Woco Group Magazine - 42 by STRAIGHT - concept & design

Number 42 | December 2008 | ENGLISH

CO 2 AND WOCO = WOCO 2 Woco Group Magazine

Innovative developments with CO2 reduction potential

NEW FROM EFFBE 10 years EFFBE-CZ/ Changes at EFFBE France

NEW TRAINEES Exciting start to a professional career

Experiencing Woco

competence up close Powered by instinct.

EDITORIAL

Woco

We are Dear Staff Members and Employees, The year is drawing to a close, giving us time to pause for reflection and examine the balance sheet with a view to facing the new year with renewed confidence. This year up to the 3rd quarter was extremely successful for Woco. We managed to increase our article turnover and, what is even more decisive, have currently achieved results which exceed those originally planned. Unfortunately, a contraction is to be expected in the 4th quarter, due to the poor economic situation. We have to date managed to achieve our planned targets and reduce purchasing prices through our combined efforts. Further potential can be exploited through quality enhancement and the improvement of our collective cooperation. On behalf of the associates and management, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all very much for your efforts and support this year. We wish also to thank our partners for the continued trust they have shown. Incoming orders have strengthened our commitment to continue on the course we have chosen. We are Woco! We can pave the way for innovations together which, through growth and profitability, will also help us to achieve success in future. This is currently indicated by our innovations for the reduction of CO2. On the occasion of the FISITA 2008 trade fair in Munich, a mediumclass car was constructed by us as a demonstration vehicle for the presentation of CO2 reduction measures from Woco. More information on this event can be found on pages 8 and 9.

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

Germany and, indeed, the entire world is currently experiencing a highly unstable situation. The financial crisis which has spread from the USA to Europe is currently responsible for a considerable loss in trust throughout the entire industry. The first car makers have already stopped production. Countermeasures implemented by governments around the world are well conceived and should contribute to a renewal of trust. We all need to demonstrate greater trust in both the system and each other. Our emphasis at the moment should be on greater cooperation in the realization of our innovative product solutions. The challenge we face is to assume responsibility and to work towards our future. We must all try harder when, and because, difficult times lie ahead of us. On behalf of the associates Wolf and Kremser-Wolf and management at the Woco Group, we wish you and your families Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessing, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Sincerely,

Martin Wolf

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL

CONTENTS

CO 2 AND WOCO = WOCO 2 INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS WITH CO 2 REDUCTION POTENTIAL

EXPERIENCING WOCO COMPETENCE UP CLOSE WOCO 2 VEHICLE

NEW FROM EFFBE 10 YEARS EFFBE-CZ/CHANGES AT EFFBE FRANCE

FOREIGN INTERNSHIP IN BUDAPEST HANNA WIEGAND REPORTS ON HER STAY ABROAD

26 NEW TRAINEES EXCITING START TO A PROFESSIONAL CAREER

EVERYTHING REVOLVES AROUND THE INDIVIDUAL IN DIALOGUE WITH FRANZ-ALBERT DESCH

WOCO EXPRESSES THANKS FOR MANY YEARS OF LOYAL SERVICE WOCO ANNIVERSARIES AROUND THE WORLD

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AT WOCO ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN ALMOST 30 YEARS AT WOCO RETIREMENT FOR FRANZ-JOSEF SAUM

A UNIQUE, POSITIVE IMPACT SIEGFRIED MEISSNER RETIRES AFTER 43 YEARS OF SERVICE

WOCO EXPRESSES ITS THANKS RETIRED EMPLOYEES

IMPRINT

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

wocoINSIDE

With the core statement, “Woco develops and manufactures components which improve the acoustic comfort, safety and efficiency of vehicles. Woco products therefore contribute to environmental relief through noise reduction and a reduction in consumption”, and directives anchored in environmental values, “The corporate group has an obligation to protect the environment. Woco develops and manufactures products which actively avoid environmental stress and ensure environmental protection throughout the entire product lifecycle”, Woco addresses the decrease in consumption and related reduction in the CO2 emissions of vehicles as a matter of the highest priority.

CO2 and Woco = WOCO2 Woco develops and produces product solutions for CO2 reduction in vehicles in the Acoustics, Actuators and Polymer systems business units in the following areas: * Weight reduction through consistent substitution of metal for plastic * Development of product solutions to reduce aerodynamic drag

* Products that play an active part in thermal energy management * Components and modules for downsizing strategies for drives with charging systems

* Reduction

of flow resistance in intake and exhaust

systems

* Development of polymer systems (material and products) for CO2-neutral fuels

* Product and module solutions for fuel cell drives

* Intake components and complete air intake systems with reduced flow resistance

* Engine-related

technical components, particularly through the substitution of metal for plastic

* Components for the reduction of the aerodynamic drag coefficient

Woco supplies specific intake systems for hybrid drives and has developed a system of this nature in the USA for the first hybrid vehicle from Chrysler. The special aerodynamic design of the intake system improves acoustics, even in case of cylinder deactivation. No additional conventional resonators are required. Pressure loss and flow speed are even improved when compared to the conventional serial intake, despite the extremely limited space available. Woco also develops air intakes and resonators for hydrogen and fuel cell drives.

Innovative product and module solutions from Business Units (BUs) for the automotive market

ACOUSTICS The following products are developed and manufactured in the Acoustics BU:

* Plastic acoustic near-field shields * Plastic cylinder head covers with integrated fine oil traps * Air channeling for fuel cell drives * Foam encapsulation for noise reduction close to the source and support of engine thermal energy management

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

The hybrid air intake for the Dodge Ram pick-up truck from Chrysler

wocoINSIDE

Innovative plastic turbocharger housing

Molded foam cover for noise reduction and pedestrian protection measure

Innovative developments with considerable CO2 reduction potential Turbocharger compressor housing Woco was motivated to develop a plastic turbocharger compressor housing because products related to turbocharger air channeling, such as mufflers, seals, coupling elements and valves are the focus of attention in terms of development. Substitution of aluminum for plastic achieves the following added value:

* Weight reduction * Integration of mufflers (intake and pressure side) * Integration of a diverter valve in the case of gasoline engines

* Integration option for brackets for control elements

* Integration of control housing for actuators * Integration of low-pressure exhaust recirculation systems

* Material resistance to exhaust fumes * Surface characteristics (reduction of

haust muffler for diesel engines. It is actually a hybrid solution consisting of metal (inner pipe for channeling exhaust) and plastic (exhaust pipe wall). Consistent simplification and simultaneously commensurable acoustics enabled the achievement of the following added value in comparison to a serial muffler:

* Reduction of exhaust back pressure by more than 50 % * Weight reduction > 50 % * Reduction of installation space required by more than 50 %

Initial measurements by TĂ&#x153;V SĂźd on several vehicles indicated the fuel consumption potential forecast on the test bench and, consequently, the potential for CO2 reduction. Further potentials are achieved through the gain in installation space and the possibility to dispense with heat shields around the muffler (weight and costs). Integration of underbody covers in the outer plastic skin of the muffler will achieve further potentials for vehicle cw value reduction.

loss of flow)

Test bench and vehicle trials also confirm the potential forecast for CO2 reductions. Exhaust mufflers Weight reduction, installation space reduction and, in particular, the reduction of exhaust counterpressure (relevant for engine performance) were the motivation for the development of a plastic rear ex-

Plastic rear exhaust muffler for diesel engines

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

wocoINSIDE

Pneumatic actuator for the control of variable turbo geometry and switching point detection

ACTUATORS The following products are developed and manufactured in the Actuator BU:

* Pneumatic and electric actuators * Electric valves for vehicle cooling * Valves for urea supply in Bluetec applications * Control elements for exhaust recirculation and downsizing components

* Components and systems for mechanical gear changing Contributions to CO2 reduction are achieved through the function of components, design with optimized weight characteristics and control of thermal management strategies. Innovative developments with considerable CO2 reduction potential

* Actuators for turbocharging in the context of downsizing concepts

* Actuators for the control of cw value measures (e.g. brake venting or control measures for the air flow in engine compartments)

* Actuators for the control of exhaust recirculation * Water valves for the realization of complex thermal management strategies

* Water valves for the support of rapid engine warm-up Special concepts in the context of downsizing can be supported with the aid of charging systems using inno-

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

vative components from the Actuator BU. Coolant valves to shut off the flow through the heat exchanger enable the control of coolant throughput in the engine and heat exchanger for targeted temperature distribution and, consequently, an improvement of cold starting characteristics. This reduces both emissions and fuel consumption. Woco supplies pneumatic actuators and electric valves. An example is an actuator with an end position sensor to actuate the by-pass flap on the exhaust recirculation radiator for exhaust recirculation. This enables bypassing of the cooling system and, consequently, the feed of hot exhaust fumes, and this in turn improves the warm-up characteristics of the engine and catalytic converter. Desired side effects are a reduction of the noise caused by diesel knock during cold starting and a reduction of cold start emissions. Ventilation shutters are actuated using an actuator with an integrated EAS (electric air switching valve). This reduces the loss of flow. The engine compartment flow accounts for about 15 % of the cw value (flow resistance coefficient), in other words the aerodynamic drag of a vehicle. The flaps are only opened for about one third of the operation and enable a more rapid and targeted warming of the engine and, consequently, a rise in temperature and

wocoINSIDE

* The future is multifaceted. Woco offers pioneering and customized solutions for the automobile industry as an innovative supplier.

* Switch valve for tempera-

The coolant valve enables

ture control in the urea tank

control of coolant throughput

for AdBlue systems

in the engine

reduction of cold start emissions. A positive side effect is the reduction of typical diesel cold start knocking noise. Pneumatic actuators help to reduce emissions in the area of exhaust treatment. Woco supplies actuators with a position sensor for this purpose for exhaust recirculation control in the so-called low pressure exhaust recirculation circuit. Exhaust fumes are extracted downstream of the particle filter and fed in again upstream of the compressor. This achieves a reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions. The admixing of urea (AdBlue, Bluetech) to exhaust fumes also reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. Nitrogen oxide in exhaust fumes is converted to water and ammonia through SCR (selective catalytic reduction) in the case of diesel vehicles. Electric valves and special seals are required for this purpose. These are also developed and supplied by Woco. Switch valves are used for temperature control in the urea tank in the case of AdBlue systems. Coolant flow is controlled through the heating coil in the urea tank, enabling the temperature control of the urea to achieve the required urea viscosity.

POLYMER SYSTEMS Products such as elastomer molded parts, precision seals, plug and cable seals made of LSR (liquid silicon rubber) and vibration decoupling products are developed and produced in the Polymer Systems BU. Wocoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Material Development enables the realization of product and module solutions conforming to market requirements and, in particular, solutions suitable for serial production, e.g. future fuel applications (biofuels, design fuels, alcohols, etc.). Diaphragm develop-

ments and solutions also realized for gas-powered drives contribute to effective CO2-neutral applications. Innovative developments with considerable CO2 reduction potential

* Support of rising engine compartment temperatures with elastomer materials resistant to continuous running

* Resistance of seal materials to future fuels * Resistance

of materials to blow-by

gases

* Elastomer

materials with low gas diffusion

The admixing of urea reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. Special tank filling fittings with an inlet for fuel and one for urea are part of the Woco product range. Innovative components from the Polymer Systems BU enable the support of concepts relating to downsizing with the aid of charging systems, the realization of alternative drives based on gas and alcohol and the exploitation of weight and, consequently, CO2 potentials through material savings. â?&#x161;

Tank seal ring made of resistant synthetic rubber

Dr. Anton Wolf

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

wocoINSIDE

Woco and CO2, a topic that has been given increased attention in the last few issues of this magazine, now peaks in the realization of a demonstration vehicle and the new brand name WOCO2.

Woco competence up close –

WOCO2 vehicle On the occasion of

WOCO2 demonstration vehicle

FISITA 2008, we converted a Mercedes-Benz E-Class as a demonstration vehicle and unveiled it in conjunction with TÜV SÜD to an international public to present measures for the reduction of CO2 from Woco. A core team headed by Udo Gärtner and including Philip Zach, Mario Bacher, Josef Hohmann and Markus Mayer developed drive and aerodynamic measures for the reduction of CO2 and realized these on the vehicle. Measurements were conducted on the vehicle by TÜV SÜD prior to and after conversion for the improved evaluation of the measures and, in particular, possible Philip Zach, Josef CO2 reduction potential. Unlimited mar- Hohmann, Mario ginal conditions relating to all measures Bacher and Markus included the maintenance of suitability for Mayer, members of daily use and, in particular, no impairment the core team of acoustic and vibration-related comfort factors of the vehicle.

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

The following measures were realized on the vehicle: 1. The dual-channeled exhaust system (2 separate rear mufflers) was replaced by an innovative single-channeled rear muffler solution made of plastic. In addition to a notable reduction in weight, this measure also achieved a considerable reduction in exhaust back pressure, both results which directly effect the CO2 emissions of the vehicle. The plastic solution and the associated and considerable temperature reduction on the muffler surface also enable the exploitation of weight reduction potentials

wocoINSIDE

(e.g. through a possible dispensing with the temperature shield plate in the engine tunnel). Mention should also be made of the volumetric reduction achieved in relation to the muffler itself which can be utilized for additional trunk or tank capacity. 2. Adjustable shutters were integrated in the radiator grille to improve the aerodynamics of the front surface of the vehicle. Air streams flowing through the engine compartment that are aerodynamically unfavorable can thus be prevented through controlled measures. This measure also shortens the engine cold start phase, as no cooling air reaches the engine when the shutters are closed, accelerating heating of the cooling water and lubricant. Shutters are increasing in importance in modern vehicle development, as all measures to improve aerodynamics also have a positive effect on CO2 levels. 3. A further measure to improve aerodynamics is the so-called underbody paneling. The underbody which, in general, is severely fissured and causes turbulence, is

“smoothened” as a result of this measure. Air streams which are not subject to turbulence reduce resistance and lead to lower consumption. The entire underbody of the WOCO2 vehicle was paneled with plastic, enabling the integration of the rear plastic muffler in the paneling measures at the rear Udo Gärtner presents the vehicle of the vehicle. at TÜV SÜD on the occasion of The CO2 reducFISITA 2008 tion measures integrated in the WOCO2 demonstration vehicle in a single operation were measured and evaluated in cooperation with TÜV SÜD. Promising potentials for CO2 reduction were recorded during this which will be supplemented by further measures in the future. Woco can draw on numerous options for weight reduction, engine optimization, and aerodynamic parameters in this respect, due to its broad product range. To be continued. ❚ Dr. Anton Wolf

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

wocoPLANTS

The home of the specialist for gas meter diaphragms

Specialist for gas meter diaphragms celebrates

its 10th anniversary

The team at EFFBE

EFFBE-CZ s.r.o. was established in 1998 as a subsidiary of EFFBE France S.A.S. EFFBE-CZ has produced diaphragms from the outset, particularly diaphragms for gas meters, controller diaphragms and diaphragms for automobile emissions. The EFFBE Group was taken over by Woco in the year 2000, and EFFBECZ has been a member of the Woco Group since then. Specialization in gas meter diaphragms by EFFBE-CZ also started in this year, with the result that EFFBE-CZ is today the competence center for gas meter diaphragms at Woco. A small company on the outskirts of Zlin has developed within eight years to become the second largest producer of gas meter diaphragms in the world.

The founders, Rudolf Vesely and Jaroslav Rotter, are justifiably proud of their company. “I believe that we and our team have succeeded in building a strong company with automated production and a high level of product quality. As a competence center, we have also made considerable progress in the area of development and successfully work together with the Group headquarters in Bad Soden-Salmünster”, says the General Manager of EFFBE-CZ, Rudolf Vesely. Product launching on the market is realized in conjunction with the Sales department at EFFBE France. This cooperation reflects the philosophy of the Woco Group and illustrates that EFFBE-CZ has completely integrated itself. This member of the Woco family celebrated its 10th anniversary in September 2008. The first 10 years at EFFBECZ were extremely successful, so it only remains to wish the company every success for the future. Petr Zahnas

New at EFFBE France and MCS (Measurement and Control Systems Business Unit) In the context of preparations for the future of EFFBE France, Jean Paul Brender was was appointed General Director on September 1, 2008. As a graduate engineer, Brender started his career at MGI COUTIER in France and dedicated himself for eight years to the development of engine components for BMW and PSA in the plastics division. He joined EFFBE France as a process development engineer in October 2001, has headed production since 2005 and was appointed Director of Engineering in January 2007. Brender will continue to work with Butterlin, President of EFFBE France and manager responsible for MCS for a few more years to come. He will continue in his capacity as Director of Engineering and head the Competence Center for Diaphragms at MCS. We wish him every success in his new position. Jean-Michel Butterlin Jean-Michel Butterlin and Jean Paul Brender in conversation (from l.)

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

YOU ARE

WOCO

During the long internship period in the second academic year, Hanna Wiegand had the opportunity to take up a two-month long internship in the summer of 2008 at Woco Ipartechnika in Hungary. An interview with Dorothee Noll offers Hanna Wiegand the chance to look back at her time in Budapest and the experience gained of the Hungarian working environment.

The Pearl on the Danube You are Woco

Foreign internship in Budapest

Information on the Ipartechnika division in Budapest: Expansion of the production site at Woco Ipartechnika began in 2004, and approx. 230 personnel are employed there today. Cylinder head covers and acoustic components are

D.N.: Hanna, you had a choice of completing a theoretical term abroad or taking up a practical internship at Woco in another division. Why did you choose to spend time abroad in a Woco division? H.W.: Firstly, I think it is very important to spend time abroad during an apprenticeship or studies. In addition to improving linguistic skills, it also promotes your personal development. This represents a fundamental cornerstone of your later professional career. As Woco is a company with an international orientation, I regarded it as extremely important to also visit and get to know another division abroad.

D.N.: What were your expectations prior to the two-month internship at Ipartechnika in Hungary? H.W.: I had mixed feelings prior to my departure. I was full of anticipation regarding both the work at Ipartechnika and everyday life in Budapest. As I was the first trainee in the Hungarian

division, I really had no way of finding out what I should expect. But I had no misgivings about being unhappy in any way, because I knew I would be well looked after at Ipartechnika, just as I am well taken care of here at Woco.

produced by the Hungarian division for OEM customers in Hungary, Germany, Great Britain, Poland, Austria, Romania, Belgium and the Czech Republic.

D.N.: What exactly is working at Ipartechnika like? H.W.: I was employed in Financial Accounting during my internship, but I also had the chance to gain an insight into logistical processes. As part of Kis-Benedek's team in Logistics, I had the opportunity to experience every step of the supply chain at the production site in Budapest, from production of a product to the supply of customers. Not only did my colleagues in Hungary involve me in every working process, they also organized activities with me to let me experience the country and people better.

D.N.: Now you are back in Germany and working in Finances & Controlling. What are your thoughts when you look back at the time spent at Woco Ipartechnika?

Head of Logistics, Csilla Kis-Benedek (on left at back), with her team in Hungary

H.W.: I have fond memories of my internship abroad and the Hungarian colleagues I got to know. My stay in Budapest considerably influenced my personal development, as I was able to gain work experience at another Woco division outside Germany. Both the daily life and working in a foreign country also helped promote my sense of independence. I’ll sum up by saying that I’m extremely thankful for the time spent in Hungary, and I can only recommend that anybody offered a chance of this nature should take advantage of it! ❚

The 21-year old student Hanna Wiegand reports in F&C on her time spent at Woco Ipartechnika

The new facility at the Ipartechnika division in Budapest

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

PEOPLE &

CULTURE

An exciting start to a professional career at two divisions with differing operations. The objective was to present a uniform introduction to a professional career at both divisions and ensure that this start was as positive and interesting as possible.

Young hopefuls in Kronach

26 new trainees at the Bad SodenBreakfasting together

This was achieved at the Bad Soden-Salmünster di-

Woco Rally

vision through group work, exercises and presentations, with the new trainees learning the fundamental basics which would enable them to enter the new working environment with confidence. The trainees had the chance to get to know each other and their instructors better. A“Woco Rally” and a tour of the facility allowed the trainees to familiarize themselves with both the company and the range of products produced. Questions such as “What are my rights and obligations during the apprenticeship?”, “What shape does the apprenticeship at Woco take?” or “Where do I expect to be at the end of my apprenticeship?” were intensively addressed by the newcomers. Parents, associates and the employee representative council were also invited on the evening of the first day. The newcomers were warmly welcomed in speeches held by Thilo Möller, Andreas Noll and Roland Schalk. During this festive ceremony, parents had the opportunity to experience directly the location and environment in which their children will in future work every day and increase their professional experience. The first few days in Kronach took on a different form for the young newcomers. A brief presentation first introduced Kronacher Kunststoffwerk, with a subsequent tour of the facility enabling participants to experience the company in greater detail. By way of a welcome, newcomers were presented with a “starter

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

package” filled with useful articles associated with their new employer, including a Woco coffee cup, Woco pen, etc. and working utensils relating to their apprenticeship and future duties, such as a vernier caliper, voltameter and a book. A one-hour instruction period held by our Occupational Safety Officer, Thomas Perina, which addressed the subjects of occupational safety and environmental protection completed the first working day at 12:00 noon. The trainees were first able to Company familiarize themselves to a greater tour

PEOPLE &

CULTURE

Salmünster and Kronach divisions

degree with the complete plant during the following two workdays, with all being welcomed to the various departments and introduced to these in detail. Practical exercises were also conducted to a certain degree. A shared breakfast on September 2 offered instructors and mentors the opportunity to introduce themselves. Initial discussions took place in this relaxed atmosphere, offering everybody the chance to get to know each other. Regardless of whether an apprenticeship takes 3.5 years or 2 – the first few days leave the greatest impression

and are often remembered for a lifetime. Woco wishes to contribute to this knowledge and also ensure that the start for newcomers next year is once more an interesting and memorable experience. Young hopefuls were also welcomed at other Woco divisions in Germany. A total of ninety-six trainees were taken on by different divisions throughout Germany on September 1, 2008. In addition to the eighteen new trainees at Bad Soden-Salmünster and eight in Kronach, two newcomers will be welcomed this year at Boxberg and four in Wittenberg. ❚

Young hopefuls in Bad SodenSalmünster

Nina Krieg/Bettina Puelz

Creating collages on the topic of: “Where I will be at the end of my apprenticeship”

Company tour

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

YOU ARE

WOCO

In an interview, Franz-Albert Desch reports on his experience as Training Manager in the trainee workshop. Desch has worked at Woco since 1972. He began his career in Technical Care, changing to Tool and Fixture Construction in 1989 when he became manager of the department in 1996. It was with mixed emotions that he took up his position in Human Resource Development in April 2003.

Everything revolves around the individual You are Woco

enjoyable and fun. Trainees should not experience work as a burden, and our job is to communicate the pleasure it can involve.

We at Woco (WaW): Mr. Desch, you mentioned being in two minds when you were offered the position of managing the trainee workshop.

Girls Day 2008 – firing the enthusiasm of young women for engineering

Franz-Albert Desch (FD): I was very happy in my old job and felt very comfortable in that environment. That’s why the decision to take up the new position was a difficult one for me. However, I eventually accepted the challenge and have to date not regretted my decision, and I think that my colleague Uwe Rüffer and I make a good team in the trainee workshop.

WaW: You have been instructing trainees for five years now. What attracts you particularly to this task? FD: Working together with young people. I can introduce them to technology and fire their enthusiasm for this subject by passing on my practical experience to them and guiding them through their first steps in their professional lives. I also enjoy the cooperation with the training team at Woco and with technical colleges, a partnership which has developed extremely positively. We at Woco offer trainees a well-organized apprenticeship, a fact which is confirmed time and time again during interviews with applicants. The same applies for the trainees, as they also profit from the excellent training conditions at Woco. Numerous thank-you letters from trainees attest to this – and that is the best praise that you can ever get. The positive test results also indicate that training of young people is at the fore at Woco.

Precision work demands a lot of “grinding and filing” in the trainee workshop

WaW: What can you contribute to the personality development of trainees? FD: Building trust is also important here, along with assuring a sense of continuity and stability in the apprenticeship. It is important to approach criticism carefully and strive at all times to place the emphasis on praise. I think it is incredibly important to listen, take the necessary time to solve problems and act as a contact person and help in all situations.

WaW: You train young people for skilled professions, including process mechanics, toolmakers, electronics technicians and machining mechanics for turning and milling. Are women also evident in these professions? FD: We currently have a young woman in her third year. Her greatest wish was to complete an apprenticeship in a technical trade. Her knowledge and ability are in no way different to that of the young men in her profession. Our chief objective is to respond to the personalities of young people.

WaW: Thank you very much for the interview.

WaW: Which aspect of training do you consider to be particularly important? FD: Everything revolves around the individual and the manner in which one relates to each other. Building trust is the only way to create a positive working environment, and that in turn provides the basis for a good working atmosphere and ensures that work is also

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

Franz-Albert Desch in conversation

❚

PEOPLE &

CULTURE

Woco expresses thanks

for many years of loyal service

Woco Industrietechnik GmbH Germany

EFFBE GmbH Germany

40 years

30 years September 2, 1968 October 1, 1968

Henz-Peter Mathes

July 1, 1978

35 years Helmut Weyrich April 1, 1973 Reinhold Eichenauer September 1, 1973 Peter Hubert September 1, 1973 Alwin Bös October 19, 1973

30 years Süheyla Özünal Hermann Ristow Christel Junk Josef Hohmann Franz Langgut Andreas Bangert Michael Heid Sabine Jöckel

January 9, 1978 June 1, 1978 July 1, 1978 August 1, 1978 August 2, 1978 September 1, 1978 September 1, 1978 September 1, 1978

Kronacher Kunststoffwerk GmbH Germany

40 years Joachim Hertel Helmut Röder

August 1, 1968 August 1, 1968

35 years Werner Ostenda

March 1, 1973

25 years Fred Graf Doris Gäßlein Jürgen Schneider

30 years Roland Kell Lutz Klose Frank Kästner

September 1, 1978 September 1, 1978 November 1, 1978

25 years Frank-Peter Ricken Christine Meyer

January 17, 1983 September 1, 1983

EFFBE France S.A.S. France Polymer-Technik Elbe GmbH Germany

45 years Udo Döring Wolfgang Brauer Ursula Gläser Margrit Nastraha Karin Strunkeit

May 13, 1963 September 1, 1963 September 1, 1963 September 1, 1963 September 1, 1963

40 years Manfred Hübner Bärbel Eckert Manfred Sitte

Woco IPS GmbH Germany

May 14, 1973 September 1, 1973 September 1, 1973 September 1, 1973 September 1, 1973 September 1, 1973 September 1, 1973

April 5, 1983 September 1, 1983 September 1, 1983

25 years Manfred Hübl April 5, 1983 Andreas Zajac July 4, 1983 Helmut Schweizer July 11, 1983 Ursula Keppner July 25, 1983 Burkhard Artz August 1, 1983 Ulrike Mathes-Jöckel August 1, 1983 Hans-Jürgen Simon August 1, 1983 Elke Weber August 1, 1983 Andreas Ziegler August 1, 1983 Mathias Kuhn November 2, 1983

Erich Fehse Klaus Armes Martina Dietrich Harald Höhne Ralf Merten Reinhard Schmidt Wolfgang Thiele

35 years Monique Schöpfer Annick Broglin

January 2, 1973 September 4, 1973

30 years Karine Vuano-Bach January 2, 1978 Serge Vuano January 16, 1978 Marcel Stosskopf January 23, 1978 Anna Stosskopf September 18, 1978

25 years August 19, 1968 September 1, 1968 September 1, 1968

Claudine Gillig Liliana Stanisz Dominique Portal

February 14, 1983 October 17, 1983 December 12, 1983 Ellen Grauel

Arnold Farnung Norbert Amberg

35 years

25 years Gunter Wörner

December 1, 1983

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

PEOPLE &

CULTURE

40 years in Bad Soden-Salmünster

A specialist for plastics Arnold Farnung began his career at Woco at the tender age of fourteen on September 2, 1968. Under the competent tuition of his trainer, Ottomar Wolf, he completed an apprenticeship as a steel die maker. Arnold Farnung looks back with fondness to the early days and remembers exciting times at the plant in Bad Soden. In addition to the production of molded rubber parts, processing of plastics was already making inroads and presenting those responsible at the time with a variety of new challenges. This development also cast its spell over Arnold Farnung, as injection molding of plastics offered numerous unheard of development options. Arnold Farnung was from this point on involved in the development of plastics processing, being primarily involved in the construction of plastic molds. Outside purchasing was unknown at the time, and everything

Arnold Farnung

40 years in Bad Soden-Salmünster

A salesmanlooks back He was originally destined for an apprenticeship as a fitter, but fate had other plans in store for him as Norbert Amberg joined Woco, a then relatively new company on October 1, 1968, taking up an industrial sales management assistant apprenticeship. Franz Josef Wolf himself employed the young man, and the ambitious company needed industrial sales personnel in those days. Norbert Amberg first saw “action” in sales in the third year of his apprenticeship and remained in this field on completion of his training. He took on the function of group manager in 1985 in the internal sales service and still looks back with fondness on the collegial contacts he made, both among customers and in the company itself.

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

The Sales department moved from Bad Soden to Salmünster on January 2, 1991, with business units being separated in 1996. Each business unit was from then on assigned its own sales department. After a brief period in Modular Technology sales, Norbert Amberg switched as the internal sales service manager to automotive sales in the Rubber Technology business unit in 1996 under the direction of Kurt Sperzel. His customers were VW, BMW, Daimler and Audi. Although the main sales activities were conducted on the telephone, Norbert Amberg visited customers on site from time to time if circumstances demanded this. Times have changed, says Norbert Amberg after almost forty years in sales. Contact with customers used to

PEOPLE &

CULTURE

processing necessary was handcrafted, he reports. Many new products were created with his participation, such as the first water valves, the control light window for the VDO, the first fans and many more. With production also increasing in the plant in Steinau, an additional plastic mold making facility was established in Steinau, with Arnold Farnung taking over its management in 1988. He obtained his master’s certificate in industrial processing in evening classes and sat the master craftsman examination at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in the summer of 1990. With both tool making facilities being centralized in Salmünster in 1995, Arnold Farnung switched to the Purchasing department where he was responsible for procuring plastic molds in the then MAS business unit.

The integration of the Modular Technology and MAS business units in 2004 saw Arnold Farnung moving to the newlyestablished Process Technology department where he found ideal conditions to optimally implement the technical expertise he had gained over the decades. As a plastic specialist, he is responsible for the technical design of plastic molds and their subsequent forwarding to production sites. His most recent duties abroad took him to our plant in Hungary where he supported process engineering work and start-ups of molds and tools (e.g. the OM 648 cylinder head cover). He still retains his enthusiasm for his job after forty years of service and is delighted that Woco will continue to produce more plastic mold parts itself in the future. ❚ Ellen Grauel

Norbert Amberg

be more open and more personal in nature. E-mail is now used extensively in this age of electronic data processing. Moreover, we also feel the fluctuation of personnel among our customers. Negotiations have become more difficult in every respect. Norbert Amberg is very appreciative of the fact that he gained practical experience during his industrial sales management assistant apprenticeship. This benefited him over the years, as it enabled him to rapidly appreciate the interplay between technical and functional aspects. Since the redivision in market fields in 2004, Norbert Amberg still bears responsibility today for the key customers Audi, VW and BMW. ❚ Ellen Grauel

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

PEOPLE &

CULTURE

45 years at PTE Udo Döring

Udo Döring joined the then VEB Gummiwerk Elbe on May 13, 1963, and was initially employed as a calender and rolling mill operator. He qualified as a rubber specialist during this period and became the shift manager in the weighing facility for raw material in 1972. Parallel to his duties in the company, he qualified as a master craftsman in plastic

and elastic processing. He was an operator in the control center of the main department of the Zentraler Rohbetrieb Elbe (now the Polymertechnik Elbe GmbH (PTE)) as of January 1, 1979. Udo Döring took advantage of semi-retirement after 45 years of service and left the PTE GmbH on July 31, 2008.

Margrit Nastraha

As a high school student, Margrit Nastraha simultaneously commenced an apprenticeship as a rubber specialist on September 1, 1963, and was thus able to graduate from high school and complete her apprenticeship in July 1967. On graduating as an engineer from the Engineering College for Rubber and Plastic Technology in

Fürstenwalde (Ingenieurschule für Gummi- und Plasttechnologie Fürstenwalde), she was employed mainly as a technician in the raw materials facility from 1970 onwards. She has been responsible for preparing recipes for associated firms since 1993. Margrit Nastraha commenced semi-retirement on August 1, 2008.

40 years at PTE Manfred Hübner

On successfully completing studies in rubber technology, Manfred Hübner took up his duties at VEB Gummiwerk Elbe on August 19, 1968, in Materials Management. He was already heading this business unit by May 1, 1969. His responsibilities at this time also extended to the purchasing of raw materials for the mixing facility. Parallel to his duties in the company, Manfred Hübner completed studies in business administration between 1973 and 1978 at the University of Applied Sciences in

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

Merseburg (Technische Hochschule Merseburg). He placed his extensive expertise at the disposal of Woco Industrietechnik, where he was Head of Purchasing for rubber tubing and plastics from February 1991 to December 1992. With the establishment of the Polymertechnik Elbe GmbH joint venture, Manfred Hübner returned to Wittenberg and has been Head of Procurement Marketing since then with responsibility for the purchasing of raw materials for PTE, Vorwerk and Woco.

PEOPLE &

CULTURE

Ursula Gläser

Ursula Gläser started an apprenticeship as a materials tester on September 1, 1963, at the former Gummiwerk Elbe GmbH. On completion of her apprenticeship on July 17, 1965, she took up duties in her profession in the Test Engineering department. She is still active in this department today, contributing the technical expertise she has gained over the decades to test engineering for the benefit of our company. Ursula Gläser commenced semi-retirement on June 1, 2009.

Karin Strunkeit Wolfgang Brauer

Karin Strunkeit joined the then VEB Gummiwerk Elbe on September 1, 1963, and completed an apprenticeship as an industrial business management assistant. As an executive, she was subsequently involved in material planning and, until taking semi-retirement on June 16, 2007, was active in the present Procurement Marketing department at Polymertechnik Elbe GmbH.

On completion of his graduation from high school, Wolfgang Brauer took up an apprenticeship as a rubber specialist at the VEB Gummiwerk Elbe on September 1, 1963, successfully completing this training in 1967. After working as a mixer and deputy to the supervisor, he took over a position as a master craftsman in the raw materials facility on January 1, 1980. He qualified as a master craftsman in the chemical industry for this function. Wolfgang Brauer did shiftwork from the beginning and commenced semi-retirement on February 1, 2009.

Manfred Sitte joined the VEB Gummiwerk Elbe on November 20, 1968, as a warehouse and transportation worker employed in shift work. He oversees the entire unloading process and is also responsible for the correct storage of incoming raw materials. His knowledge of warehouse management is unequalled, and he ensures that the plant premises are kept in an orderly fashion. Manfred Sitte will commence semi-retirement in the summer of 2009.

Manfred Sitte

Bärbel Eckert

Maret Sirp

Bärbel Eckert joined the company forty years ago, learning the skills of a rubber specialist from September 1, 1968, onwards and subsequently taking up these duties in a variety of business divisions. Since the establishment of Polymertechnik Elbe GmbH, Bärbel Eckert has worked as a trial mixer and inspector in shift work at the physical laboratory. WOCO Magazine 42/2008

PEOPLE &

CULTURE

40 years at KKW

Versatile service

over 40 years

Joachim Hertel commenced a tool maker apprenticeship on August 1, 1968, at Stockhardt & Schmidt-Eckert, the company which was later renamed Kronacher Kunststoffwerk GmbH. On successfully completing his apprenticeship in January 1972, he was employed as a skilled craftsman in the Toolmaking department until 1975, followed by duties as a fitter in the Finishing department for duroplastics and thermoplastics until 1983. Joachim Hertel worked in mold maintenance and optimization in the following years, changing whenever his duties demanded this. He was, for example, also a line inspector in the interim and stood in for the Finishing department manager. Joachim Hertel assumed responsibility for the Pad Printing department at the end of 1996. With the discontinuation of the Finishing department in Kronach in November 2002, Joachim Hertel switched to the Assembly department, while simultaneously retaining responsibilities for pad printing machines. He was a skilled craftsman on the BMW E60 assembly line until May 2006 and continues his duties in the Assembly department in which he mainly assembles special production orders for premium manufacturers. ❚ Bettina Pülz Joachim Hertel

40 years at KKW

A specialist in the area

of automation

Helmut Röder commenced his apprenticeship as a tool maker on August 1, 1968, at Stockhardt & Schmidt-Eckert and, following successful completion of his training, was employed as a skilled craftsman in the Toolmaking department until 1977. He then switched to the Metalworking department and was employed as a company fitter with responsibility for the Kronacher Kunststoffwerk and the old porcelain factory which, at that time, was still a branch of the former Stockhardt & Schmidt-Eckert. Due to his excellent technical expertise, Helmut Röder was appointed Head of Production in 1983 and, simultaneously, to the position of process engineer. The Mechatronics and Automation department was expanded in 2000. This presented Helmut Röder with a new challenge, and he worked together with Detlef Gerstner on the expansion of this area. He still heads Automation today, investing his entire knowledge in the development of new production technologies and automation systems for the Kronacher Kunststoffwerk. He also dedicates himself ceaselessly to the training of young mechatronic technicians. ❚ Bettina Pülz

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

Helmut Röder

PEOPLE &

CULTURE

At the age of 65, Franz-Josef Saum retired on April 30, after twenty-eight years of service at Woco. His successful involvement is closely associated with the erection of the plant in the Czech Republic.

Franz-Josef Saum

Major achievements in almost Franz-Josef Saum joined Woco as a graduate electrical engineer in October 1980 and, after a short period of introductory training, took over management of the plant in Steinau purchased in 1976. His particular responsibility at this time was in the area of control and technical support for the plant production, the creation of new jobs and as a consultant to our Development department in matters relating to rational processing methods. He also took over production management in 1983 in the area of engineering thermoplastic components, when his training as an electrical engineer was instrumental in addressing the technical complexities involved and, in most cases, computer-controlled injection molding machines. 1989 saw the transfer of pneumatic supply units (PVS) for Daimler Chrysler from Steinau to Salmünster. Franz-Josef Saum and his team developed a PC application for production control to master control of the production of these complex articles consisting of numerous individual parts. At the time 150 personnel were employed in Hall 1 of the line production and system assembly under the management of Saum, energetically supported by a highly motivated team in production, planning and technical service. With the conclusion of a cooperation contract in August 1991 between Woco and the state-controlled Czech company MEZ Vsetin, the cooperative effort in the area of pneumatic supply lines for the automobile industry and the production of special tools and equipment was born. It was under the aegis of Franz-Josef Saum that the production of pneumatic systems was transferred to the plant of the Czech cooperation partner MEZ Vsetin. A total of around 150 Czech employees in groups of 20 were trained for three months each in the plant in Salmünster to ensure that work in the Czech Republic would be realized to German quality and performance standards.

30 years at Woco Franz-Josef Saum can well remember the early days in the Czech Republic: it was a difficult birth before production in the Czech Republic was up and running properly. Work continued 7 days a week, with 3 shifts a day. Production of a further product group was started in 1992 – the so-called temperature sensors. Franz-Josef Saum also oversaw and supported this production development, along with organizing the later transfer to the Czech Republic. Woco expanded its activities in the Czech Republic further with the establishment of STV in April 1993 and the erection of a branch facility in Jablunka in 1995, and the construction of a completely new production facility in Vsetin (with everything concentrated under a single roof) in 2001 also saw Franz-Josef Saum’s skills being once more called upon. Franz-Josef Saum demonstrated enormous commitment in getting the newly-developed Woco system block up and running, and he continues to involve himself in its optimization right up to the present. Franz-Josef Saum’s contribution to the setting up of the production site in the Czech Republic, an important location for Woco, was extremely valuable, a commitment which demonstrated enormous devotion and spirit. Reaching retirement age has not stopped him from continuing in a consultative capacity for Woco and imparting the comprehensive wealth of experience he has gained in the same manner as before. On joining the company in 1980, Franz-Josef Saum expressed a wish to cooperate with Franz-Josef Wolf and his employees to ensure the future success of the company through his efforts. – We can confirm today that his wish has come true, and he can be proud of everything he has achieved in 28 years of service to Woco! ❚ Ellen Grauel

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

PEOPLE &

CULTURE

General Manager Siegfried Meißner retires after 43 years in senior positions at the Gummiwerk Elbe and its successor company, Polymer-Technik Elbe GmbH (PTE).

A unique, positive

Siegfried Meißner

His career began in 1966 at the VEB Gummiwerk Elbe. On completion of studies in operational, measurement and control engineering and technical cybernetics at the Technical University in Dresden, Siegfried Meißner invested his entire energy in the planning and design of a mixing facility in Wittenberg. He was even sent with some colleagues to the West in 1972 to train on new machines (a very special case during the GDR era). He was Director of Engineering after production started, becoming the senior department manager for mixing production from 1984 onwards. Siegfried Meißner took over management of the Gummiwerk Elbe GmbH in 1990 and oversaw the privatization of the individual production divisions. He made a considerable contribution in this position to the retention of the mixing facility and its further operation by Woco and Vorwerk as an associate company. On the establishment of PTE GmbH by Woco and Vorwerk in 1993, he was appointed Plant Manager of PTE. Siegfried Meißner was Director of Engineering at Antivibrationstechnik s.r.o. (AVT) in the Czech Republic from 1996 to 1999 before resuming the position of Plant Manager at PTE GmbH in the year 2000. As a member of management,

The farewell for Siegfried Meißner: Franz Josef Wolf, Peter Cöllen, Siegfried Meißner, Dr. Haseloff (Economics Minister of the State of Saxony-Anhalt) and Dr. Wolfgang Keil (from l.)

he bore a substantial responsibility for the Production and Engineering departments and invested a great deal of his energy in setting up the mixing production facility in Wuxi, China, in 2006. His long career was distinguished by a high sense of responsibility, an immense degree of technical expertise and extraordinary commitment. He showed great openness at all times, and demonstrated how professional success can be attained with his personal dedication. Siegfried Meißner took his leave of the company on September 26, 2008, after over forty-two years of service. Both associates at PTE, Franz Josef Wolf and Peter Cöllen, Head of the Vorwerk Autotech GmbH in Wuppertal, praised the technical competence of the departing PTE General Manager in a laudation. As Wolf noted at the end of his speech: “You were a tough nut to crack” could not have been a greater compliment for Siegfried Meißner. The employees, business partners and guests bade their farewells to Siegfried Meißner at a subsequent evening event and thanked him for his cooperation. ❚ Ellen Grauel/Maret Sirp

WOCO Magazine 42/2008

wocoTELEGRAM

Retired employees

Woco expresses its

thanks

The following employees retired in 2008: Woco Industrietechnik GmbH, Germany Franz-Josef Saum April 30, 2008 Erich Tögel June 30, 2008 Gerlinde Steffan August 31, 2008 Edith Weitzel September 30, 2008 Helmut Jöckel October 31, 2008 Woco IPS GmbH, Germany Gregoire Benneyan March 31, 2008 Kronacher Kunststoffwerk GmbH, Germany Horst Biesenecker February 29, 2008 Polymer-Technik Elbe GmbH, Germany Renate Steinert March 31, 2008 Dieter Kuhnert June 30, 2008 Udo Döring July 31, 2008 Manfred Schmidt September 30, 2008 Brigitte Lange September 30, 2008 Siegfried Meißner September 30, 2008

EFFBE France S.A.S., France Doris Bentzinger June 30, 2008 Systemtechnik Vsetin spol. s.r.o. (STV), Czech Republic Zdeňka Janírková February 29, 2008 Zdeňka Chudějová May 18, 2008 Věra Štastná May 31, 2008 Hana Gaberová June 21, 2008 Helena Horáková July 10, 2008 EFFBE CZ s.r.o., Czech Republic Vladimír Gatial January 16, 2008 Karel Vaš March 14, 2008 Karel Čaník August 30, 2008 Woco Ipartechnika Magyarország Kft., Hungary Peter Hegedüs December 31, 2008 Tibor Hegedüs December 31, 2008

Gathering ideas – finding solutions

Automobile trends > Functions > Ideas > We at Woco – Employee Magazine of the Woco Group, No. 42 – December 2008 Publisher: Woco Industrietechnik GmbH, Hanauer Landstraße 16, 63628 Bad SodenSalmünster, Germany, Tel.: +49 (0) 60 56 /78-0, www.wocogroup.com Editorial Staff: Dr. Heike Beerbaum, Dr. Bernd Casper, Bernhard Eckert, Stefan Engel, Matthias Hackerschmied, Gerhard Hepp, Manuela Jost, Mark Keuneke, Karin Kropp, Thomas Mack, Anna Dagmar Metz, Dorothee Noll, Roland Schalk, Christopher Storch, Michael Weber, Anke Wolf, Dr. Anton Wolf, Bernhard Wolf Editorial Direction: Dr. Heike Beerbaum, Manuela Jost, Anke Wolf Design and Layout: STRAIGHT – concept & design, Frankfurt a. M., Germany (www.straight-cd.de) Translations: sprachenwelt GmbH, Hünfeld, Germany Printed by: Druck- und Pressehaus Naumann GmbH & Co. KG, 63571 Gelnhausen, Germany Photos: STRAIGHT – concept & design, Woco Gruppe, company photos, FISITA – International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies

Solution approaches An innovation workshop was held on October 9 and 10, 2008, by Woco and DuPont (plastic supplier) under the direction of Dr. Anton Wolf (Predevelopment Management) in Kronach.

The workshop team

The objective of this workshop was to draw on current trends in the automobile industry and future functions in automobiles as the inspiration for ideas and solution approaches with regard to products, materials and processes. The two days involved were regarded as a valuable opportunity to work together and an exercise which should definitely be continued through concrete innovation projects on both sides. The participants formed an interdisciplinary team consisting of Woco employees from Bad Soden-Salmünster and Kronacher Kunststoffwerk and DuPont employees from all over Germany. Dr. Heike Beerbaum

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Acoustics

Actuators

The sharper your instincts, the safer it is to follow them. We sense development trends in the automobile areas of acoustics, actuators and polymer systems. Our instincts guide us in developing and manufacturing technological systems that anticipate the demands of the market, the customer, the future. www.wocogroup.com

Polymer systems