Injection molding machine manufacturer Engel joins cluster initiative

With Engel GmbH, the 333rd member was welcomed to TechnologyMountains. From left: IHK Managing Director Thomas Albiez, TM Managing Director Yvonne Glienke, TM CEO Dr. Harald Stallforth, Managing Director Claus Wilde (Engel Deutschland GmbH), and Marius Fedler (Managing Director of the Kunststoff-Institut Südwest) (Photo: IHK)

During a press conference, Yvonne Glienke, Managing Director of the Cluster Initiative TechnologyMountains (TM) e.V., welcomed the 333rd member of the corporate network: Engel Germany GmbH, represented by Managing Director Claus Wilde. The company has joined the rapidly growing cluster initiative and aims to utilize this platform to drive innovation through dialogue with users.

The final spark for deciding to become a member was, "that you are so large and strong," Wilde replied to Glienke, who had previously presented impressive figures about TechnologyMountains: Since 2012, the number of members has increased eightfold. The focus on the three areas of plastics processing, microtechnology, and medical technology, with over 100 seminars, around 100 information events, working group meetings, consultation days, and three innovation forums, reached thousands of participants from member companies again in 2018. Over 20 ongoing network projects – mainly focused on research and development of processes – with around 150 project partners demonstrate the innovative strength that TechnologyMountains has to offer, according to Glienke.

For the new member Engel, membership in TechnologyMountains makes sense in every respect: The globally active manufacturer of technology for plastics processing is active in all those areas that are specifically supported by TechnologyMountains, as Wilde explained. Interdisciplinary collaboration along complete value chains is becoming an increasingly important success factor, Wilde added. A current example is the development of a circular economy for plastics, which Engel actively promotes. The engagement in a cluster initiative based in the Black Forest makes a lot of sense for Wilde: "We generate an important part of our revenue in Germany, Baden-Württemberg is a key driver of innovation, and the Black Forest is one of the most important industrial regions."

Dr. Harald Stallforth, Chairman of the Board of TechnologyMountains, welcomed Engel's entry as an exciting specialist who will enrich the network with his expertise: "That such international players as Engel are now entering the network, which was originally started for regional companies, shows the quality of our offering." The commitment of TechnologyMountains to digitalization is another element that advances industry: The project "DigitalMountains," active since 2018, offers further incentives for membership.

Marius Fedler, Managing Director of the host company Kunststoff-Institut Südwest, also identified strong links with the machinery manufacturer: For example, they are involved in a network project focused on high-density overmolding of connector contacts with plastics – a challenging process requiring special procedures and tools. Glienke emphasized that such collaborative projects are a good opportunity to share development costs among project partners, significantly reducing costs for individual companies.

Thomas Albiez, Managing Director of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and founder and early supporter of the technology network, also highlighted the special role of innovation and inspiration provided by TechnologyMountains. He recalled as a personal highlight the impressive "bionic jellyfish" from manufacturer Festo, which floated through a hall during an event, demonstrating what innovation can mean. "Currently, companies have more options for strategic decisions but also face greater complexity in upcoming tasks than ever before. TechnologyMountains is an important guide to help decide on the right measures through dialogue and exchange of experience and to avoid strategic mistakes."