Personnel
Ralph Lehleuter becomes Chairman of the VDMA Executive Board Automated Solutions
Ralph Lehleuter, Managing Partner of the Mafu Group, is the new Chairman of the VDMA Automated Solutions Division. "Despite the current economic challenges, massive global competition and customs uncertainty, we remain optimistic. As the Automated Solutions industry sector, we focus on innovation and technological expertise. We are particularly focused on artificial intelligence: we want to make this technology tangible and ready for use for our member companies - as a booster for efficiency and productivity. At the same time, we see the field of defense as an opportunity to use the technological capabilities of our member companies to strengthen national security.
Confidence is essential, especially in these challenging times. Together with the entire Executive Board, I will pursue the goal of sustainably strengthening the competitiveness of our industry and providing our member companies with clear recommendations for action with full conviction and commitment. I am looking forward to the task of advancing the Automated Solutions division of the VDMA as Chairman of the Board," says Ralph Lehleuter about his new role.
With his appointment by the Automated Solutions Board, Ralph Lehleuter succeeds Jörg Kipper (Managing Director Festo Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG), who is retiring. At the VDMA European Robotics and Automation Summit in Bologna in October 2025, Jörg Kipper was honored for his many years of intensive commitment to the board of the trade association and the specialist department.
You might also be interested in
Stratasys takes over MarkForged
Stratasys is acquiring MarkForged from Nano Dimension for USD 42.5 million, thereby expanding its portfolio in the field of fiber-reinforced composites. The acquisition also strengthens the company's software and materials expertise in industrial 3D...
read more...Schaeffler reaches for the stars
Why an automotive supplier also wants to build satellites in the future
Schaeffler enters the space industry together with US aerospace company Spire Global. Plans include satellite hardware, European supply chains and industrial manufacturing for New Space.
read more...New representative of the Siemens branch in Mannheim
Carsten Koch has taken over the role of representative of the Siemens AG Mannheim branch. He succeeds Jürgen Britzius, who is taking early retirement after 37 years with the company.
read more...Why stability is becoming a brand again
Wuppertal-based specialist financier focuses more strongly on Vorwerk affiliation
Rebranding at akf group: the Wuppertal-based bank will in future more clearly demonstrate its affiliation to the Vorwerk Group and position itself as a specialized financing partner for German SMEs.
read more...New sales and service unit in Gurugram
Yamaha Motor expands robotics business in India
Yamaha Motor is opening a new Robotics Business Support Division in India to strengthen sales and service in the growing robotics market. The unit will support SMT systems and industrial robots, among other things, and will be complemented by a...
read more...Winners, categories & highlights of the award ceremony
The Startup Association has presented the German Startup Awards 2026 in Berlin. An overview of all the winners from the Founder, Investor, Newcomer and Impact categories.
read more...New defense trade fair in Hanover
DSEI Germany appoints three former Bundeswehr leaders to the advisory board
For its premiere in Hanover in 2027, Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Germany is bringing three former Bundeswehr executives onto its advisory board.
read more...Family-owned company invests 28 million euros in Nuremberg site
Anyone talking about German industry at the moment is often talking about uncertainty: a weak economy, high costs, global upheavals. A different story is being told in Nuremberg.
read more...Interview: What industrial companies in the defense sector underestimate
Rising defense budgets are opening up new market opportunities for industrial companies. But if you want to enter the defense sector as a company, you need more than just technological expertise. In this interview, lawyer Oliver Huq explains what is...
read more...