The Magazine 1 | 18

JOWATTHE MAGAZINE 1 | 18

14 22 30

The smithy for experts The secret behind our formulations The wooden milestone How young adults experience An insight into the work of product From idea to fl agship project: their individual support developers The new House of Technology

Ansgar Wolf, Head of Research and Development in the Flooring division of EGGER Holzwerkstoﬀ e in Wismar, Germany 1 Dear customers,

As you know, we at Jowat strive for excellence. Our goal is to offer our customers individual and efficient adhesive solutions through the use of premium products – all around the world. By consistently pursuing our triad strategy, Jowat has recently grown by two new subsidiaries: our new sites in Vietnam and Thailand are now members of our big, international family.

But even though our journey on the path to growth has taken us far, there is no place for us like home: the House of Technology is a strong commitment to the Detmold site, where the many threads of our work come together. With the staging of the 17th Jowat Symposium, the new technical centre will celebrate its premiere as an innovation and application centre all about bonding.

Speaking of celebrating: in 2019, Jowat will celebrate its 100th anniversary. As a family business, we are proud of our development thus far, the traditions and values that we uphold and represent. And although our successful company history shapes and defines our daily work, we stay focused on the future. That’s why we prospectively promote and support several research projects.

From lightweight construction in the automotive industry to the innovative use of oil palm wood, we support the work of institutions in a variety of ways and, in doing so, always aim at conserving natural resources and reducing harmful emissions. Jowat is ready for the future and embraces it with open arms, whilst you, as our customer, remain at the focus of everything we do.

»We are The Jowat customer magazine is no exception to our high quality standards. That’s why we have revised it from top to bottom – in front of you continuing to now is the fi rst new edition. We hope that both the selected content and the design appeal to you as much as they do to us. pursue our Enjoy reading it! triad strategy.«

Klaus Kullmann Managing Director Sales & Marketing

2 Schmelz- Härter und 1.135 klebstoffe Vernetzer Mitarbeiter weltweit

Primer 600 Reaktive Deutschland Schmelz- 755 215 165 klebstoffe Europa Nord- und Asien/ gesamt Südamerika Paziﬁk 650 Prepolymere Produkte

Produktionsmengen Produktionsstandorte in Tonnen 2017 Lösemittel- Dispersionen 87.000 Deutschland: Detmold klebstoffe gesamt 6 Elsteraue Contents Lösemittelklebstoffe Anzahl der Produkte im Produktprogramm 7.000 Sticking together 04 Standorte weltweit: High Point, USA Everyone achieves more together – the successful Dispersionen cooperation between EGGER and Jowat 20.000 Bandar Enstek, Malaysia Schmelz- Between rickshaws and skyscrapers 10 Buchrain, Schweiz Jowat continues to expand its presence in Asia 60.000 klebstoffe with subsidiaries in Thailand and Vietnam Ingleburn, Australien 04 The Jowat world 12 The latest statistics: staff, turnover, locations

Remnants with potential 18 Palm wood is set to become a material that is Wirtschaftliche Entwicklung fit for the future – Jowat joins in the research

Who’s hot, who’s not? 35 300 For many retail products, premium-quality, Mitarbeiterentwicklung stable packaging is key to their success 1.000 Umsatzentwicklung 312 Mio. 250 12 Publishing information Publisher Jowat SE Ernst-Hilker-Straße 10–14 1.135 32758 Detmold, Germany Tel: +49 (0) 5231 749-0 200 Email: [email protected] Jowat weltweit Coordinator Global Marketing / Dr M.-Oliver Zomer Design and realisation 650 MEDIUM Werbeagentur GmbH Produktionsstandorte Bielefeld, Germany 150 500 189 Mio. und Tochtergesellschaften Photography Jowat SE, Andreas Kühlken, iStock, Fotolia, Unsplash Direkt belieferte Länder Produktionsstandorte Beschäftigte 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Mio. EUR Print Bösmann Jahr 35 Medien und Druck GmbH & Co. KG, Detmold, Germany

Copy deadline 12/10/2018 3 SUCCESS STORY

Sticking together With its headquarters in St. Johann in Tirol, the EGGER Group is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to manufacturing and processing wood-based materials. Boasting 18 plants across eight countries, the enterprise is also fi rmly on course for international success. The EGGER range comprises a variety of panelling materials, which rely on Jowat adhesives more than any other product as part of their further refi nement process. This has resulted in a close partnership between the two companies, which allows them to not only look back on a shared success story, but also to look forward to an exciting future ahead.

4 Ansgar Wolf and Rüdiger Ernst are carefully lamination of fi breboard are integral aspects examining a freshly coated HDF panel that of the day-to-day work here, and Jowat’s prod- has just been taken from the coating plant. ucts and comprehensive range of services can After looking at it from all sides and from every be seen everywhere you look. angle, they are clearly satisfi ed with the result: the fi lm coating has been applied fl awlessly Wolf is Head of Product Development and the adhesive works perfectly. This is an for the Flooring division at EGGER in excellent piece of panel work. Wismar. His area of activity includes innovations and optimisations in the fl ooring The setting for this scene is a factory in the range. Wolf and his colleagues work close- Hanseatic city of Wismar, one of the EGGER ly with Jowat – particularly Rüdiger Ernst Group’s 18 production facilities worl dwide. from the Global Key Account Management This particular factory on the Baltic coastline team, which serves as the link between the has 900 employees and specialises in the pro- two companies. Ernst is responsible for deal- duction of HDF and MDF boards, OSB boards ing with EGGER, which makes him Ansgar and laminate fl ooring. The production and Wolf’s closest point of contact at Jowat.

5 SUCCESS STORY

Jowat shares its expertise

Jowats Global The panel material coated with Jowatherm- only advises us on adhesive-related matters, Key Account Reaktant®, which Ansgar Wolf and Rüdiger but also on other chemical issues,” applauded Ernst have just put through its paces, is Ansgar Wolf. “Our technologists, purchasers Management the result of these many years of coopera- and other employees all benefit from the rel- tion. The exceptional thing about it is that evant information they are provided with.” As EGGER’s entire process chain is set up to han- a result, EGGER’s associated operating pro Responsible for looking after key dle full-size panels measuring up to 2.07 me- cesses are considerably faster and much easier customers, i.e. Jowat’s largest tres wide. These are the standard dimensions to implement. This begins with measures such accounts. used within the wood-based panel industry, so as new sources of supply for selected ingre- it makes sense that the coating system is also dients and application-specific questions on Individual teams are put together adapted accordingly. Using polyurethane hot adhesive handling, right through to custom- for each customer project. melt adhesives, however, is a little unusual. ised optimisation of the work processes. “It For EGGER, it was essential to find an ad goes without saying that we are only too hap- The teams cover application tech hesive that was 100 percent water-resistant, py to share what we know with our partners,” nology, development and a contact as the coated panels are used to cover floors in Rüdiger Ernst pointed out. to the relevant Jowat subsidiary. areas that include high-humidity spaces such as bathrooms and saunas. Following extensive “We’re pulling out all the stops!” Customers receive cross-disciplinary research, Jowat was able to meet all the cus- support and can always call on a tomer requirements with its comprehensive Another example of this mutual support is direct contact person. service and products such as the Jowatherm- EGGER’s multi-layered, modular flooring Reaktant® 609.30. system, which called for further suppliers in addition to Jowat in its development. The From EGGER’s point of view, Jowat’s chemi- Detmold-based enterprise established con cal expertise makes a valuable contribution tacts with substrate and machine manufac- to its own day-to-day operations. “Jowat not turers, enabling EGGER to lay the foundations for an ideal supply chain from the very begin- ning. This close cooperation was a matter of course for both parties, with neither ever faltering from their focus on the end result – the finished product. “And this is why we are all happy to pull out all the stops,” reiterat- ed Ansgar Wolf. Another of EGGER’s special requirements for Jowat was to manufacture both a designer floor and a cork floor on the same system using the same adhesive. It was the materials that presented a challenge in this case, as they required different bonding processes. Ultimately, however, the collabo- rative research resulted in an ideal, workable solution. “We are also constantly optimising our processes in coating,” added Ansgar Wolf. “And, with the most innovative adhesives, that’s no problem.”

The relationship between EGGER and Jowat is characterised by a high level of trust. Every body keeps each other informed about ongoing projects and plans for the future. The product developers at EGGER also regularly make Ansgar Wolf (right) from EGGER and Rüdiger Ernst from Jowat are optimistic use of Jowat’s R&D centre to manufacture about their further cooperation as they work towards common goals. and test out new prototypes. Jowat supports these tests and can use the insights gained

6 A production hall at the Wismar plant. This is where the panels are coated.

in its own work, in carrying out further explains Rüdiger Ernst with a smile. Indeed, development of the adhesives currently in the white and red colours dominate in the use, for example. corporate designs of both companies, but it is more about the inner values, common ideals It’s something that even outsiders pick up and similar histories: both companies started on immediately, that EGGER and Jowat are as small, family-owned companies and have so much more than just business partners. grown significantly over time. This growth, One of the reasons behind this is the close particularly at international level, continues friendship between Ansgar Wolf and Rüdiger to this day. Ernst, who know each other well and enjoy a positive working relationship with plenty While these long-standing partners may be of jokes and laughter. Wolf is also a regular able to look back on a common history, they participant in the Jowat Symposium and certainly don’t dwell in the past as they forge other events that Jowat puts on for its clients ahead with plans for the future. In fact, the re- to provide information, strengthen relation search and development teams at both EGGER ships or even simply say thank you. Wolf and Jowat are already working together on and his colleagues like to take advantage more joint projects. “EGGER strives for a high of these events to stay up to date with the level of added value and, in doing so, offers us a latest product innovations and developments great deal of potential,” explained Ernst. “This within the adhesives industry. constant pursuit of innovation always pre- sents new challenges for Jowat.” This is by no EGGER and Jowat – a match that works means the last visit to Wismar for Ernst, which is just as well since Wolf is always happy to see The EGGER plant in Wismar is also where the panel materials One of the EGGER Group’s slogans is his business partner. He can always expect a are digitally printed and coated. “EGGER thinks globally and acts locally.” The warm welcome and open ears at EGGER, as the enterprise’s ultimate goals, in fact, are to strive partnership is always at least as good as that for continuous development and internation- panel of chipboard they just examined. “You al relations without ever losing sight of its could say we’re stuck together for life!” is how roots or any of its locations. “This is a perfect Wolf sums it up. fit for us, as EGGER and Jowat are similar in many ways, and not just outwardly, either,”

7 ADHESIVE EXPERTISE

Jowat’s Advice

Clean job Look inside No one knows a machine Thermal exposure can cause indus- contamination would be far worse. If system better than its manufactur- trial adhesives to burn onto system components have to be repaired or replaced, er. A good manufacturer will components and behave like grease not only does it cost time and money, it also tell you how to clean hard- on a grill within the machine: over means that the lesson has not been learnt. to-reach parts. time, a burnt-on layer starts to build Prevention is the magic word here, as regular up. Nobody would want to eat any- cleaning helps to maintain the quality of both thing off a grill like that, and a thor- the entire machine and the goods it produces. ough clean-up would be required even after applying the The subsequent cleaning should be just as Clean regularly adhesive. Jowat reveals just how regular and natural as the adhesive applica- Accessible components easy it can be to keep clean. tion itself. Jowat recommends a combination should be cleaned regularly of fl ushing processes and cleaning by hand, as part of your daily routine. Many production facilities run constantly at although the exact procedures depend on full speed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. the type of machine and adhesive in use. To Downtime is of course something these achieve optimum results in each case, Jowat facilities are keen to avoid, which means off ers the perfect cleaning products and oper- cleaning operations are seen as something of ating instructions for each of its products. Stick with it a necessary evil. After all, an outage caused by Avoid replacing the adhesive as far as possible. If this becomes necessary, however, be sure to clean the machine thoroughly, as any residue could react with the new product.

Adjust the temperature Do not leave the machine running at full power during break times; be sure to reduce the heat.

Jowat supplies a selection of Keep hoses short separating agents and cleaning The longer they are, the products that are specially designed for use with its own adhesives. more diff icult they are to clean. They are also more expensive to replace completely in the event of damage.

8 The DIN 2304 standard has applied for industrial bonding processes since 2016 and its specifi cations Bonding at are intended to ensure error-free results across all industries. Jowat welcomes this development and is the highest level actively encouraging its use.

In the early days of welding, confi dence in the buildings and vehicles that relied on this process remained limited. Fast forward to today and applications involving adhesive technology – such as in cladding, vehicle or automotive construction – are often met with the same scepticism. DIN 2304 is to change all this by helping to evaluate and safeguard industrial bonding processes. The aim is to achieve fl awless adhesive results and thereby to increase confi dence in the process.

The general recommendation is to comply with the standard, as it always conforms with the latest state-of-the-art technology. Any bond associated with signifi cant asset values or safety risks should only be carried out by The aim of DIN 2304 is to optimise industrial (appropriately) trained employees. Qualifi - bonding processes in order to achieve maximum adhesive performance. cations for personnel are obtained through the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Taking the right Technology and Advanced Materials or the standard on a large or small scale in their work approach in line TechnologieCentrum Kleben. – from independent carpenters to major corp- orations – can count on support from the adhe- with DIN 2304 For any applications involving adhesive pro- sive experts. cesses where standards already exist and apply (such as glulam construction), those Does a bonding failure threaten to standards still remain valid. If a company is put either assets or people’s lives at already certifi ed according to ISO 9001, then risk? If the answer is yes, then the this provides a solid basis for DIN 2304. The safety requirement is high. latter is aimed at relevant areas where the bonding process is not yet regulated. Examples The bond should then only be per- of such areas include the wood and furniture formed by personnel with the right industries. DIN 2304 stipulates that when level of training. It is then also manufacturing furnishings or load-bearing recommended to have an adhesive objects, the responsibility for classifying those supervisor examine and inspect applications lies with the adhesive user. the work. This standard encourages users to play a more Ultimately, it must be proven that active role with regard to the bonding pro- the product can withstand the dai- cess and its continuous development. From ly stresses it will be exposed to. Jowat’s perspective, this is a huge step in the right direction. The enterprise has always The bonding process has to be followed and supported the creation of this Ina Benz constantly optimised and adapted standard through representatives from the Head of Application Technology in line with the latest technical industry. After all, improvements based on specifi cations, which is where DIN 2304 have long been an integral part of Ina Benz is the contact person for the correct Jowat can off er invaluable support Jowat’s individual bonding process analysis. management of the bonding processes. with its wide range of services. Anyone who would like to implement the

9 JOWAT INTERNATIONAL – SOUTH EAST ASIA

Between rickshaws and skyscrapers Asian metropolises such as Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City have become attractive business hubs for international companies.

10 Asia has been a focal point in Jowat’s plans for internationalisation since the 1980s. Prior to that, its expansion had already been successful in Europe and the United States. Its presence within the Asia Pacifi c region has been built on solid foundations since the opening of the Australian and Malaysian production sites.

Hitting the ground running in Vietnam last year: Managing Director Sebastian Schäfers (second from left), Jowat founded its sixth Asian subsidiary Dr Ralf Schelbach (middle) and the Vietnamese team. in early 2018, headed by General Manager Khachadpai Areeprasertsook in Thailand. The economy in South East Asia has Jowat has been pressing ahead with its inter- This most recent facility in the Jowat net- grown signifi cantly in recent years. national triad strategy for a number of years work is located in the capital city of Bangkok. Jowat’s Vice President Asia Pacifi c, in a bid to live up to the requirements of its Dr Ralf Schelbach sees the Thai market as Dr Ralf Schelbach, describes it as customers in this region in the best possible especially mature, not least due to his highly vibrant – the Asian market oﬀ ers way. This is a particularly judicious approach qualifi ed staff and exceptional competitive- huge potential. No wonder that for the Asian market, as it is seen as a disparate ness. Other Jowat subsidiaries in this region Jowat is increasing its subsidiaries continent where market and customer re- can be found in China, Malaysia, Australia in the region. quirements vary massively from one country and the United Arab Emirates – and the to the next. So Jowat is taking small, carefully trend is growing in the light of their successful Outside of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is considered steps in opening up local markets. development. perhaps better known by its former name of Saigon. The decision to rename it after the former head of state of North Vietnam came after the reunifi cation of the country in 1976. The number of inhabitants has shot up since the 19tth century, with more than seven million people now living in the city – more than in the state capital of Hanoi and almost as many as in Hong Kong.

The Vietnamese economy has taken a similar course, with the local market off ering huge potential that Jowat has also tapped into. Autumn 2017 marked the launch of the Jowat Vietnam subsidiary in Ho Chi Minh City, which is headed by Sebastian Schäfers. This location is ideal for Schäfers and his team to be able to meet the needs of their Vietnamese customers. The latest addition to the Jowat network – the Jowat Thailand team with Managing Director Khachadpai Areeprasertsook (third from right).

11 JOWAT FACTS AND FIGURES

Hot melt Hardening and THE JOWAT WORLD 1,135 adhesives crosslinking agents employees worldwide

Primers 600 Reactive Germany hot melt 755 215 165 adhesives Across North and Asia/ Europe South America Paciﬁc 650 Prepolymers products

Production volume production locations in tonnes in 2017 Solvent- Dispersions 87,000 Germany: Detmold based in total 6 Elsteraue adhesives

7,000 Solvent-based adhesives Number of products in the range Global: High Point, USA Dispersions 20,000 Bandar Enstek, Malaysia Hot melt 60,000 adhesives Buchrain, Switzerland Ingleburn, Australia

Economic development

300 Number of employees 1,000 Sales performance 312M 250

1,135 200 Jowat worldwide 650 Production locations 500 189M 150 and subsidiaries

Directly supplied countries Employees 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 EUR Production facilities Year (millions) 12 Hot melt Hardening and 1,135 adhesives crosslinking agents employees worldwide

Primers 600 Reactive Germany hot melt 755 215 165 adhesives Across North and Asia/ Europe South America Paciﬁc 650 Prepolymers products

Production volume production locations in tonnes in 2017 Solvent- Dispersions 87,000 Germany: Detmold based in total 6 Elsteraue adhesives

7,000 Solvent-based adhesives Number of products in the range Global: High Point, USA Dispersions 20,000 Bandar Enstek, Malaysia Hot melt 60,000 adhesives Buchrain, Switzerland Ingleburn, Australia

Economic development

300 Number of employees 1,000 Sales performance 312M 250

1,135 200 Jowat worldwide 650 Production locations 500 189M 150 and subsidiaries

Directly supplied countries Employees 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 EUR Production facilities Year (millions)

13 as of August 2018 correct Data TRAINING AT JOWAT THE SMITHY FOR EXPERTS

Interested in training as a chemical only in her fi rst year of training, Nicole is al- technician or warehouse logistics ready active in the laboratory, where she mixes specialist? Or perhaps you’d prefer to adhesives to the correct formulation and tests study – but what exactly? Jowat has the specifi c properties of these mixtures. “I a wide range of options for school could take a hands-on, independent approach leavers. And no matter which path- right from the start,” explained Nicole with way you choose, our focus is always clear enthusiasm. on people as individuals and how we can promote their strengths. This approach allows everyone to benefi t from the training system. »Jowat provides me with the personal and professional Nicole Teubner developed a fascination for the sciences while she was still at school. So development opportunities it was an obvious choice for this 19-year-old to I need for my future career.« train as a chemical laboratory assistant after Niklas Gurcke, Trainee gradua ting from school. And although she is Business Management Assistant

Niklas Gurcke is set to become Jowat’s fi rst certifi ed International Trader. While Nicole is still at the start of her training, technician or business IT specialist, the range things are starting to get serious for soon-to-be of courses covers a broad spectrum of interests. business management assistants Laura Kleine and Niklas Gurcke. They are now in their third The Jowat world welcomes trainees year of training and will be sitting their fi nal examination at the end of autumn 2018. If suc- There’s no such thing as a typical career path- cessful, they can then specialise in a particular way at Jowat, as there are many diff erent op- fi eld, such as HR management or marketing. tions. Those starting out in their careers can also get an insight into the various other divi- By off ering in-house training, Jowat is ensur- sions operating at each site, which – in some ing school leavers are ideally prepared for their cases – helps them fi nd their future specialisa- day-to-day work with the company. They are tion. When Andrei Pavel fi rst joined the com- taught everything they need to know about the pany, he got to know various diff erent aspects products, machines and programmes they will of the business before ultimately deciding to be working with from day one. At Jowat, young train as a chemical assistant in the produc- adults can train in eight career path ways and tion division. It was a choice that even he was two sandwich courses, all of which encourage surprised by, but he is delighted with his de- Soon-to-be Business Management Assistant, Laura a practical approach. Whether they want to be cision. Over the course of his training, he has Kleine, would like to complete a sandwich course at a business management assistant, chemical learnt all about the diff erent production Jowat after her training.

14 »I could enjoy hands-on experience right from the start.« Nicole Teubner, Trainee Chemical Laboratory Assistant

Nicole Teubner’s work in the development lab involves mixing adhesives and testing their properties.

15 TRAINING AT JOWAT

systems and processes, and was even trained The practical nature of the training pro- in how to operate and maintain the machinery. gramme and the focus on corporate content »I even surprised myself really do pay off, as it provides newcomers when I decided to train as a No matter what they go on to do, Jowat sup- with an opportunity to pick up exception- chemical assistant.« ports the individual strengths of its trainees al specialist expertise and Jowat-specific through various further training courses and experience over the course of their training. Andrei Pavel, Trainee seminars. This is how Niklas Gurcke, for exam- And, consequently, their domestic and in- Chemical Assistant ple, went on to attend a three-week intensive ternational promotion prospects are far bet- training course in London in July 2018 to ob- ter as a result. Even some of the company’s tain his “International Trader” certificate on senior managers originally started out as train its completion. Given the increase in global ees with Jowat, including Sebastian Schäfers isation, many more trainees are likely to follow who is now Managing Director of the new Andrei Pavel is learning how to carry out and in his footsteps. subsidiary in Vietnam (see pp. 10/11). optimise production processes at Jowat. A convincing idea

Statistics show that training is really worth- while for everyone involved, as the retention rate is very high. And there is still only a min- imal amount of fluctuation further down the line, as the vast majority of former trainees are still employed with the company today. Jowat’s appeal as an employer to those just starting their careers is clear from the relative- ly low average age of its employees.

The idea of service not only shapes day-to-day working life at Jowat, but also the training programmes. Trainees are gradually introduced to a specialist area or to customer service, which customers can benefit from in a number of ways, including a long-term, fixed contact person at Jowat, who has benefited from both thorough and relevant training. This provides a sense of security and creates trust, which is the ideal foundation for any good cooperation.

Every year, ten to fifteen young people start their professional or academic careers at Jowat, which shows how well the concept is received. The production site in Malaysia is also proof that this model is compatible on an international scale, where similar models are established locally in cooperation with the German Embassy to maintain an identical level of quality across the board.

16 JOWAT INTERNATIONAL — PIDILITE

India is not only famed for its unique cultural heritage and sights such as the Taj Mahal, it is also renowned for its strong economic growth.

A German–Indian cooperation

As one of India’s leading adhesive can take advantage of Jowat’s selection of ad- manufacturers, Pidilite is now re- hesives as a logical extension of its own range sponsible for distributing the Jowat in terms of technological progress. range across the subcontinent. The two companies share similar values As Jowat Managing Director, Klaus Kullmann, and objectives, which is the perfect puts it, “by sharing many of the same objec- foundation for Jowat as it seeks to tives and strategic alignment concepts, we are gain a foothold on the rapidly grow- in an excellent position to serve future cus- ing Indian market. tomer needs for quality products in all growth markets where custom-made adhesives are Anyone looking for adhesive in India is sure required.” Bharat Puri, Managing Director of to come across the name Fevicol time and »By sharing many of the same Pidilite Industries Limited, also sees huge again. This traditional brand is ubiquitous in ideas, we are in an excellent advantages in the new partnership: “This its home country – so much so, in fact, that the co operation is perfectly in line with our name has become a widely used synonym for position to serve future customer aspiration to continuously improve our adhesive in general thanks to its popularity needs in all growth markets.« market position, which is already strong, within the adhesive market. Pidilite is India’s Klaus Kullmann, especially in the fi eld of adhesives.” largest manufacturer of adhesives and sealants Managing Director Sales & Marketing and its target markets include the wood, furni- In addition to their sales partnership, both ture, packaging, automotive, textile and handi- companies are also involved in a technical co- craft industries. In fact, Pidilite products can operation in the area of hot melt adhesives. be found in virtually every household in India. peting with each other within the Indian The increasingly popular product range of market, Jowat and Pidilite have joined forces thermoplastic hot melts is in high demand The Group’s range has recently further ex- as equal partners. By working together, the in a variety of diff erent applications, such panded, with the exclusive rights to market two companies see excellent opportunities as in modular furniture production, and is Jowat products in India as well as in the for growth within their target segments, not set to be expanded further. Jowat is look- neighbouring countries of Nepal, Sri Lanka least because their respective strengths can ing forward to this and other joint projects and Bangladesh. This cooperation is part of be combined to maximum eff ect. Jowat can and has a positive outlook on its market Jowat’s triad strategy, which has seen consist- count on a company that is well established prospects in India. So all that’s left to say is ent growth across its sites in Europe, America and respected in its home country, to market अच्छे सहयोग पर “Here’s to a successful and Asia over the years. But instead of com- its already successful brands, while Pidilite cooperation!”

17 RESEARCH – PALMWOODNET

Remnants with potential

Palm oil is one of the most sought-after natural products of our time. Oil production aside, however, the industry has only seen little value in palm trees, which results in them being destroyed once they stop producing fruit. Under the leadership of Jowat, the PalmwoodNet expert network is now looking to change this approach and create greater awareness for palm trees as a potential and sustainable source of wood.

From hazelnut spread to shower gel and even processing. The answers to these obstacles so veloping eff icient processes, adhesives, tools washing powder, the oil extracted from the far have included leaving the trunks to rot, and machines that are designed to handle fruit of palm trees can be found in so many of chopping them down, or even burning them. the structural properties of this material. For the products we use on a daily basis. Countries Each of these methods releases vast quantities Jowat, the focus here is on the optimum bond- such as Malaysia have long since discovered of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and ing of the wood – for example, for veneer top palm oil exports as a crucial economic sector also pollutes the environment. layers and multilayer boards. and cultivate this coveted raw material over large areas. Down with disposal The project targets wood processing companies that could discover the benefi ts of this But you can’t make an omelette without break- The Palmwood R+D company has been ex- abundant raw material through the use appro- ing eggs, and the eggs in this case are entire ploring the potential uses of palm wood for priate machines and tools and implement this plantations that are cut down and replant- quite some time and has come up with a technology. After all, palm wood has a number ed when they lose their yields after a useful support project to address the issue. This is of advantages. It is light, but also solid. Labora- life of around 25 years. This results in around how PalmwoodNet came into being in 2016 tory tests have also certifi ed the wood as hav- 80 to 100 million trees being cut down every out of a partnership with Jowat, Leitz, Minda ing excellent fi re protection properties. These year, as hardly any value has been realised and Möhringer. As part of this initiative, the fi ndings shed a diff erent light on a material from them to date. One of the reasons for German companies work under the leader- that has previously been met with scepticism – this is the varying wood hardness and densi- ship of Jowat to act as network spokespeople and it should soon become an attractive ma- ty within the trunk as well as a high silicate on visits to various establishments. These in- terial and meet the growing demand for wood content, which makes it almost impossible to clude plantations, universities, government in Asia. As the wood that has been used to date process with conventional tools. What’s more, agencies, research institutions, certifi cation in this region will one day be unable to satisfy the high water and sugar content of the wood bodies, machinery manufacturers and compa- the demand of the construction and furniture in the prevailing tropical climate promotes nies within the wood industry across several industry there. In the medium term, however, fungal infestations, which in turn necessi- European countries and in Asia – particularly plans are in place to market this material and tates a fl exible transport chain with regional Malaysia and Thailand. It is working on de- the products made from it on a global scale.

18 This develoPPP.de project was co-financed by the German Investment and Development Association using public funds from the Federal Ministry for economic cooperation and development.

Representatives of the cooperation partners from Germany and Malaysia. Dr Hartmut Henneken (front, second from right) is actively involved in the initiative on behalf of Jowat.

Interested parties were able to admire the latest. He estimates that more than a quarter initial results at the LIGNA trade fair in 2017: of the accruing palm trunks will be used as a in addition to panels with veneer top layers »We have all construction material within ten years. made from other wood types, the presentation also included plywood and multilayer panels the process steps The expected yields from the deforestation of various constructions in the full range of of the disused plantations are marginal com- density classes afforded by palm tree trunks. under control.« pared to the yield of the oil crop over a lifetime, The PalmwoodNet partners now cover the en- Dr Hartmut Henneken, which means no new plantation facilities will tire value chain with all of the steps required Head of Research Services be planned specifically for wood production. to process palm wood. “We have developed Consistent use of the palm wood will even re- the technology within our network and now lieve strain on the tropical forests in the long have all of the process steps under control. The term as far as existing regional wood sources systems are complete and ready to use,” ex- Huge plans for Asia are concerned. Together with the Roundtable plains Dr Hartmut Henneken proudly as Head on Sustainable Palm Oil and other local of Research Services at Jowat. This means that PalmwoodNet is currently in contact with organisations, PalmwoodNet is planning a interested companies and investors can now several companies in South East Asia who certification for oil palm wood sourced from be offered fully-developed comprehensive so are developing an interest in the material responsibly cultivated plantations. After all, lutions. PalmwoodNet is keen to demonstrate use of oil palm trunks. According to Prof. Dr sustainability is the most important factor for just how suitable this wood is for furniture Arno Frühwald (Palmwood R+D), industrially everyone involved in jointly creating a materi- and door production, as well as for the wider produced palm wood products are to be in- al for the future. construction industry. troduced to the Asian market by 2020 at the

19 APPLICATION – 3D FRONT PRODUCTION

Typical for country-style furniture are the delicately designed 3D fronts.

But there are a huge number of stumbling blocks that must be avoided in the manu- A true classic facturing process. This includes proper stor- ing and preparation of the substrate, correct application of all the manufacturing factors such as adhesive application quan- that keeps its hold tity, suff icient drying, optimum press pa- rameters and, not least, quality control to In decades past, it was ubiquitous. Now it’s much rarer: country-style ensure that the fi nished products match their furniture. Its three-dimensional design is iconic of this style of kitchens performance requirements. Jowat and its part- and cabinet building – something that can also be seen in other styles ners are constantly working to simplify the 3D today. Jowat is strongly committed to optimising the lamination process cladding process. for these delicate surfaces – using high-quality products and complete information. 20 years ago, Jowat revolutionised 3D furniture lamination by developing one-compo- Whether it’s the wall unit from grand mother’s nent polyurethane dispersions. The dispersion living room or the kitchen in your parents’ is already mixed with the crosslinking agent house, three-dimensional fronts were all the and ready to use. Compared with alternative standard in furniture manufacture until just products made of two components, this al- a few years ago. Today, this country-house lows processors to save a great deal of time style is becoming rarer, but 3D fronts are no and means they no longer need to take pot less fascinating – it’s just that they now follow life into account. Even dosing and stirring new trends. mistakes when mixing are now a thing of the past. One-component adhesives are now Many designs and colours are available with- used for most laminating purposes. The lateral out any diff erence in price and quality since edges and three-dimensionally milled areas most of these items of furniture are built are sprayed with the dispersions twice. The using medium-density fi breboard (MDF). surface is coated with the fi rst layer to even They are clad in PVC or other thermoplas- out the board’s fi ne pores and fi bres on the 3D fronts are available in a number of tic laminate layers so their design matches cut edges and milled areas because the dis- diff erent furniture styles. the customer’s specifi cations. The quali- persions tend to penetrate in those places. ty and lamination on three-dimensional After a short drying period, another coating surfaces can be improved signifi cantly by is added to this layer. The adhesive amount choosing the right adhesive and laminates. is increased in joints and ornamental three-

20 »3D fronts are undergoing a renaissance.«

CEO Heiner Wemhöner values the high quality of three-dimensional fronts.

WORKING TOGETHER – THE FUN WAY

Laminating 3D fronts is an How important is this collaboration dimensional surfaces for an even result. Flex- essential area for Wemhöner with Jowat to you? ible vacuum and membrane presses ensure Surface Technologies. CEO Heiner a reliable lamination of the fi lm on the MDF Wemhöner and Head of Marketing HW: It is a close business relationship. We boards. The adhesive is optimally reactivated Detlef Hanel talked about current are in constant contact with our partners so during the coating process. trends in furniture and expanding we can continue to develop. This applies to the business to Asia. new requests for machinery, the adhesive Jowat continues to further develop its industry as well as the lamination material. Jowapur® dispersion adhesives, which have What does your company’s We meet at trade fairs or when we’re working become a key component in furniture range of services look like? with customers, but we are also engaged in a manufacture. A few years ago, the product continuous dialogue. range was expanded to include the latest Heiner Wemhöner: We provide machin- one-component polyurethane dispersion: ery for fi nishing the surfaces of wood- DH: We particularly value our proximity. Jowapur® 150.93 can be applied as a particu- based mate rials. The core of our business Jowat recently immediately sprung into larly fi ne mist and can be used at lower tem- is in the wood-based materials industry, action with a last-minute delivery of ad- peratures than with comparable products, in which particleboards and MDF are fi n- hesives – the quantity we needed was there making it especially interesting for treating ished with melamine fi lms, then using 3D just the next day. They really saved the day high-gloss panels. Numerous users have technology to laminate furniture fronts and for the test series on our membrane press for made the switch to this new formulation automotive parts. a customer. It’s really fun when we can work since its market launch. together to fi nd a solution so quickly. Is 3D coating becoming less common? But even the best products need to be handled What role does China play for responsibly. During processing for example, HW: There are always new trends. People Wemhöner? the ambient temperature and humidity are currently prefer modern fronts that look like key factors in whether the lamination will storage doors made of particle board with HW: China is the largest furniture market in work as promised. Because of this, the German edgebands. In a high-volume business, price the world and will remain so for a long time Adhesives Association (Industrieverband also plays a role. But that, too, will change. to come! Prosperity is increasing among the Klebstoff e e.V.) has teamed up with manu- The classic 3D front hasn’t gone anywhere. people there, and they can now aff ord more facturers such as Jowat and Wemhöner (see quality products. If you want to work in the interview) to develop the “3D Front Production Detlef Hanel: The quality of 3D furniture Chinese market, you need to be there your- Quality Guide”, which provides information components is everything. Just like Jowat, self. We founded a subsidiary there in 2005. on how to properly handle foils, adhesives we are part of the 3D Initiative Committee, Our 3D business there is a key part of the and panels. In addition, Jowat also provides where the industry and associations can get furniture industry, and that will continue individual advice on all aspects of the lamina- information about the right way to go about for a while yet. tion process to its customers. 3D coating.

21 IN THE DEVELOPMENT LAB

The secret behind our formulations

All adhesives are not alike! No one knows that better than the experts working in Jowat’s labs. That is why there is such a broad range of products to cover as many applications as possible. Jowat provides an exclusive look at a typical day in its in-house development lab – where potential new products are born.

At Jowat, Dr Christian Schmidt (left) and Dr Felix Starck turn customers’ needs and ideas into action.

22 All Jowat products are born in the production sites’ development labs.

Gluing is a joining method with a long tradi- Dr Felix Starck’s focus is hot melt adhesives tion: 200,000 years ago, tools and weapons for the wood and furniture industry, in partic - were glued together with birch pitch. Today u lar for edgebanding and profi le wrapping The secret behind even the smallest of children enjoy using craft applications. glue and similar products on their art projects. But not many people actually know exactly From idea to adhesive how that works and what gives the adhesive its sticky properties. Those who are familiar How do new Jowat products come about? with how gluing works, however, also under- Developers have a feel for trends and upcom- our formulations stand why there is no universal solution for all ing changes in the market. “You know what’s applications. Every single combination of sur- currently being glued and what laws are in face material, environmental conditions and place,” is how Dr Christian Schmidt sums it intended use requires tailor-made products. up. New statutory provisions concerning ingredients or specifi c customer needs can serve All told, more than 30 people work on these in- as a motivation. Projects fi rst start out with dividual solutions – that often go on to become a development request, decided upon by the standard applications – in the Research and Board of Directors, Application Technology, Development department and the adjoining Product Management and other relevant labs in Detmold. New products are developed departments. Employees in Research & here based on customer requests, new scien- Development are also free to research into tifi c fi ndings and innovative raw materials. their own projects. Some current research Dr Christian Schmidt has been working for issues of particular relevance include Jowat since 2011. He is responsible for dis- renewable raw materials and recyclable persions in the paper and packaging division. bonding solutions.

23 IN THE DEVELOPMENT LAB

Without technical support, 300 to 400 attempts would be needed to find the ideal mixture.

Project work is focused on practical applica- statistical test planning (known as the de- tions right from the start: developers meet sign of experiments), various input sizes for with customers to produce a clear picture of each ingredient are set and other measurable how the product will later be used. “If you’ve criteria, such as viscosity and heat resistance, seen the application, you know the subtleties are specified. The software uses these approx- of what’s involved,” said Dr Felix Starck. This imations to determine the range of dosages allows developers to better take the local con- for testing that will ultimately reach the best ditions into account. possible result – saving employees a great deal of time.

Using the impressions they gain from site visits and from customers’ specifications, the In spite of the many advantages this soft- lab then gets to work. There is no such thing ware provides, it is no substitute for human as a typical process. In many cases, existing employees. Because it is based on a single products are developed further to meet new algorithm, it does not test the logic of the requirements. However, completely new de- formulations. In practice, this means that velopments with new raw materials, some- it will also suggest combinations that sim- times developed exclusively in cooperation ply cannot be implemented. Lab employees Understand with raw materials suppliers, are also part with the right specialist skills are capable of Our developers get an idea of the of the lab’s day-to-day work. In all cases, the quickly identifying these “one-way streets” planned deployment of the ad many years of experience of the colleagues in and excluding them from the outset. Com- hesive and machinery being used. the development department is indispens puters and humans complement each other able. The complex interaction between various this way. To reach their goal more quickly, Bond raw materials means trial and error also plays the dispersion team uses a lab robot called The first time a bonding solution a major role, with development employees in- the “Disperlotte”. The robot carries out new is used, Jowat experts are there by creasing their wealth of knowledge with each formulation attempts virtually automatically. our customers’ side with advice and attempt. Testing primarily involves seeing The formulations produced must then under- assistance. how raw materials components interact with go further testing by lab employees. Several one another and which macroscopic effects hundred lab attempts are sometimes needed Perform these interactions produce. For formulations to find adhesive formulations that meet the Jowat also goes above and beyond with an average of ten ingredients, even the set requirements. that, and advises customers on different dosages of any single component any questions they may have re- can significantly change the properties of the Creative product developers are then need- garding adhesives. mixture. To reduce the number of practical ed to separate the wheat from the chaff. The lab tests, software has recently been put to process conditions under which the custom- work in the lab. Following the principle of er will be working must then be recreated in

24 A planned industrial application creatively adjusted by hand in the lab. a small lab. A complex fi eld of application know-how and experience with applications, needs to be expressed simply – which gener- facilitates solutions to be worked out for the ates an exciting experiment! customers.

If the product then meets Jowat’s quality Success, even without a breakthrough standards, it is approved. Application specialists and developers jointly provide custom- If a project does not result in a new product, ers with support when they fi rst use the new the knowledge gained is still valuable. It will product on their systems. But the product de- be used in projects later on down the line. It velopers’ job is still not done, even after the may be that the ideas involved can be devel- product has successfully been launched: as oped later on when the state of knowledge they are responsible for the product through- has changed or other ingredients have come out the entire life cycle of the adhesive. This on the market. It may also be the case that a includes working with the process engineers project reveals fi ndings that may be interest- to optimise production and ensuring supply ing for another division or application. That availability by qualifying alternative raw is why the product developers in the diff er- materials. They then continue to monitor, ent divisions keep in constant contact with test and optimise with a focus on customer one another – everyone benefi ts from shared satisfaction. expertise. Ideas and fi ndings are also ex- changed externally: other labs are located in Customer focus is a key part of the day-to-day Switzerland, the US and Malaysia. They work, even after a successful product launch. work in similar structures, but sometimes More on Jowat’s extensive services In case of any problems, product developers use local raw materials. Products are mod- is available at: work with application specialists at the cus- ifi ed to suit local market requirements or tomer’s plant to get an impression of the sit- they are completely redeveloped for specifi c www.jowat.services uation. Their expertise, based on formulation technologies.

25 FLEET Service on Tour When Jowat products leave the com- as part of its distribution logistics division. shipment is first reviewed to see whether pany’s headquarters in Detmold, they Jörn Peters, who has worked as a dispatcher we can transport it ourselves. “After all, we’re travel using the company’s own fleet at the Detmold site for more than 20 years, is flexible and our lead times are short,” said in almost half of all cases – a tendency proud of the eleven long-distance trucks and Peters. This allows Jowat to accommodate that is increasing. After all, the quali- trailers, tailored to the company’s needs, that its customers, for example by increasing ty, reliability and flexibility this trans- are currently in its fleet. “Equipping our fleet the quantity at the last minute or agreeing port provides is well received. means we can guarantee the delivery of ma- different delivery dates if the capacity and terials as contractually agreed, for example route involved permit it. Jörn Peters at Jowat often receives a call in by using temperature-controlled trailers for the afternoon from a customer wanting to add items that are sensitive to low temperatures.” Another major plus is the 15 drivers and additional items to their order due for delivery two dispatchers who work for the company. tomorrow. No problem for this dispatcher and Sustainably effective transport “We feel connected to the enterprise and his team. The truck’s route and load are quick- its products,” Peters pointed out. This is ly adjusted, and the extra goods requested ar- And the fleet doesn’t fall short when it comes evident in the careful way goods are han- rive at their destination as requested the next to environmental concerns, either. All ve- dled, for example. The rate of damage is day, along with the customer’s usual order. hicles always conform to the latest model negligible. This spontaneity is made possible by the com and environmental standards. They are re- pany’s own fleet of vehicles, which Jowat runs placed every four years at the latest. Every

Jowat driver Frank Wellig is proud of the modern vehicles and the positive feedback received from customers.

26 PRODUCT NEWS

News from the world of adhesives

Whether it’s the market or environmental guidelines that are changing, the world of adhesives is by no means ever attached to the status quo. Quite the opposite, in fact. Jowat is always forging new paths in product development, and regularly presenting its findings at trade fairs worldwide.

JOWAT GOES IWF SECURE COATING WELL PACKED FOR TRAVEL

Jowat showcased itself at this year’s IWF Growing competitive pressure and an When furniture has to travel, robust packag- trade fair in Atlanta with a new look and increased focus on environmental regu- ing is needed so these often expensive pieces patented new granulated polyurethane hot lations for food packaging are posing new are not damaged. Jowat-Toptherm® 850.00 melt adhesives. This enabled the enterprise challenges to the finishing industry – ensures that packaged furniture reaches its to score major points with customers and including printed sheet coating. Jowat is destination intact. exhibitors in Atlanta. responding with a new product portfolio to meet these requirements. Furniture often has to cross entire oceans be- Under the “Jowat unites” principle, the ad fore it can take its place in people’s homes. hesive specialist presented its products at the Jowat’s solution for the current market trends Long journeys and travel in containers bring International Woodworking Fair in the United and legal requirements for food packaging in- major challenges to cardboard packaging. States. As the name of the trade fair suggests, cludes three new products. Not only do these Whether faced with huge temperature fluc- wood-based materials were at the heart of the dispersion adhesives meet the EU directives tuations or bumping up against other items, event. The majority of exhibitors stemmed on food, they also optimise production pro- the packaging adhesive simply must hold. This from the wood and furniture industries. cesses for users. Using the newly-developed is where Jowat-Toptherm® 850.00 comes in, Jowat already had something very special for products means customers no longer need providing these boxes with the protective fac- this group of customers up its sleeve: its poly to switch adhesives during the production tor they need: this innovative PO hot melt has urethane granulate, which is now available process, which reduces the effort required for impressive heat resistance and a high cohe- on the US market. In fact, Jowat’s patented cleaning and saves time and money. Even if sion. This allows each product to withstand new product has filled a gap in the market. customers do end up needing to switch, the even the longest journey undamaged. The granulate meets customers’ needs and is process remains secure in terms of contact particularly user-friendly. with food – a real first.

27 APPLICATION – END-OF-LINE

From start to End-of-Line

Hardly any other industry is as varied as the food and consumer goods industry. The standard range of many brands is constantly growing, with products coming and going or getting new packaging. The adhesive has to be as flexible as the manufacturer is. Good thing Jowat makes hot melt adhesives!

The average supermarket has around 10,000 Medications items in its aisles. Even the standard range has Starting in 2019, tamper-evident closures will The advantages of a huge selection of products, not to mention be required for prescription medication. In- Jowat-Toptherm® seasonal items and new innovations. All of this creased heat resistance of the adhesive can places individual demands on packaging – and, improve this tamper-proof protection. So in turn, the adhesives that bond it. With its Jowat’s specially-tailored adhesive solutions Cleaner processing and Jowat-Toptherm® and Jowatherm® hot offer extremely high heat resistance, thereby less stringing melts and exceptional service, Jowat is there contributing to successfully implementing the to help processors from start to finish – new regulations. High yield from first-class technical advisory and support to expert assistance in meeting statutory Baby food Excellent adhesion, even requirements. No other food is subject to such stringent on critical surfaces standards as food for infants and small chil- Their fast setting speed and initial strength dren. Jowat has decades of experience working Product available based on make our adhesives well suited to work with with international brand manufacturers and renewable raw materials extremely high cycle rates. The adhesive is can provide the expertise needed to meet even cut off cleanly at the nozzle, preventing soiled the strictest of requirements. Tested for use, including at very products and equipment, and reducing down- low (frozen food) and very high times due to cleaning to a minimum. These Tea (hot filling) temperatures hot melts also have a high yield – as you only Folding boxes used for packaging tea pose par- need a small amount for perfect adhesion. ticular challenges for adhesives. Essential oils Can be processed at low Selected Jowat products can meet all of a (such as bergamot) can damage the adhesive temperatures company’s needs for standard adhesives. But over longer periods of time. To meet this need, the hot melt range is particularly suitable for Jowat further developed its hot melts to with- challenging packaging. stand this by giving it additional resistance.

28 Frozen foods Goods are placed on ice almost immediately Perfect labelling contributes to the immac- after they are packaged: if the temperature ulate appearance of bottles, tins and other dips below -40° Celsius, the adhesive faces a containers. The adhesive must ensure that gruelling test. Jowat provides products specif- everything sits perfectly throughout the prod- ically tailored to this kind of use. They have a uct’s service life – even if the bottle and label certain degree of fl exibility under cold temper- size may change, for example on carbonated atures and reliably keep the packaging sealed. drinks. Thin paper poses yet another challenge as none of the adhesive components should Chocolate penetrate the material and damage the brand Hardly any other food changes consistency, appearance. smell, look and taste as quickly as chocolate does. To prevent any adverse eff ects on this de- Recycled packaging licious treat, the choice of adhesive used is cru- Despite its contribution to conserving re- cial. The use of particularly clean, high-quality sources, packaging made from recycled paper raw materials and extensive organoleptic test- still faces criticism due to the migration of ing ensures these adhesives do not impact on mineral oil residues from the printing ink. A the purity of the chocolate’s taste. They are also barrier coating prevents migration into food, processed at lower temperatures than other but this has to be bonded diff erently com- comparable hot melts – this is more gentle pared to untreated recycled cardboard. Jowat on the chocolate, and means energy is saved hot melts perfectly adhere to even the most in the adhesion process and the adhesive is challenging barrier layer. safer for processors. An individual process analysis carried out by Beverage cartons Jowat is well worth it in any case. We work For pure enjoyment: whether the contents with customers to develop an adhesive solu- of the carton come out through a screw cap tion tailored specifi cally to the product and its or a straw is a question of personal taste and packaging – as a “service that unites”. A per- consumer behaviour. In both cases, how- sonal Jowat contact person is happy to help ever, the adhesive has to prove reliable when with any further issues. faced with high strain during transport and storage, but also has to be easily removable when needed. Specially developed adhesive products such as Jowat’s CAP series are specially tailored to these requirements.

Labels They provide information, convey brand mes- saging and also serve a decorative purpose. www.packaging.jowat.com

29 BUILDING WITH CUSTOMERS

The wooden milestone After intensive planning, the House of Technology is ﬁ nally opening its doors. Not only does it constitute the future workplace of some Jowat employees, it also provides a worthy framework for the very ﬁ rst special event to be held here – the 2018 Jowat Symposium and the Jowat Adhesive Research Award ceremony.

The best view is from Jowat’s Detmold head- This attractively designed innovation and quarters. Also built on Ernst-Hilker-Strasse, application centre that focuses on all things the new House of Technology has an impos- adhesive has an exciting background story. As THE HOUSE ing presence. When the evening sun hits the anyone who takes a closer look at the House of glass façade, the building becomes a work of Technology and its structure will quickly re- OF art in its own right. The longer you look at alise that this is no ordinary building project. it, the more the architectural fi nesse of this The choice to use a glued laminated timber TECHNOLOGY glued laminated timber building becomes design raises completely diff erent questions apparent: its generous glazing, delicate di- from traditional building projects. Could a agonal and seemingly random struts. The building where wood serves as the bearing ma- House of Technology is, in fact, a work of art terial meet all the applicable requirements? that everyone involved in the project can tru- Adhesion – on a large scale for this kind of ly take pride in – especially long-time Jowat woodwork – is part of Jowat’s core expertise, employee and authorised signatory Armin and the House of Technology was designed Erb, who worked on the project as its Project to pay homage to this important industrial Manager. sector. This justifi es the selection of materials

30 Both architecturally and visually, the new House of Technology is truly special.

The House of Technology – facts and figures

The arrangement of the wooden columns is reminiscent of the adhesive filaments between two surfaces. 1 year of construction time was needed

16,000 m² site and the construction method that was the Technical Support and Analytics Service carried out here. Natural materials were used departments and would also be a meeting 2,500 m² building area; the in nearly every part of the construction, to give place for customers and business partners to structure measures 90 by 34 m the office spaces a specially atmospheric envi- discuss all things adhesive – a kind of show- ronment. Columns in the corners and window room for the Jowat company. But the building 800 m³ of wood was used, equiva- frames made of wood are more than merely is not short on research and production either. lent to the load of about 40 flat bed functional additions – they also serve as key Several laboratories, exhibition spaces and trailers decorative elements. training rooms are to be housed in the House

of Technology. Those interested in the theory 750 t of CO2 are stored in the wood An information and meeting place and practice behind working with adhesives, applicators and machinery can find out more 45 employees will work in the Even when announcing the project in autumn about various applications there, including House of Technology 2014, it became apparent that construction edgebanding, wrapping, and flat or 3D lami- of the House of Technology would be a mam nating. All of these processes are relevant to 200 parking spaces are available moth undertaking. It would serve as the future the manufacture of furniture parts and auto- for visitors and staff workplace for dozens of Jowat colleagues from motive interiors, for example.

31 BUILDING WITH CUSTOMERS

The decorative wooden struts were installed in the summer of 2018.

provides an exceptional view of each of the individual areas on the ground floor. Another component of the design is the “KlebBar”, a play on the German words for “adhesive” and “bar”: a café and bistro with an outdoor terrace area where guests and employees can enjoy breaks and meetings, also serving as a catering area for events. The Institute for Urban Woodwork (“Institut für urbanen Holzbau”) was tasked with A research and meeting point the planning, and the Ed. Züblin AG wood engineering construction firm was hired to In September 2017, after years of preparation, turn the drafts into reality, supervised by con- the long-awaited laying of the foundation struction manager Thomas Auer. In addition, stone was held. Board of Directors mem- Jowat sought specialist support for the build- bers Klaus Kullmann, Ralf Nitschke and Dr ing’s interior design from the Detmold-based Christian Terfloth placed a time capsule on OWL University of Applied Sciences School of the site – officially launching the construc- Architecture and Interior Design. Four Masters tion phase with this symbolic act. The shell students studying interior design submitted structure then grew by half a metre on aver- several designs for the interior together with age every day. When finished, the House of their professor, Ulrich Nether, and Research Technology will be 2/3 two-tiered, occupying Associate Ricarda Jacobi – and one of those an area of 2,500 square metres. Numerous designs was finally selected for the interior exhibits will be housed in 250 square metres Armin Erb (left) from Jowat and construction manager of the building. at the front of the building to show visitors Thomas Auer work together on the project. what kind of work Jowat does on a daily basis Jowat wanted the building to reflect its focus and familiarise them with the world of ad on customers, and this was a cornerstone of hesives. Two machine halls, measuring 200 the students’ brief. Consequently any visitors and 500 square metres, will be used in future for who enter are led into the space along the re- testing, training and demonstrations. Among ception counter, bringing them right to the other things, this will house equipment for heart of things as soon as they arrive. A sculp- coating bottles, edgebanding and profile wrap- tural wooden staircase leads from the recep- ping, thermoforming automotive interiors, tion area to the upper floor. A circular gallery coating textile materials as well as packaging

32 Completion in time for the company’s birthday in 2019.

The House of Technology is located directly across from the company’s headquarters in Detmold.

and bookbinding – covering Jowat’s entire fi nished by the company’s 100th anniversary range of services. According to the Züblin com- at the latest – when the building will off icially pany, the 15-metre wide timber/concrete com- be opened with a festive ceremony. posite slabs are the only ones of their kind in Germany. During the symposium, Armin Erb, who has been working for Jowat for almost 40 years, The lecture hall will be the perfect venue when will share his experience with the invited exclusive events like the Jowat Symposium guests. He will off er them insights into the and the Jowat Adhesive Research Award historic changes in adhesive technology. With ceremony are held. The hall has space for its glued laminated timber construction, the an audience of 200. Comfortable seating in House of Technology itself will no doubt fea- Jowat’s classic red gives the hall an agreeable ture in his presentation. character.

The future is made of wood Armin Erb Project Manager, Authorised Signatory The House of Technology will punctually open its doors for the Jowat Symposium in October 2018. Attendees to the event will be among Armin Erb has been working for Jowat the fi rst to be welcomed into the new meeting for nearly 40 years and even serves as centre. The symposium and the Jowat Adhesive an authorised signatory. Heading the Research Award ceremony in November are project is a particularly exciting project just two of many special events planned to for him as he prepares to retire from a be held in the new building. The move and fulfi lling career. all construction work are scheduled to be

33 RESEARCH – WOOD IN VEHICLES

Development of the use of wood in automotive construction is on the rise, but still in its infancy.

Lighter is more

Lightweight construction is increasingly deployed in many technology sectors. In the automotive industry in particular, weight reduction reduces fuel consumption and minimises pollutant emissions. As a lightweight material, wood is increasingly gaining focus, and Jowat is involved in several projects for researching the suitability of wood for use in vehicles.

When you think of materials used in auto- stability is needed, thin, reinforcing sheets or stores CO2, which gives these components a

motive construction, you don’t generally think wovens can be incorporated as well. Adhesives net positive CO2 balance. So there are many of wood. Yes, it is often used as a decorative represent the most rational binding method good reasons to focus more on wood. element in vehicle interiors, but not for struc- for both component manufacture as well as tural components. The key question here is, joining parts to other vehicle components. There are also challenges involved, of course, “Can a component made of wood deliver the Yet the comparatively low density of wood such as the shelf-life of wood and the currently same performance as a conventionally man- is not its only advantage: it is a natural, re- limited space available for the material in the ufactured element?” newable material with good availability, and vehicle. Scientists and researchers are now de- the processing technology needed is already veloping new models that can simulate wood’s As a lightweight construction material, wood’s well-established in the timber and furniture crash behaviour. The idea of replacing more low density and attractive weight-to-stability industry. Compared to steel and typical light- and more components with wood in future ratio make it well suited to this purpose. The weight construction alternatives, manufactur- will soon become reality. anisotropy of wood can be counteracted using ing and processing wood is signifi cantly more multi-layer construction methods. If greater eff icient in terms of cost and energy. Wood also

34 BUILT TO LAST – THE JOWAT COLUMN

Who’s hot,

B m

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l i l t o c t who’s not? o t a You never get a second chance to make a fi rst impression. Just about every- la s ow one knows that. If the look isn’t right, the chances of being torn open are t – the J poor – at least where products and their packaging are concerned. The right adhesives ensure an attractive appearance, making them the perfect partner for successfully marketing products.

They’ve got all dressed up and are making the So before their products’ fi rst fl irtatious Jowat-Toptherm® product series off ers the consumers in the supermarket truly spoilt moment, manufacturers should bear the perfect solution for any occasion so everything for choice. Whether it’s cereal, frozen pizza or follow ing in mind: a product will only ever can stay where it belongs. tempting chocolate – products with the most be bought and opened if its packaging really striking appearance attract the most custom- attracts its customers. To do this it’s best for Whichever packaging is in need of a lift, experts ers. Which ones will consumers end up taking companies to choose the right adhesives.They such as Jowat product developer Dr Carola home? The fl irting begins, but no one is inter- are the be all and end all to ensure that folding Haider use their love of detail to ensure the ested in “what’s on the inside” if the packag- boxes always keep a good fi gure. And, because fi nal packaging stays in place and confi dently ing doesn’t show what the product is really every fi gure is diff erent, packaging needs dif- and convincingly displays its product. Then all about. “Fresh, crunchy veggies,” whispered ferent adhesives for a “taut skin” and perfect the fl irting with the product and the packag- on a wrinkly, sunken packet? An unfl attering posture. ing can begin. show. It’s almost as if the body language of the packaging reveals that the promises the Some like it hot – in low-cut shelf-ready dis- product makes could only be lip service. Who plays for example. For the perfect push-up is happy to be fooled by that? At the end of the eff ect, Jowat-Toptherm® PO hot melts are day, the product gets the brush-off and stays exact ly the right choice. Other paper dressings on the shelf. pose diff erent challenges to adhesives. The

Jowat product development has done all the work. It has become prettier than the others. And one thing is clear: no special off ers are required to rescue this packaging. As who could resist such a thing of beauty?

35 2019 is set to sparkle ...

Jowat SE Ernst-Hilker-Strasse 10 –14 32758 Detmold, Germany Telephone: +49 (0) 5231 749-0 www.jowat.com · [email protected]