Success that sticks Lohmann

Pioneering adhesive tape manufacturer Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG is active in over 50 countries and covers the entire value chain, creating and delivering customer-focused solutions in a rapidly growing sector. Emma-Jane Batey spoke to head of PR and corporate communications Christina Barg-Becker to learn more.

SUCCESS THAT STICKS

Founded in Frankfurt, Germany in 1851, Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG has steadily grown to become a leading force in bonding solutions. With its long history stretching out over more than 160 years, the company’s unrivalled knowledge of the adhesive tape industry has helped it earn its well-deserved reputation for innovative bonding solutions across the value chain.

Head of PR and corporate communications Christina BargBecker explained how Lohmann’s many years of experience have given it a unique position in a rapidly-expanding market. She said, “Lohmann is certainly one of the pioneering forces in adhesive tape technology and we are now active on a global scale. In 1938, we created the first double-sided adhesive tape for technical bonds in the printing industry and ever since we have continued to use the experience we’ve gained in manufacturing plasters for the continual development of effective, high-tech adhesive tapes.”

Many more important benchmarks feature in Lohmann’s product development history, including in 1967, when its double-sided adhesive tapes for securing printing plates in letterpress printing formed the backbone of the adhesive tape industry, and in 1969, when numerous technical innovations led to the breakthrough in marketing double-sided tapes for industrial uses. Ms Barg-Becker added, “Today, Lohmann bonding solutions are in use in nearly all areas of industry including more than adhesive products.

They may be invisible, but Lohmann adhesive products are all around us, e.g. from securing external or internal parts on cars to creating efficient fridge seals, and from diaper closures to sealing and insulating applications in the construction industry.”

Around the world

With Lohmann’s Adhesive Tape Group headquarters located in Neuwied, Germany, the company has over 1600 employees based at 27 international sites and has exclusive sales partnerships across its network of 50 countries worldwide. Its subsidiaries are located in countries including the UK, Poland, India, Russia and Korea, giving it excellent coverage and ensuring that there is always a local site for new and existing customers. Ms Barg-Becker noted, “As a long-

established German company that has been a leading international player for many decades, we are always close at hand. When required, our international project teams will work closely with our customers across site and national boundaries and our extensive network means that Lohmann is a reliable global partner.”

Well known as ‘the bonding engineers’, Lohmann’s product portfolio includes what it calls the ‘smart bonding approach’. Offering individual concepts, a convincing product portfolio and efficient process integration, its bonding offer is very much a ‘concept to completion’ range. Ms Barg-Becker added, “One of the prerequisites for the perfect adhesive solution is to know exactly how, where and under what conditions it will be used. For example, does it have to be thermally conductive, tolerance compensating or removable? Our bonding engineers stay by our customers’ sides as competent partners from the moment the first concept is born. Armed with detailed knowledge of the specific bonding task in hand, we then

turn to finding the right adhesive solution with the desired properties. To achieve this goal, we either build on existing products or, when needed, develop a completely new solution.”

In order to achieve these solutions, Lohmann’s research and development department is continually looking at new and future trends, new materials and new potential for existing solutions. Ms Barg-Becker continued, “Since functionality is becoming more and more important, we believe there will be a greater demand for thermal conductive adhesives and optical clear adhesives. Further, we see future trends in the field of miniaturization and light-weight construction. Here, structural bonding through reactive adhesive films like our DuploTEC SBF (Superior Bonding Films) is an excellent alternative.”

Yes to development

Primarily active in the hygiene, consumer goods and electronics, graphics, building and renewable energies, medical, automotive and automotive electronics sectors, Lohmann’s adhesive products can be found across practically all industry sectors. The company has recently extended its state-of-the-art FlexoLAB development and manufacturing facilities in Neuwied in order to boost its strategic partnership with testing and simulation company TRESU and to ensure that it is creating innovative products that flourish in the real world. Ms Barg-Becker added, “Our new technology centre in Neuwied is Lohmann’s clear ‘yes’ to progress, innovation and a thorough focus on our customers. With this major investment of almost €10 million we have not only strengthened our expertise when it comes to development and technology but also enhanced our competitiveness, all whilst making a sustainable development in the future.”

This investment is a key factor in Lohmann’s positive expectations for its future growth on the world stage. As a company that is committed to taking advantage of opportunities, its aim is to remain a pioneering spirit in the bonding solutions industry. n