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Issue 3/2002

“I like the motivation and enthusiasm of the ENSINGER employees“

Dr. Roland Reber is the new Managing Director at ENSINGER In this issue: and Dr. Roland Reber now manage Reber contributes business experi- the subject of technical plastics. Page 2 the business of ENSINGER GmbH ence. He worked for the Boston Con- “I am convinced that, in all com- Editorial jointly. Reber is in charge of oper- sulting Group in Zürich for three panies, one of the most important ENSINGER introduces CATIVA V5 ations and strategic direction of the years, and it is in this capacity that prerequisites for success is the quali- VESPEL® CR Semi-finished Products Group. In he knows ENSINGER GmbH, where ty and motivation of the employees,“ addition, he is responsible for the EN- he was active on two projects. “The says Reber. That is why it is so impor- SINGER Group’s steering concept, duties of a strategic business consul- tant to have an environment in which Page 3 which is based on uniform strategic tant are many and varied,” the new all the employees can make a signifi- ENSINGER football team in and financial aspects. These include, Managing Director explains. Impor- cant contribution, and where it is England for example, strategic planning pro- tant aspects are, for example, busi- possible to talk openly about any Competition solution cesses, or international control. ness analyses and project manage- subject. And his leisure activities? Works Council Elections 2002 Reber, 33, was born in Basle, Swit- ment, but also the recruitment of Cycling, squash, sailing and cooking zerland. He studied material techno- new employees, or transfer of know- are among his favourites. “I am look- Page logy at the ETH Zürich and the EPF ledge within the company. Asked ing forward very much to working 4 A hearty welcome Lausanne, and wrote his doctorate why he decided on ENSINGER, he together with the ENSINGER em- Anniversarys Dr. Roland Reber thesis on the topic of “Woven Fabric cited the high motivation and the ployees, and to my new duties,“ the Instructors and teachers at Reinforced Compound Materials in enthusiasm of the ENSINGER em- new Managing Director summed up. ENSINGER GmbH Since the 3rd of June, there are “two Carbon Fibre/PEEK and Glass Fib- ployees, the attractive size, the And we wish him the best of luck The same procedure as every captains of the ship”; Klaus Ensinger re/PET“. As a business consultant, growth of the company, and not least in doing so! year What does he do? ENSINGER expands Asians activities Page 5 Representative agency opened in Shanghai The impulse Interview 100 percent testing at ENSINGER GmbH now has a pre- tinuously. More and more semi- investors. And all the data indicates products and services from roughly ENSINGER sence in China. The representative finished and finished parts are that China is still on the “sunny side 500 exhibitors from more than 20 The paint must go! agency in Shanghai opened on May needed, he continues. And although of the economy”. China’s imports countries. Not only China, but also 15. With branch offices in Japan and the Chinese plastics processors have and exports are growing steadily, the USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Singapore, China is now ENSIN- caught up dramatically, their techno- with a total of US$ 509 billion last UK, Austria and Korea have their own Page 6 GER’s third pillar in the Asia region. logies still lag far behind those of the year. The gross domestic product pavilions. ENSINGER UK “We have opened a representative western industrial nations. According averaged 8.3 percent over the last The Wilfried Ensinger Prize agency in Shanghai because there is to the Marketing and Sales Manager, five years. ENSINGER do Brazil is certified a great potential for engineering many of the international companies The representative agency in Lothar Meyer new manager of plastics in China“, says Martin Baras, that are investing in China also rely Shanghai is intended to market the Building Products division Marketing and Sales Manager at on high-quality plastics. ENSINGER’S products and services Comic ENSINGER GmbH. The demand for More than 1500 German companies in China, establish business relations, engineering plastics for high-tech are present in China, either with and build up a sales network. Man- products in China is growing con- representative agencies or as capital ager of the representative agency is Dong Ruxun. Ruxun studied Busi- ness Administration for two years at ENSINGER supports school the Steinbeis College in Berlin and Stuttgart. Ruxun did several periods project in Nigeria of practical work at ENSINGER, where he got to know all depart- Father Mmagu visits Nufringen ments – from production to adminis- tration. Ruxun will also represent “Robbing children of their childhood too, supports the school project in ENSINGER with a stand at China’s means systematically destroying a Nigeria financially. At the beginning biggest international plastics fair – whole society.” These are the words of April, the Priest visited Martha Chinaplas 2002, which takes place of Dr. Ndubueze Fabian Mmagu, and Wilfried Ensinger in Nufringen to from the 25th to the 29th of June in M.A. The Roman Catholic priest from bring them up to date on his project. Shanghai. The exhibition area of The Nanzheng building in Shanghai. Location Nigeria, whose parish is Großpeters- Mmagu said that the most important 36,000 square metres will display of ENSINGER’s representative office dorf in Austria, is the initiator of a things for him are above all the school project in Nigeria. The aim is to long-term care of the school project, improve the prospects of children and international cooperation with and young people through education. other schools and teachers. “We Little Lateral Thinker Because, in the most populous want it to be a school with practical country in Africa, the illiteracy rate is perspectives for the future,” says the comic strip alarmingly high – almost 28 percent priest. For a better childhood and a of men and more than 44 percent of better life. Symbol of ENSINGER’s philosophy women can neither read nor write. One of the reasons for this is without How do you get a central message needed, too. There is no other way to doubt the fact that many children in across concisely, clearly and humo- achieve innovative results, which in Nigeria are unable to start school, or rously? In a comic strip, of course! turn is the only way to attain the are forced to drop out of school, That’s why every issue of impulse optimum for the customer. And pre- because of financial need. Addition- from now on will have a comic strip cisely that is the theme of the comic ally, many young people leave featuring the Little Lateral Thinker. strips. The brief scenarios have to do school without taking leaving exams, The figure of the Little Lateral Thinker with the Little Lateral Thinker (alias in order to make quick money. Their is a symbol of the ENSINGER phil- ENSINGER) succeeding again and chances of receiving further educa- osophy of ASK. THINK. SUCCEED., again in arriving at innovative solu- tion are then remote. The erection of and stands for the capability of tions through creative engineering the school in the village of Nimo is ENSINGER employees to think “un- competence. Creator of the Little La- financed for the most part by dona- conventionally“. Because technically teral Thinker is the well-known artist tions, cultural benefit events, and perfect solutions require not only Otmar Alt, who made the sculpture support from the Church and the optimal materials, suitable produc- out of 42 different ENSINGER plastic State Government of the Austrian Dr. Ndubueze Fabian Mmagu M.A. visited tion processes and sector knowled- parts. You’ll find the first comic strip province of Burgenland. ENSINGER, Martha and Wilfried Ensinger in Nufringen ge – a good portion of creativity is on Page 6, by the way! Editorial

Dear Reader, existing sales channels, which to convince the regionally active I would like to extend a hearty wel- purchased their products from do- technical trade to add technical come to my new partner in manage- It is interesting to ob- mestic competitors. But instead, he semi-finished products to their range ment, Dr. Roland Reber. You can read serve to what extent visited dealers and millers all over of products. They were to take care more about his professional back- whole sectors of indus- France to gain an understanding of of the low-level, regional distribution ground and his objectives at ENSIN- try depend on the achie- how the products could reach the of the product volume, and also to GER in this issue of impulse (Page 1 vements of individual end users, and how they could re- offer technical advice through and Page 5). Dr. Reber knows ENSIN- personalities, pioneers place existing materials or be com- specially hired and trained sales- GER from two projects as part of his in the truest sense of the pounded with them. He also investi- people.As a newcomer to the sector, work as a consultant. Many of our word. Our sector is no gated the expectations of the end he took a considerable risk against employees at that time got to know different from others in users and the retailers, who visited his established competitors. But he him as an active, creative personality. this respect. In the area the engineering offices, and what had done his maths, convinced peo- We are very pleased that he has of semi-finished pro- measures could be employed to ple, and won. In only a few years, he decided to join our company, and ducts, the real breakthrough was serve and grow the scattered, splin- had put his company in a position to wish him all the best on his way made in the ‘sixties by a sales man- tered market. He was soon convin- dominate the market, and was able with us. Together, we have made ager, Charles Trouvary.A charismatic, ced that the traditional marketing to increase the sales volume year several resolutions aimed at making energetic, optimistic character, channels for technical semi-finished after year. His approach proved ENSINGER even more powerful and Charles Trouvary had little experience products would not be adequate for exemplary, and is taken by many attractive for our customers and in the technical plastics sector. When further growth. They were unable to suppliers today. Business studies employees. he took over the marketing of a handle the low-volume delivery of experts would speak of a new competitor of ours, the then ERTA the products and the consultation “businessmodel.”We at ENSINGER With best regards, (Belgium), for France, he was excited that must necessarily accompany simply pay homage to a pioneer who, Yours at the task of making something out sales, in a cost-effective manner. with his courage, energy and imagin- of a product family that was scarcely So Charles Trouvary convinced his ation played a part in bringing known on the French market. The colleagues at headquarters to rely on growth and success to an entire obvious thing to do was to use the new partners, and took the trouble sector. Klaus Ensinger

ENSINGER introduces VESPEL® CR: the robust new 3D-CAD/CAM-Software high-performance plastic Optimised process chain with CATIA V5 with special engineering characteristics ENSINGER is introducing a new manager of the CATIA project, Bernd The CATIA V5 system will be used in 3D-CAD/CAM software package. Widmann. Another reason that he the entire ENSINGER process chain. ® The successor to the Matra EUCLID3 gives for the change of system is that This ranges from product develop- DuPont have extended the VESPEL system is the high end system CATIA the new CAD, compared to some ment through design of products and product line V5. “With the new system, we can other systems, is very well positio- tools and programming of machine work even faster and more efficiently ned for the future, with regard to tools to quality assurance. When the than before. Because of the opti- market penetration, system innova- time came to choose a suitable 3D- The possible applications of VESPEL® mised, end-to-end CAD/CAM pro- tion and further development. An im- CAD system for the company, the CR-6100 are extremely varied. This cess chain and the referencing of the portant point is data exchange. More project team carried out bench- high-performance plastic is suitable process parts to a common model, and more, customers are sending marks on five CAD systems. Impor- for all sectors in which products are future project run times can be re- CAD data instead of drawings as ear- tant criteria were customer require- subjected to a rugged, corrosive duced significantly. This benefit is felt ly as the enquiry phase. The only way ments, designtechnology require- environment, as found for example most directly in the case of simul- to ensure that all customer data can ments, protection of investment and in oil refineries, in the paper and taneous engineering. Any changes be read in and processed – a require- the cost-benefit ratio. When the chemical industries, with manufac- that may be necessary to the ment that ENSINGER will continue to choice had been made for CATIA V5, turers of pumps, valves and seals, or product, and thus to the tools, can make in future – is with a modern ENSINGER and its system partner even in material handling technology. be implemented more quickly and CAD system that is continually under TransCAT GmbH & Co. KG together The signal advantage of VESPEL® more simply than before,” says the further development. worked out the introduction project CR-6100 is its wide resistance REBECA (Reorganisation of Engi- to chemicals at pH values from 0.2 neering Brings ENSINGER to CATIA), to 14. specifically tailored to the company’s The material consists of Teflon® PFA needs with regard to type and scope with carbon fibres 6.35mm long of introduction, training and program compounded into it. The special modules. feature of VESPEL® CR-6100 is that CATIA is being introduced in the the carbon fibres are orientated in the injection moulding division and in the X-Y plane – the plastic is therefore Ball valve seat and thrust washer for gears ® technical development service very anisotropic. This gives it high made of VESPEL CR centre. The REBECA project, which stability under tension in this plane. is being run in two phases, should be When heavy pressure is exerted in completed by the end of the year. the Z plane, the plastic proves highly In the first phase, a selected group creep-resistant. In addition, it is im- (PEEK) or TECATRON (PPS) cannot of key users prepared for system pact resistant, tough, abrasion resis- be used because of the high tem- introduction at ENSINGER. This pilot tant with excellent sliding qualities, peratures or the chemical surround- group consists of three employees water repellent and resistant to ings. The high-performance plastic each from the injection moulding superheated steam. can even replace PTFE – for example, division and the technical develop- A further advantage of VESPEL® when the stability or stiffness of ment service centre. In the second CR-6100 is the capability of its matrix PTFE is not adequate. phase of the project, the system will to assimilate small foreign particles VESPEL® CR-6200 can be a high- be introduced for all future CATIA without diminishing its consistency. performance plastic of choice for users. Most of the design engi- This makes valve seatings, washers, whoever needs a material with more neers already work with CATIA – pumps, compressors, bearings, bu- isotropic characteristics for their the first tools to be designed shes, seals or axial bearing washers application. VESPEL® CR-6200 is not using the new CAD system have the typical areas of application for as stable or mechanically strong in already been built, and are running this high-performance plastic. VES- the X-Y direction, but has the same PEL® CR-6100 is also a good solution The Catia pilot group (left to right): Bernd Widmann, Konrad Wiederer, Peter Thaler, Torsten successfully in production at wide resistance to chemicals as ® Sodemann, Werner Stoll, Klaus Marquardt, Alexander Rissel ENSINGER. for applications in which TECAPEEK VESPEL CR-6100. ENSINGER football team in England Friendly game against VICTREX plc.

“Just great!“ was the unanimous verdict of the ENSINGER footballers on their recent visit to England. The reason for this long journey (20 hours in the bus) was an invitation from the VICTREX company. Their works foot- ball team had visited ENSINGER in Nufringen two years previously, so this was the English players’ return invitation. At the event, the “ ENSIN- GER Team“ were able to present their new tracksuits, sponsored by Mr. Baras and his Marketing Services department. Of course, the VICTREX company had more to offer the ENSINGER players than just football. After the official welcome on Friday evening, the first move on the Saturday morning was to Lancashire, where Full power from both sides. VICTREX beat ENSINGER 4:1

the VICTREX plc. headquarters are before adjourning to a nearby bow- the bus departed in the direction of located. After a tour of the plant came ling centre. Klaus Ensinger took this Manchester, where there was a tour the big match. And this, of course, opportunity to thank the VICTREX of the legendary Old Trafford stadium was not played on just any old sports company for the very good co- (home to Manchester United). And field; as befitted “great” players, it operation an the invitation. In the then on in the direction of home. was held in the Reebok Stadium. This evening, a visit to a French Bistro Again, many thanks to the VICTREX is the venue for the home games of followed, where there was more company for the invitation, and for an Bolton Wanderers (English Premier jollification after the meal. Next day unforgettable weekend. League). Although there were two employees of ENSINGER Ltd. help- ing out in the Nufringen team, VICTREX plc. still had a slight home advantage, and the result was a 4-1 defeat for the ENSINGER Team. Afterwards, the game was analysed Paul Syms (Commercial Director of VITREX over a cup of tea and a “man of the plc.) and Klaus Ensinger match“ elected from each team,

Competition Solution How good is your geography?

In our last issue, we were looking for difficult this time. The draw went in cosmopolitan customers and em- favour of Andreas Schmid (BA Stu- ployees with a good knowledge of dent, Mechanical Engineering), who geography. As always, the participa- can look forward to a meal voucher to tion was overwhelming, although the value of E 60,00 for the Hasen The ENSINGER football team in their new tracksuits the competition was particularly Hotel in Herrenberg.

For all of you who are interested in the solution, here are the answers: What is the capital city of Iceland? – Reykjavik Works Council Elections 2002 What country borders on Gabon, Zaire and Cameroon? – Congo On which island does the capital city of Indonesia lie? – Java Elections in Cham also What is the island to the south of India called? – Sri Lanka What is the name of the world-famous rock in the Australian desert? – Ayers Rock In mid May, a General Works Council What lake separates Bolivia from Peru? – Lake Titicaca was elected for the first time in the Of what country is Asunción the capital city? – Paraguay history of ENSINGER GmbH. This What river in China is also called the “Yellow River”? – Huang Ho year, our colleagues in Cham partici- What is the island to the south of Melbourne called? - Tasmania pated, too. 19 motivated employees To what archipelago do the islands of Ibiza and Formentera belong? – The Balearics stood for election (8 employees in Cham, 11 employees in Nufringen). The works Council consists of the following 11 persons: Norbert Reim (185 votes, CNC Turner, Cham), Franz Schönberger (184, Commercial Clerk, Cham), Michael Zwickl (183, CNC Miller, Cham), Ludwig Zwickel- bauer (182, Miller, Cham), Jochen Skarke (179, IT, Nufringen), Ilona Brodt (169 full-time Works Councillor, Nufringen), Angelika Stumpf (166, Commercial Clerk, Cham), Kirsten Löbig (163, Milling Mechanic, Cham), Markus Menacher (163, Tool Clea- ning, Cham), Stefan Raab (161, top: members of the works council from Metal-worker, Cham), Alexander Gall Cham (left to right): Markus Menacher, (146, Electrician, Nufringen). Ms. Ilo- Stefan Raab, Angelika Stumpf, Norbert na Brodt was confirmed in her office Reim, Kirsten Löbig, Michael Gründl, as chairperson of the Works CouncilI. Ludwig Zwickelbauer, Franz Schönberger right: members of the works council Andreas Schmid and Julia Bieber at the presentation of the prize: a restaurant voucher to the Mr. Franz Schönberger was elected from Nufringen (left to right): Alexander value of E 60,00 Vice-Chairperson. Gall, Ilona Brodt, Jochen Skarke Anniversaries A hearty welcome Hearty congratulations to all our employees who had company anniversaries in the second quarter of 2002. from ENSINGER to the new employees who have joined our team Looking back on 10 years with the company were: Markus Menacher, Julius since 1st March 2002 (status: 31st May 2002) Tremmel, Herbert Amann, Herbert Rauscher and Hans-Martin König.

Tanja Altmann Reception Clerk, Building Products Division Bernhard Königsberger Plastics Moulder, Building Products Division Thomas Serve Machine Operator, Building Products Division Max Weingärtner CNC Turner, Machining Operations Division Andreas Wagner Production Worker, Semi-finished Products Division Thomas Redl Tool Setter, Semi-finished Products Division Danijel Gorse Machine Driver, Service Centre Raw Materials

We wish you all a good start at ENSINGER!

What does he do...?

Krystian Gruszka

Today, we would like to introduce to you another employee from Cham – Anniversary celebrations in Nufringen: Mr. Wilfried Ensinger (left) and Ms. Ilona Brodt join the Building Products Area. He is Mr. responsible managers, Mr. Armin Pörner (right) and Mr. Martin Lanig (5th from left) in congrat- ulating the employees on their anniversaries: Thomas Walz (3rd from right), Helmut Marquart Krystian Gruszka. His name gives a (4th from right), Ralf Butterer (2nd from left), Klaus Schäfer (3rd from left) and Bert Meiner clue to his origins; Mr. Gruszka came (4th from left) to live with his grandparents in Cham from Wodzislaw near Katovic, Poland, in January 1989. He took a language course for a year, com- pleting it on the 16th February 1990, and started at ENSINGER on the 19th February 1990. A qualified gold- smith, he works at ENSINGER as a machine operator on a variety of saws, which he very much enjoys. five years ago, and since then has In addition to that, he has stood in cycled on average around 4000 km a at extruding. For about a year now, year. When he has a free shift, he he has also been responsible for often sets off in the morning, packs packaging. a sandwich lunch, and cycles One of his hobbies is travelling. He through the Upper Palatine and has got to know Egypt, Morocco Bavarian Forests. He has even and Mexico, for example, in a per- covered longer distances, such as sonal way – as a back-packer. He the valley of the Altmühl or Vienna, found Egypt the most fascinating. by bike. His next tour will be a circuit The culture and landscape of this of Lake Constance. country made a special impression Krystian Gruszka’s motto is “A posi- on him. In Egypt, he even met tive attitude – I live my life as if every people from Cham. Not only did this day were a holiday. And even when lead to a friendship – the “Chamers” things don’t work out, even a rainy Anniversaries in Cham: Mr. Andreas Alsfasser (centre) congratulates Mr. Julius Tremmel (right) introduced him to his second hobby, day on holiday has its pleasant and Mr. Herbert Amann (left) on their anniversaries bicycle touring. He started this about side.“

The same procedure as every year.... Instructors and teachers ENSINGER company fair for schools at ENSINGER GmbH Information about training an the ENSINGER GmbH. The event was organised and carried out for the company most part by the trainees them- selves. First of all, the ENSINGER The Havant conference room was when the trainees assess the GmbH training video was presented, almost bursting at the seams when department?“ This led to a lively giving the pupils a broad view of the instructors and teachers belonging discussion, with exchange of infor- various jobs for which training is to the Business Workgroup met at mation among the instructors. The offered. ENSINGER GmbH. Mirjam Hörtig following day, teachers from various The trainees then presented their (Personnel Clerk) introduced the schools arrived at ENSINGER. They specific job training (Industrial Clerk, company. There was then a tour of were also interested in the ENSIN- Process Mechanic, Toolmaker, BA the works. Back in the Havant, GER company and in training. The Business Studies, BA Business Karl-Josef Rebmann (Manager of company presentation and a guided Engineering and BA Mechanical Personnel and Organisational Devel- tour gave the visitors an opportunity Engineering) in more detail. Trainees opment) presented our training to get to know ENSINGER GmbH and instructors were pleased to framework plan, which met with better. In addition, the trainees answer any questions that arose in great interest on the part of the presented their job descriptions and ENSINGER trainees (left to right): Ursula Wochele, Dirk Harter, Sebastian Schill, Dirk Strauss, audience. Next, Ursula Wochele were pleased to answer questions Marcel Rau, Nicole Ebner, Nico Rösler, Julian Schlarb detail. And finally, there was a guided tour of the company. (second-year trainee) explained the about them. The teachers were department and training interview particularly interested in the quali- On 23rd April, ENSINGER GmbH held surrounding area an opportunity to Daniela Zipperer (Student on Practical) form created by the commercial fications that are required of appli- its fourth annual company fair. gather information about the many- Stefanie Mühlbauer (Trainee, Cham), trainees. This provoked questions cants. It gave about 250 pupils from the facetted training programme at Ursula Wochele (Trainee, Nufringen) like, “Does it not cause trouble Ursula Wochele (2nd year Trainee) The paint must go! The Impulse Interview ENSINGER develops paint plugs for 5 Questions to Dr. Roland Reber aluminium band rims

whole, and will continue to do so, There is no doubt about it: to get temperature of 220°C. However, the in my opinion. The proportion of the edge in the highly competitive paint significantly reduced the fric- plastics in many technical appli- cations is increasing, and this will market of the automotive supply tion of the wheel nuts on the conical continue to be to our advantage in industry, you must continually deve- surfaces of the holes. ENSINGER’s the future. Nevertheless, we lop and improve your products. Such injection moulding division deve- should not be too euphoric about is the case with Michelin Kronprinz loped a product with which the the future; we are not in a niche Werke GmbH in Solingen, one of conical surfaces can be kept free of that is untouched by recessions. In the leading manufacturers of paint. The result is the “paint plug”, short, I believe that we will have a wheels and suspension systems. which is produced in a two-com- positive market development, but The requirements of the automo- ponent process. The number of one without any “gold-rush eupho- tive industry led to a development process steps is thus reduced to a ria“, and with intensive commit- project, the aim of which was to minimum. The component consists ment on the part of our competi- tors to participate to an above ave- keep the countersunk holes for of two parts: a seal made of TPE rage degree in this development. wheel nuts free of paint. (thermoplastic elastomer) and a clip In the existing production process, made of TECAMID 66 GF35. The What challenges will the the complete rims were painted clip snaps into the holes for the ENSINGER Group face in further (cathodic immersion painting), and wheel nuts, and thus sits firmly for consolidation of its competitive the paint was baked at an ambient the entire duration of the process. At the start of June, Dr. Roland advantage? Reber joined the company mana- gement of ENSINGER GmbH. Dr. Reber: In my opinion, the great- What are his duties, what goals est challenge lies in the capability has he set for himself, and how to utilise global synergies efficient- does he see the development of ly, but without dissipating local the plastics market – these are expertise. A close relationship some of the answers he gave in with the customer has always in the impulse Interview. the past been one of ENSINGER’s greatest competitive advantages, In what areas will your responsi- and should remain so in the future. bility lie with ENSINGER GmbH in In spite of the size the ENSINGER the future? Group has reached already, the flexibility of the ENSINGER units Dr. Reber: The emphasis of my must remain at a high level. At the work will be in two main areas. For same time, we have a global net- ENSINGER GmbH, I will take the work with high skill. We should operational and strategic respon- rely more heavily on this in future. sibility for the Semi-finished What I am talking about here is, Products Division, and will also for example, technical solutions interface with ENSINGER’s Euro- and innovations, which should be pean subsidiaries. On the global exchanged to an even greater ex- level, I am responsible for the tent within the ENSINGER Group. Paint plugs for aluminium band rims so-called „Group Steering Frame- The majority of our products are work“, the first corporate function subject to global standards, so it is of the ENSINGER Group. The main certainly meaningful to increase objective of this function is to work our international and interregional out basics for decision-making in co-operation. A first step in this 100 percent testing at ENSINGER steering the ENSINGER Group. direction has already been taken The strategic planning process and with „GEN“, the „Global ENSIN- Automated quality control in the injection moulding division international control, for example, GER Network“. are part of the „Group Steering Zero-defects – that’s the buzzword in Framework“, and are thus part of ENSINGER Inc. in the USA re- required by law. The need to ensure cent inspection. The system was my duties. cently received an award for its almost all sectors of industry. In many consistent, hundred percent quality built for a specific product: injection e-commerce web site. What production processes, the final visual control and to lower costs places an moulded, perforated discs with a What objectives have you set for chances do you see in the area of inspection is often the only step, increasing focus on automated sur- diameter of 5mm. The diameter your new position? e-commerce for the European and this is done manually and at a face inspection using industrial of each of the 16 holes is 0.5mm. ENSINGER companies? high cost in time and staffing. And a image processing. Errors occur, for instance, when a pin Dr. Reber: The ENSINGER com- hundred percent inspection is still not ENSINGER, too, uses industrial in the die breaks off and gets stuck in pany can look back on a history Dr. Reber: Our web site guaranteed, because the results image processing for quality control. of very successful growth. The „www.shopforplastics.com“ in the small holes. Production defects size and global presence that the the USA is indeed remarkable for depend to a large extent on the For the injection moulding division, of this kind cannot be detected ENSINGER Group has meanwhile its simple, secure structure that alertness of the inspectors. Yet the ENSINGER resource development within the usual parameters of the achieved mean both opportunities leads directly to a purchase. The zero-defect requirement is essential, have built up an automated system injection moulding machine, such as and risks for the future. For me, distribution partners of ENSINGER especially in safety-related parts. The of image-processing, with which it injection time or injection volume. recognising these early on, and Inc. are also linked to, so they also manufacturer must guarantee a has been possible to implement The injection moulded perforated creating the situation in which to profit from their customers’ Inter- hundred percent inspection – this is customers’ demands for a 100 per- discs are fed into the system in net business. In principle, I can see exploit the opportunities and limit the correct position via a separator good opportunities for Internet the risks, are part of the most pot. One advantage of this is that elementary goals of company marketing models in Europe too. jamming of the parts is reduced, and management. I see a clear stra- A further sales channel can in- tegy, the assessment of fields of crease turnover, and automated another is that the availability of the business on the basis of modern processes lead in the final analysis system is increased, because no business concepts, and deliberate to more cost-effective logistics. operating staff are required. Optical investment in areas with potential One must, however, consider the identification takes place through a for the future as a part of this. In the question of the strategy and the camera system. Before the system course of my projects with the timing of a potential entry. Strategi- was commissioned, the reference Boston Consulting Group, I got to cally, it must be borne in mind that image of a good part was stored in we in Europe, as opposed to the know extremely well-motivated the image-processing system. The USA, serve both distributors and employees at ENSINGER, which I camera system compares each part see as one of the main reasons for end customers, and so must take to be inspected with this reference the past successes. Another major the significantly more complex objective of mine is to make my customer structure into account. image. If a part shows a defect, it is contribution to preserving this Add to that the generally more separated from the good parts by a positive mood, and to continue to sceptical attitude towards e-com- good-bad switch. And there is a be able to count on this world-wide merce, which is (still) present in a further benefit: the measurements „ENSINGER spirit“. greater degree in Europe than in made by the system are automati- the USA. All the same, we are of cally logged and are part of the quality What is your perception of deve- course observing these factors, analysis. and first steps in the direction of a lopments in the global market for Automated quality control via image- high-performance plastics? European e-commerce solution have already been taken. processing is an efficient, secure Dr. Reber: The area of high-perfor- way of fulfilling the zero-defect mance plastics is still growing Dr. Reber, thank you very much requirement and guaranteeing con- more rapidly than industry as a for talking to us. For a special product, ENSINGER are developing an automated system with an industrial sistent, high quality assurance in the image-processing system that will be used for quality control future. ENSINGER UK A brief history ENSINGER Ltd. was established in the acquisition of Trig Engineering gether with investment in the most were held to mark David Wey’s 25 Llantrisant, Wales, on December in Bridgwater, a specialist plastic up to date production equipment. years service at Trig Engineering. In 15th 1987 by managing director, John machining company whose range The newer branches have recently the early years David was employed Speirs. The company began with of services complements the com- celebrated their first year of trading as general manager running the three people and has rapidly expan- pany’s capabilities and standing in and Trig Engineering has followed machine shop. He then moved on to ded to currently employ approxi- the market. The company has since the other ENSINGER locations by successfully developing and servi- mately 200 personnel through seven continued to grow through new becoming an Investor in People. cing Trig’s top 10 accounts with the a UK locations. Growth has been branches in Bishop’s Stortford This is a prestigious award for main focus on the aerospace in- achieved through a continual focus (1998), Scotland (2000) and Birming- companies who have proved they dustry. David is pictured receiving a on customer needs and quality prod- ham (2001). are fully committed to developing gift which is being presented to him ucts. Branches have been estab- Generally, manufacturing of finished people in order to achieve their aims on behalf of the company by Steve lished in strategic regions beginning components is carried out at both and objectives. Tipples, general manager at Trig with a southern branch in Havant in Llantrisant and Bridgwater. All loca- Personal successes are also rewar- Engineering. ENSINGER Ltd. Scotland 1990 and a northern branch in Man- tions, with the exception of Trig ded. Most recently, celebrations Mary Morgan (ENSINGER Ltd.) chester in 1994. The Southern Engineering, have sales divisions for branch has since relocated to Water- both semi-finished stock shapes looville due to the need for larger and finished parts within their own a premises to incorporate additional region whilst building profile sales ENSINGER do BRAZIL ENSINGER Ltd. Northern Branch staff and improve services to are the responsibility of the technical customers in the local area. Further services department at Llantrisant. is certified a expansion took place in 1994 with UK purchasing is located at the Wa- ENSINGER Ltd. terlooville branch but all other func- Birmingham Success through global co-operation tions, eg., accounting, logistics and a Personnel are based in Llantrisant. ENSINGER’s Brazilian branch has the support of several other ENSIN- a ENSINGER Ltd. Managing Director, John Speirs, been awarded ISO 9001:2000 GER entities all around the world, ENSINGER Ltd. South East UK Head Office a puts the success of ENSINGER UK certification. This makes ENSINGER that on a very cooperative environ- a down to many factors including Brazil the first company in this mar- ment , gave us hints, ideas and pro- continuous investment in the future ket segment in the whole of South cedures that eased up the entire cer- Trig Engineering ENSINGER Ltd. Southern Branch in terms of the long-term develop- America to be ISO 9001:2000 certi- tification process. This certification ment of people from apprentices fied. This achievement is not only is more a Global ENSINGER than a through to the management team to- borne to the local team, but also to single unit one.

The Wilfried Ensinger Prize Lothar Meyer new manager of ENSINGER inaugurates prize for exceptional the Building Products division scientific achievement in plastics technology

Often, excellent scientific studies in prizes. These will be awarded for At bachelor degree level, the work As of April, Lothar Meyer is the new the area of plastics technology go exceptional scientific achievement will be honoured with 4000 Euros, manager of the Building Products almost unnoticed. Yet they could in the area of plastics technology. and at the level of a doctorate or division. Up to that time, Meyer was provide the plastics industry with Wilfried Ensinger of ENSINGER professorial thesis, or other inter- active as commercial manager of important developments for the GmbH, Justus Leyde of Oechsler esting publication, with 5000 Euros. the division. For him, the window future. Nor is the choice of courses AG and Erwin Brunnhofer of Techno- Scientific publications can be sub- and facade-construction sectoris any- in the area of plastics at some uni- form oHG are the respective spon- mitted to the WAK (WAK, c/o Lehr- thing but new territory; he worked versities and scientific institutes sors of the three prizes. stuhl für Kunststofftechnik, Am for many years as a development ma- always as good as it might be. The These personalities and companies Weichselgarten 9, 91058 Erlangen) nager and managing director in the st result is that, in the long term, there are well known for their pioneering up to 31 July. A prerequisite for sector. With insulbar® and Thermix®, is too little training of young quali- developments in the area of plastics entry is that the work must have the ENSINGER Building Products fied, scientific staff. To encourage technology. been finished in the years 2001 or division has two complementary young scientists to come to grips The Wilfried Ensinger Prize will be 2002. The prizes will be awarded at product lines. Used together, they with questions of plastics techno- awarded for exceptional scientific a ceremony in October. optimise the implementation of in- logy, the Scientific Workgroup of studies dealing with the develop- novative solutions in the area of University Professors of Plastics ment and depiction of technical thermal insulation for glazing and Technology (WAK) has offered three plastics for innovative applications. window systems.

Editorial IMPULSE Newsletter of ENSINGER GmbH, Rudolf-Diesel-Str. 8, D-71154 Nufringen, Tel. (49)70 32/8 19-0, Fax -100, [email protected], Internet: www.ensinger-online.com Editor Klaus Ensinger Dr. Roland Reber Editorial team Ralf Butterer Karl-Josef Rebmann Janette Seiz Ute Selle Jochen Skarke Rosemarie Zangl Production Druckerei Maier, Rottenburg/N.