He created the Memory Hole (a combined permanent fanzine collection and redistribution system), the former Memory Hole internet forum (for discussing reading, collecting and archiving science fiction fanzines) and helped set up The Mexicon Hat (a charitable fund to assist projects related to British fandom; beneficiaries included the journal Critical Wave).
Formerly based in Möckmühl and latterly in Markt Schwaben, Germany outside of Munich, Saurwein acquired the publishing rights and duties for mexicon, one of the premiere academic journals for Mesoamerican research in Europe, from its former publisher Verlag von Flemming.