As an Official Off-Highway Service Partner for ZF Aftermarket, Plant Parts was proud to be invited to ZF’s exclusive Aftermarket Partner Event in Passau, Germany. Representing Plant Parts at the three-day event were Company Director, Richard Finch and Andrew Horrex from Technical Support, who joined a select group of future-focused partners from across the European off-highway sector.
Held under the theme “Connecting Today – Winning Tomorrow”, the event focused on strengthening long-term partnerships, sharing technical expertise, and exploring the future of off-highway drive systems in an industry that continues to evolve at pace.
Strong Partnerships Driving Future Growth
ZF’s Partner Event brought together experts in construction, agricultural and material handling machinery servicing, creating a collaborative environment built around innovation, growth, and shared success. Over three intensive days, attendees gained valuable insights into ZF Aftermarket’s capabilities, strategy, and long-term vision — while also exchanging ideas directly with ZF specialists and senior leaders.
The central meeting point for the event was Gut Aichet in Thyrnau, a stunning estate located within the Donauleite nature reserve, overlooking the Danube and on the edge of the Bavarian Forest. This scenic and relaxed setting provided the perfect backdrop for in-depth technical sessions, strategic discussions, and networking, while selected parts of the programme included guided visits to nearby ZF production and service facilities.
Behind the Scenes at ZF Aftermarket
The event agenda combined technical depth with practical, real-world insight. Highlights included:
Inside Production: OE Plant Tour
Attendees were given exclusive access to ZF’s OE production plant, following the full assembly process for ZF transmissions and axles — from goods receipt through to final quality checks and shipping. The tour demonstrated the precision, process control and quality standards that underpin ZF’s global reputation.
Service in Action: Off-Highway Competence Centre
A guided tour of ZF’s Off-Highway Competence Centre in Passau showcased workshop bays, remanufacturing operations, diagnostics, and logistics. This provided valuable insight into how ZF delivers fast turnaround times and technical excellence for off-highway applications worldwide.
Product Highlights & Genuine Parts
Live demonstrations and real-world examples highlighted ZF’s key off-highway solutions, including torque converters and high-performance components designed to reduce downtime and improve machine efficiency. Sessions on ZF Genuine Parts reinforced the long-term value of original components, from material quality through to lifecycle cost benefits.
Remanufacturing & Sustainability
Participants gained a detailed look at ZF’s remanufacturing processes — from disassembly and rebuilding to final testing — illustrating how sustainability and quality combine to deliver components that perform like new.
Tools, Training & Diagnostics
ZF’s technical training programmes, specialist tools and diagnostic technologies were showcased, highlighting how ongoing education and up-to-date knowledge help service partners stay ahead in the field.
Looking Ahead: OE Product Roadmap
A forward-looking presentation explored the future of off-highway drive systems, including upcoming technologies, electrification concepts, and prototype developments.
Strategic Deep Dives
Focused discussions with ZF senior leadership provided the opportunity to align on shared priorities, explore long-term opportunities, and identify concrete ways to grow together as partners.
Strengthening the Plant Parts & ZF Partnership
The three-day event concluded with a closing and farewell lunch, rounding off an agenda packed with insight, collaboration, and relationship-building.
For Plant Parts, the event reinforced the value of our close partnership with ZF Aftermarket, giving us deeper technical understanding, early visibility of future developments, and direct engagement with the teams behind ZF’s products and services. Most importantly, it strengthens our ability to support customers with trusted expertise, genuine parts, and high-quality off-highway service solutions.
We would like to thank ZF Aftermarket for the invitation, hospitality, and open exchange throughout the event. We look forward to continuing to work closely together — connecting today and winning tomorrow.
Learn more about Plant Parts and ZF https://plantparts.eu/zf-aftermarket/
