Prior1 joins the bluu unit:A specialist in future-proof data center solutions becomes a new member of the alliance.
With the addition of Prior1 GmbH and Prior1 Colocation & Services GmbH, the group gains an experienced specialist in the planning, construction, modernization, and operation of data centers, server rooms, and data networks. Through this acquisition, bluu unit is strategically expanding its expertise in a market that is growing in importance due to increasing demands for digitalization, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure.
Prior1 brings its expertise in development and planning, as well as other specialized services related to critical IT infrastructures, to the corporate group. The member companies of the bluu unit complement this with regional implementation and service capabilities in refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation technology. In addition to Daterra Datacenter Solutions GmbH, Prior1 is another company joining the bluu unit that specializes in data center infrastructure. Together, the two companies will consistently drive forward the construction of data center infrastructure as well as the modernization of existing data centers, thereby sustainably securing the group’s future viability in this area. In this way, the bluu unit continues to evolve into a network that will be able to offer data center customers comprehensive, scalable solutions from a single source: ranging from technical data center equipment and energy-efficient cooling technology to the implementation of complete infrastructures. The focus is on service and execution in collaboration with the other alliance members, as well as short service-level agreements, to meet customer requirements in a targeted manner.
The strategic decision to join Prior1 was made in no small part because HVAC technology has always played a major role in Prior1’s range of services and thus complements the core competencies of bluu unit, which already supplies data center customers with sustainable refrigeration and HVAC technology through many of its existing member companies.
“With Prior1, we are expanding our range of services in a fast-growing and investment-intensive market to include planning expertise, turnkey implementation, and operations. Combined with our group’s regional service and implementation expertise, we will be able to support customers across their entire data center infrastructure going forward. We will continue to focus on expanding this area in the future, thereby further strengthening bluu unit in a complementary and sustainable manner.”
says Patrick Peters, Managing Director and Co-CEO of bluu unit.
Comprehensive Expertise for Modern Data Centers
Prior1 is particularly distinguished by its combination of independent, vendor-neutral consulting and a strong focus on quality. It supports companies and public-sector clients from strategy and requirements analysis through risk, site, and energy efficiency assessments to technical planning. Its portfolio also includes refit and modernization projects during ongoing operations, modular data center solutions, and proprietary products such as IT safes and IT containers designed to meet a wide range of requirements. The range of services is complemented by maintenance and troubleshooting services, 24/7 monitoring, predictive maintenance, full operational management, and on-site colocation. As part of its on-site colocation offering, Prior1 provides a fully operational data center infrastructure directly at the customer’s location—with full data sovereignty and predictable monthly costs.
Prior1 has received numerous awards for its innovative solutions, including EN 50600-ready certification from TÜVIT for the IT Safe and an international award for the sustainable IT container “Eco Fix.”
Founded in 2008, the company employs just under 100 people at its locations in Sankt Augustin, Kirchheim near Munich, and its production site in Weitefeld, and sees itself as a long-term partner—characterized by trust, personal development, and the responsible use of resources. Its portfolio of completed projects includes over 2,400 projects in industry, finance, healthcare, research, education, and the public sector.
Sustainability as a Shared Commitment
For Prior1, sustainability and energy efficiency are more than just lip service: As early as 2023, the company committed to using only natural refrigerants in new construction and renovation projects, combining independent consulting with a high level of technical expertise. This consistent focus makes Prior1 an ideal addition to the bluu unit alliance.
“We share bluu unit’s conviction that sustainability and economic efficiency are not mutually exclusive. Our goal is to develop solutions that are technologically sound, conserve resources, and offer our customers long-term added value.”
The three managing directors—Tobias von der Heydt and Philip Grawe, managing directors of Prior1 GmbH, and Thomas Görres, managing director of Prior1 Colocation & Services GmbH—agree on this.
From left to right: Philip Grawe (Managing Director, Prior1 GmbH), Tobias von der Heydt (Managing Director, Prior1 GmbH), Patrick Peters (Managing Director, bluu unit GmbH and Daterra Datacenter Solutions GmbH), Liam Atkinson (Managing Director, Daterra Datacenter Solutions GmbH), Thomas Görres (Managing Director, Prior1 Colocation & Services GmbH)
Real-world examples with measurable added value
The company’s current projects demonstrate how this commitment is put into practice. For example, Prior1 modernized the existing IT infrastructure for Commerz Real at its Wiesbaden location and took over data center operations. The result: a significantly smaller IT infrastructure, noticeably reduced energy consumption, and approximately 192 hours per year that the IT team has since been able to devote to strategic tasks rather than routine ones. With the “Eco Fix” IT container—developed in collaboration with DERIX—Prior1 also demonstrates that sustainable timber construction and high-availability data center technology can be successfully combined. “Eco Fix” combines a solid wood structure with pre-installed data center technology and a natural refrigerant. The company is also in demand in the high-tech sector: On behalf of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Prior1 is handling the technical implementation of the communications infrastructure for the “QuKomIn” quantum communications project at the Oberpfaffenhofen site.