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Change of leadership

Melanie Steinbeck,

Dirk Musser takes over management of KraussMaffei Technologies

KraussMaffei Technologies is reorganizing its management as of April 1, 2026: Dirk Musser will take over the role of Managing Director with effect from this date. His predecessor Jörg Stech will leave the company at his own request on March 31, 2026.

© KraussMaffei

As the KraussMaffei Group announced on February 26, 2026 at the Parsdorf site, Musser, currently Head of Group Transformation at the parent company, has been appointed to the Management Board. Stech had played a key role in the strategic and operational development of KraussMaffei Technologies since 2023 as CEO and global head of the Injection Molding, Automation and Additive Manufacturing technology divisions.

Stabilization and realignment under Jörg Stech

Jörg Stech's term of office coincided with a period of considerable economic challenges. KraussMaffei Technologies was confronted with losses and an increasingly deteriorating market environment. Under Stech's leadership, comprehensive measures were implemented to improve margins and balance sheet quality. In doing so, the company set the course for securing earnings and future viability.

The technological milestones included the renewal of the product portfolio in the area of injection molding machines (IMM) and automation, starting with the LRXplus linear robot, the market launch of the new all-electric PX series at the end of 2025 and the introduction of the MC7 control system and AI applications. Stech also initiated another multi-year development project. He placed a particular focus on tapping into new market opportunities through technological expertise, including in the ColorForm area, as well as on new fields of application such as aerospace and drone applications.

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At the same time, programs were implemented to achieve operational excellence, improve price and cost quality and strengthen capital discipline. Despite a deteriorating market environment - particularly in the area of injection molding technology - KraussMaffei Technologies is much more robust today than it was three years ago.

"Jörg Stech has taken responsibility in a difficult starting position, set clear priorities and launched decisive initiatives. The successful market launch of the LRXplus linear robot and the all-electric PX machine series, the consistent focus on profitability and the sustainable strengthening of our balance sheet are visible results of this work. We would like to expressly thank Jörg Stech for his leadership, integrity and team spirit," says Alex Li, CEO of the parent company KraussMaffei Group. "We value Dirk Musser as a leader who combines strategic clarity with operational excellence. He has provided decisive impetus for the transformation of the Group in a short space of time and impresses with his analytical strength, decisiveness and deep understanding of our processes - not least through his successful collaboration with the managing directors of KraussMaffei Technologies. We are convinced that he will continue on the path we have taken with clarity and creative drive and continue to successfully align KraussMaffei Technologies."

Jörg Stech himself explains: "After many years in an environment full of technological, economic and geopolitical challenges, I look back with great gratitude on a time in which I was always surrounded by an exceptional team. Together, we achieved things that many initially thought were impossible. This togetherness, this willingness to push boundaries and create something new, was a pleasure for me. My special thanks go to all stakeholders in the company and, of course, to all employees. I leave with respect, gratitude and the conviction that this traditional company will continue to achieve great things in the future."

Dirk Musser follows as internal successor

Dirk Musser, a proven transformation and finance manager, is taking over the management of the company. In his previous role as Head of Group Transformation within the KraussMaffei Group, he already provided significant impetus for the strategic development and improvement of operating results in close coordination with the Managing Directors of KraussMaffei Technologies. His analytical strength, his deep understanding of processes and his international experience qualify him for the new role.

The economics graduate has more than two decades of management experience in international industrial and technology companies. Before joining KraussMaffei, Musser was Senior Vice President Business Transformation at CRRC New Material Technologies. There he led extensive transformation, lean and turnaround projects and stabilized the earnings situation of two plants in the USA and Mexico within a short period of time. Previously, as Senior Manager Turnaround & Restructuring at Deloitte, he was responsible for operational and financial restructuring programs for industrial and technology companies.

Musser also held P&L responsibility for many years as Head of Business Unit at CRONIMET Raw Materials Suisse AG. In this role, he managed global procurement and production networks, opened up new markets and was responsible for post-merger integration processes. Other professional positions have taken him to Fujian Benz Automotive in China, Daimler Trucks, Bombardier and DaimlerChrysler, among others.

The transition will be seamless. The handover between Jörg Stech and Dirk Musser is already underway. "Together with my fellow Managing Directors Dr. Frank Szimmat and Markus Bauer, I want to drive forward the further development of KraussMaffei Technologies with determination. Our focus is on further expanding stability and performance and taking the necessary steps to successfully position the company in a dynamic market environment. I look forward to shaping this path together with our teams," says Dirk Musser.

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