I am taking away many positive impressions – for example, how strong Halle is as a research location and how strong small and medium-sized companies are in this city and region.”

With regard to SONOTEC, the Chancellor emphasized that the company's ultrasonic sensors are used worldwide and are in high demand internationally, a clear sign of the innovative strength and economic potential of Halle as a business location. He described Saxony-Anhalt as “a center of power in the heart of Germany” that shows how efficient small and medium-sized companies outside the major cities can be.

Background

The visit to SONOTEC was part of a multi-stage program that previously included meetings at the Leopoldina – National Academy of Sciences and the Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics. The trip continues the series of inaugural visits by the German Chancellor to the federal states.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Minister President Dr. Reiner Haseloff, Minister Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, and Minister Sven Schulze are welcomed by SONOTEC's management team	CCO Manuela Münch explains electronics manufacturing at SONOTEC to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Minister President Dr. Reiner Haseloff	SONOTEC employees talk to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about mechanical manufacturing