Jochen Trautmann, 55, has held top management positions at medium-sized groups over the past 20 years, most recently as CEO of Woma. Since April 1, the industrial engineer has been Managing Director of Rittal Automation Systems. Rittal is thus further expanding its mechanical engineering expertise as a competence center for automation solutions: "We are delighted to have gained an experienced top manager for Rittal Automation Systems in Mr. Trautmann. He has outstanding expertise in establishing and expanding global market penetration with complex products, particularly in the American and Asian markets," says Markus Asch, Rittal CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of the globally successful family-owned company.

In the field of automation, Rittal Automation Systems is a strong solution partner for industrial customers in control and switchgear construction and mechanical engineering. Automation solutions are an integral part of the portfolio - from fully automated laser processing centers to fully automatic wire processing machines and hand tools.

To support customers in further automating their processes, two companies joined Rittal Automation Systems on January 1, pooling their expertise to form a competence center: Ehrt Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG from Rheinbreitbach and Alfra GmbH from Hockenheim. Ehrt Maschinenbau GmbH & Co KG is a global market leader for punching and bending machines used to process flat materials such as busbars and profiles. Alfra GmbH has been setting standards in the production of electrical appliances and tools for metalworking for over 100 years and develops application solutions for magnet and lifting technology.

"As the market leader for enclosure and system technology, Rittal has an excellent reputation," says Jochen Trautmann: "I am delighted to now be able to shape the development of the competence center for automation with Rittal Automation Systems."