Extrusion International 2-2026

10 Extrusion International 2/2026 INDUSTRY NEWS growth. It also marks an important step in TROESTER’s long-term strat- egy of developing autonomous pro- duction systems that enable fully inte- grated and low-labour manufacturing processes. Through this acquisition, TROESTER gains access to robotic ap- plications across the entire tire factory – from individual process stations to fully networked production lines. De- mand for robotic solutions is growing worldwide, as manufacturing compa- nies in regions such as Europe, China and North America are increasingly affected by workforce shortages. With TROESTER Robotics, TROESTER is now able to meet this demand in the future with integrated solutions from a single source. “The company brings start-up spirit, agility and strong innovative capa- bilities, while TROESTER contributes decades of experience, established commercial structures, a global sales network and long-standing customer relationships. Together, this creates a clear competitive advantage and a USP that sets us apart in the market,“ says Thomas Holzer, CEO of TROESTER GmbH & Co. KG. The teams look forward to working together and jointly advancing tech- nologically leading automation solu- tions. TROESTER GmbH & Co. KG TROESTER Robotics www.troester.de New Leadership for the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery At the meeting of the Executive Board of the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery at March 5 in Osterburken/Germany two promi- nent figures who have shaped the committee for decades bid farewell: Ulrich Reifenhäuser, former CSO of Reifenhäuser GmbH & Co. KG, and Rainer Zimmermann, CEO of AZO GmbH & Co. KG. Reifenhäuser was a member of the Executive Board for 32 years, 18 of which he served as its Chairman. Not only did he play a decisive role in shaping the associations’s work, he also lived his roles as a board mem- ber, President of K-Show – the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics in- dustry – and entrepreneuer with deep conviction. Thorsten Kühmann, Managing Di- rector of VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery, sums it up: „Ulrich Reifenhäuser is a role model when it comes to being courageous in times of ever-changing geopolitical and economic challenges, actively shap- ing the future with con dence and working to ensure the sustainability oft he rubber and plastics machinery industry. His ability to bring people together has always advanced our common mission.“ Sandra Füllsack, Managing Director of Motan Holding GmbH, will succeed him as the new Chair of the Board, while his younger brother, Bernd Reifenhäuser, CEO and Managing Part - ner of Reifenhäuser GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik, will join the Board. Rainer Zimmermann, another long- standing member of the Executive Board, is also stepping down. For over two decades, Zimmermann stood for committed and reliable cooperation and was a clear voice for small and medium-sized enterpises. He is liter- ally passing the baton to the next gen- eration: his son Lukas Zimmermann, managing partner of AZO Holding, was also co-opted onto the Executive Board. Kühmann expressed his sincere thanks to both: „Ulrich Reifenhäuser and Rainer Zimmermann have been and continue tob e committed com- panions who have influenced and helped shape the work oft he trade association with their commitment and ideas. With courage and for- sight, they have accompanied our projects and set the agenda. Good association work needs this strong impetus from the industry in honor- ary positions. A heartfelt Thank You to both oft hem for these decades of tireless, excellent and constructive cooperation!“ VDMA e.V. Plastics and Rubber Machinery vdma.eu The Executive Board of the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery