HASCOtalks: Mastering Mouldmaking Challenges Together for a Stronger Future
Early in May, HASCO addressed the urgent issue of “The Plastics Industry and the Challenges of the Future” through its live format, HASCOtalks. At the Filderhalle in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany, a group of well-known professionals convened for an intense, stimulating conversation. The discussion was both contentious and beneficial, providing the audience with insightful analysis and useful suggestions for dealing with the industry’s continuous difficulties.
At the start of the premiere event, the latest industry figures cast a pensive mood over the mould-manufacturing sector. According to recent research, production volumes have dropped by approximately 30% in recent years. This decline has resulted in the closure of nearly 20% of companies in the plastics industry since 2020. Supply chains have also experienced significant disruptions. Additionally, the broader structural transformation in Germany is being strongly felt within the tool and mouldmaking sector. For the panellists, these challenges served as a clear call to foster a renewed spirit of optimism.
HASCO Managing Director Christoph Ehrlich was joined on the HASCOtalks panel by Maximilian Siebenwurst of Christian Karl Siebenwurst GmbH & Co. KG, Bernd Krebs, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Toolcraft AG, Ralf Fichtner, Project Director Aptar Pharma, and Martin Hahn, Head of Application Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. KG to answer questions.
The most important finding of this round of talks was certainly that German mouldmaking continues to enjoy a very high status worldwide. Bernd Krebs, as an internationally active entrepreneur, was able to report from experience that ‘Made in Germany’ is still a ‘recognized seal of quality’. ‘We just lack self-confidence at the moment,’ he argued. The current figures should by no means be interpreted as a turning away from an industry rich in tradition. On the contrary, the panellists encouraged a proactive approach to the situation. Existing business models need to be re-evaluated to include innovative technologies. The panellists outlined opportunities through change. ‘Concentrate on your core competences,’ Ralf Fichtner urged the guests. Stick to the tried and tested or boldly break new ground through innovation? The key to success in answering this debated question probably lies in the right mix of both. Martin Hahn sees positive aspects in the transformation of the market ‘which forces us to rethink.’
Keywords such as innovative strength, precision, sustainability and securing the future came up frequently. These are the characteristics that have made German mouldmaking so strong in recent decades and offer many opportunities for the future. What is needed is an even closer integration of market participants through more co-operation. VDWF President Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Seul even calls cooperation a ‘secret weapon’ for the German tool and mouldmaking industry.
According to Martin Hahn, the structural change, which – driven by the current framework conditions – is increasing in speed, must be countered ‘through active changes’ by market participants. ‘Saying goodbye to cherished habits,’ says Maximilian Siebenwurst, is therefore essential for him. ‘This includes a clear identity and strategy for the company as well as an awareness of where the own strengths lie,’ added HASCO CEO Christoph Ehrlich, drawing on his many years of experience
The cross-industry dialogue clearly struck a chord, offering fresh perspectives and important impetus for the future. Many attendees actively engaged in the conversation, underscoring the relevance of the topics discussed. “Performance up – demands down,” remarked Bernd Krebs, succinctly capturing what he sees as the key to keeping German toolmaking competitive in the years ahead. Following the strong response, they plan to establish HASCOtalks as a recurring event format.
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