Extrusion International 4-2026

19 Extrusion International 4/2026 In addition to this new role as CEO, Alaaddin Aydin will continue to serve in his strategic capacity as VP of MAAG Germany. This will allow the perspectives of MAAG and SIKORA to be combined under one roof and synergies to be leveraged strategically to ensure the company’s contin- ued success. Thorsten Thuemen took over the day-to-day operations of MAAG Germany as Managing Director effec- tive July 1, 2026. Following a successful transition phase, Christian Frank will leave SIKORA at the end of 2027 at his own request to take on new entrepreneurial roles and challenges outside the group. With this early reorganization and the planned joint transition period, SIKORA is laying the groundwork for sustaining the company’s success in the long term. SIKORA GmbH www.sikora.net Global Footprint Secures the Industry’s Future Role Global plastics production has been growing steadily for decades, driven by increasing demand in packag- ing, mobility, medical technology, and electronics. Plastics have therefore become one of the most impor- tant industrial materials worldwide. However, this development is not reected in the machinery and equipment sector. While demand for plastics continues to rise, manufacturers of production equipment are coming under increasing pressure. Ris- ing costs, declining margins, and intensifying global competition – especially from suppliers in China – are fundamentally changing the rules of the industry. The overall economic environment remains challeng- ing for the plastics and rubber machinery sector, as companies are facing not only a cyclical slowdown but also structural pressure. The start to 2026 was dif cult: in the rst quarter, order intake declined by 5 per cent in real terms, while revenues were 3 per cent below the previous year’s level. However, a stabilisation is expected over the course of the year. In particular, demand from Asia and the Americas is likely to provide new momentum and part- ly offset the weak start. The VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association therefore expects a sideways movement for 2026, with revenues likely to remain at around ±0 per cent. Overall, there are signs of a continued positive trend in the Americas and Asia, which could lead to modest growth for the plastics and rubber machinery sector from 2027 onwards. Despite challenges such as tariffs, the United States remains a stable anchor market, with solid demand from packaging and medical technology. China, supported by a growing middle class, remains one of the key centres of global plastics consumption, with positive effects on demand for machinery. For plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers, it is essential to make use of the opportunities offered by a growing materials market. At the same time, they must set the course for the future in order to remain competitive in a highly competitive and margin-sensi- tive environment. High technology and quality lead- ership remain essential. Digitalisation, arti cial intel - ligence, and automation are key drivers. Connectivity and data ows across the entire value chain are creat - ing new business models and added value. However, without structural adjustments, price pressure cannot be managed. Production and sales structures must be rethought and organised on a much more global basis. German and European technology providers need to adapt even more closely to local market conditions, customer needs, and business cultures in their respective regions. Only then can they offer what their customers require – and at competitive prices. At VDMAannual conferenceof thePlastics andRubber Machinery Association, Sandra Füllsack, Chairwoman of the Board, emphasised: “Consistent action is essen- tial if our industry is to remain competitive worldwide in the future. We stand for quality leadership and inno- vative technology. We are driving digitalisation and au- tomation in production – more than ever, this is crucial for the future of our customers. At the same time, we must ensure a sensible allocation of production capacity within our companies. This means adjusting capacities in Europe, while strengthening our presence in growth markets and following local market dynamics. This ap- plies in particular to Asia and the United States.” Europe and China are driving the transformation to- wards more sustainable production and material cycles. Sustainability is no longer only an environmental issue. Plastics recycling is becoming a key lever for resilience, as it reduces dependence on fossil raw materials and strengthens long-term security of supply. Regulatory requirements in both regions will further accelerate this development and are expected to pro- vide important momentum for the still weak economic situation in plastics recycling. The industry’s international presence remains a deci- sive competitive advantage. VDMA member companies operate more than 2,600 international locations – in many cases including production facilities – in key mar- kets such as China, India, and the United States. This is complemented by a global network of VDMA of ces supporting companies locally. “The industry is operating in a challenging environ- ment, but at the same time demonstrates strong adapt- ability and a global presence,” said Verena Thies, Vice President of VDMA. “VDMA member companies and the Association form a strong global network that pools expertise and helps companies to address regional markets in a targeted way.” VDMA e.V. Plastics and Rubber Machinery vdma.eu