Woco Group Magazine - 42

ExperiencingWococompetenceup close

W o c o G r o u p M a g a z i n e

Number 42 | December 2008 | ENGLISH

CO2 AND WOCO =WOCO2Innovative developmentswith CO2 reduction potential

NEW FROM EFFBE10 years EFFBE-CZ/Changes at EFFBE France

NEW TRAINEESExciting start to a professional career

Powered by instinct.

We areWoco

EDITORIAL

Dear Staff Members and Employees,

Germany and, indeed, the entire world is currently experiencing a highly unstable situation. The financial crisiswhich has spread from the USA to Europe is currently responsible for a considerable loss in trust throughout theentire industry. The first car makers have already stoppedproduction. Countermeasures implemented by governmentsaround the world are well conceived and should contributeto a renewal of trust. We all need to demonstrate greatertrust in both the system and each other.

Our emphasis at the moment should be on greater cooperation in the realization of our innovative product solutions. The challenge we face is to assume responsibilityand to work towards our future. We must all try harderwhen, and because, difficult times lie ahead of us.

On behalf of the associates Wolf and Kremser-Wolfand management at the Woco Group, we wish you and yourfamilies God’s blessing, a Merry Christmas and a prosper-ous New Year.

Sincerely,

The year is drawing to a close, giving us time to pause for re-flection and examine the balance sheet with a view to facingthe new year with renewed confidence.

This year up to the 3rd quarter was extremely suc-cessful for Woco. We managed to increase our articleturnover and, what is even more decisive, have currentlyachieved results which exceed those originally planned.

Unfortunately, a contraction is to be expected in the4th quarter, due to the poor economic situation. We have todate managed to achieve our planned targets and reducepurchasing prices through our combined efforts. Further po-tential can be exploited through quality enhancement andthe improvement of our collective cooperation.

On behalf of the associates and management, I wishto take this opportunity to thank you all very much for yourefforts and support this year.

We wish also to thank our partners for the continuedtrust they have shown. Incoming orders have strengthenedour commitment to continue on the course we have chosen.

We are Woco! We can pave the way for innovationstogether which, through growth and profitability, will alsohelp us to achieve success in future. This is currently indi-cated by our innovations for the reduction of CO2. On theoccasion of the FISITA 2008 trade fair in Munich, a medium-class car was constructed by us as a demonstration vehiclefor the presentation of CO2 reduction measures from Woco.More information on this event can be found on pages 8 and 9.

2 WOCO Magazine 42/2008

Martin Wolf

CONTENTS

3WOCO Magazine 42/2008

2 EDITORIAL

3 CONTENTS

4 CO2 AND WOCO = WOCO2INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS WITH CO2 REDUCTION POTENTIAL

8 EXPERIENCING WOCO COMPETENCE UP CLOSE WOCO2 VEHICLE

10 NEW FROM EFFBE 10 YEARS EFFBE-CZ/CHANGES AT EFFBE FRANCE

11 FOREIGN INTERNSHIP IN BUDAPESTHANNA WIEGAND REPORTS ON HER STAY ABROAD

12 26 NEW TRAINEESEXCITING START TO A PROFESSIONAL CAREER

14 EVERYTHING REVOLVES AROUND THE INDIVIDUALIN DIALOGUE WITH FRANZ-ALBERT DESCH

15 WOCO EXPRESSES THANKS FOR MANY YEARS OF LOYAL SERVICEWOCO ANNIVERSARIES AROUND THE WORLD

16 MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AT WOCO ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS

21 MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN ALMOST 30 YEARS AT WOCORETIREMENT FOR FRANZ-JOSEF SAUM

22 A UNIQUE, POSITIVE IMPACTSIEGFRIED MEISSNER RETIRES AFTER 43 YEARS OF SERVICE

23 WOCO EXPRESSES ITS THANKSRETIRED EMPLOYEES

23 TELEGRAM

23 IMPRINT

4

8

11

14

22


CO2 and Woco = WOCO2

With the core statement, “Woco develops and manufactures componentswhich improve the acoustic comfort, safety and efficiency of vehicles.

Woco products therefore contribute to environmental relief through noise reductionand a reduction in consumption”, and directives anchored in environmental values,“The corporate group has an obligation to protect the environment. Woco develops and manufactures products which actively avoid environmental stress and ensure environmental protection throughout the entire product lifecycle”, Woco addresses thedecrease in consumption and related reduction in the CO2 emissions of vehicles as amatter of the highest priority.

* Intake components and complete air intake systems withreduced flow resistance

* Engine-related technical components, particularlythrough the substitution of metal for plastic

* Components for the reduction of the aerodynamic dragcoefficient

Woco supplies specific intake systems for hybriddrives and has developed a system of this nature in the USAfor the first hybrid vehicle from Chrysler. The special aerody-namic design of the intake system improves acoustics, evenin case of cylinder deactivation. No additional conventionalresonators are required. Pressure loss and flow speed areeven improved when compared to the conventional serial intake, despite theextremely limited space available.Woco also develops air in-takes and reso nators forhydrogen and fuel celldrives.

Woco develops and produces product solutions forCO2 reduction in vehicles in the Acoustics, Actuators andPolymer systems business units in the following areas:

* Weight reduction through consistent substitution of metalfor plastic

* Development of product solutions to reduce aerodynamicdrag

* Products that play an active part in thermal energy management

* Components and modules for downsizing strategies fordrives with charging systems

* Reduction of flow resistance in intake and exhaust systems

* Development of polymer systems (material and products)for CO2-neutral fuels

* Product and module solutions for fuel cell drives

Innovative product and module solutions from BusinessUnits (BUs) for the automotive market

ACOUSTICSThe following products are developed and manufactured inthe Acoustics BU:

* Plastic acoustic near-field shields

* Plastic cylinder head covers with integrated fine oil traps

* Air channeling for fuel cell drives

* Foam encapsulation for noise reduction close to thesource and support of engine thermal energy manage-ment

The hybrid air intake for

the Dodge Ram pick-up

truck from Chrysler

WOCO Magazine 42/20084

woco INSIDE

haust muffler for diesel engines. It is actually a hybrid solu-tion consisting of metal (inner pipe for channeling exhaust)and plastic (exhaust pipe wall). Consistent simplificationand simultaneously commensurable acoustics enabled theachievement of the following added value in comparison toa serial muffler:

* Reduction of exhaust back pressure by more than 50 %

* Weight reduction > 50 %

* Reduction of installation space required by morethan 50 %

Initial measurements by TÜV Süd on sev-eral vehicles indicated the fuel consumptionpotential forecast on the test bench and, con-sequently, the potential for CO2 reduction.

Further potentials are achievedthrough the gain in installation spaceand the possibility to dispense withheat shields around the muffler(weight and costs). Integration ofunderbody covers in the outerplastic skin of the muffler willachieve further potentials forvehicle cw value reduction.

Innovative developments with considerable CO2 reduction potential

Turbocharger compressor housingWoco was motivated to develop a plastic turbocharger com-pressor housing because products related to turbochargerair channeling, such as mufflers, seals, coupling elementsand valves are the focus of attention in terms of develop-ment. Substitution of aluminum for plastic achieves the following added value:

* Weight reduction

* Integration of mufflers (intake and pressure side)

* Integration of a diverter valve in the case of gasoline engines

* Integration option for brackets for control ele-ments

* Integration of control housing for actuators

* Integration of low-pressure exhaust re-circulation systems

* Material resistance to exhaust fumes

* Surface characteristics (reduction ofloss of flow)

Test bench and vehicle trials alsoconfirm the potential forecast for CO2

reductions.

Exhaust mufflersWeight reduction, installation space reduction

and, in particular, the reduction of exhaust coun-terpressure (relevant for engine performance) were

the motivation for the development of a plastic rear ex-

Plastic rear exhaust

muffler for diesel

engines

Molded foam cover for noise

reduction and pedestrian pro-

tection measure

Innovative plastic

turbocharger housing


woco INSIDE

woco INSIDE

Pneumatic actuator for the

control of variable turbo

geometry and switching

point detection

ACTUATORSThe following products are de-veloped and manufactured inthe Actuator BU:

* Pneumatic and electric actuators

* Electric valves for vehicle cooling

* Valves for urea supply in Bluetec applications

* Control elements for exhaust recirculation and downsizingcomponents

* Components and systems for mechanical gear changing

Contributions to CO2 reduction are achieved through thefunction of components, design with optimized weight char-acteristics and control of thermal management strategies.

Innovative developments with considerableCO2 reduction potential

* Actuators for turbocharging in the context of downsizingconcepts

* Actuators for the control of cw value measures (e.g. brakeventing or control measures for the air flow in engine compartments)

* Actuators for the control of exhaust recirculation

* Water valves for the realization of complex thermal management strategies

* Water valves for the support of rapid engine warm-up

Special concepts in the context of downsizing can be supported with the aid of charging systems using inno-

vative com-ponents from

the Actuator BU.Coolant valves

to shut off theflow through the

heat exchanger enablethe control of coolant

throughput in the engine andheat exchanger for targeted temper-

ature distribution and, consequently, an im-provement of cold starting characteristics. This reducesboth emissions and fuel consumption. Woco supplies pneu-matic actuators and electric valves. An example is an actu-ator with an end position sensor to actuate the by-pass flapon the exhaust recirculation radiator for exhaust recircula-tion. This enables bypassing of the cooling system and,consequently, the feed of hot exhaust fumes, and this inturn improves the warm-up characteristics of the engineand catalytic converter. Desired side effects are a reductionof the noise caused by diesel knock during cold starting anda reduction of cold start emissions.

Ventilation shutters are actuated using an actuatorwith an integrated EAS (electric air switching valve).

This reduces the loss of flow. The engine compartmentflow accounts for about 15 % of the cw value (flow resistance coefficient), in other words the aerodynamic dragof a vehicle. The flaps are only opened for about one third ofthe operation and enable a more rapid and targeted warmingof the engine and, consequently, a rise in temperature and

WOCO Magazine 42/20086

woco INSIDE

*

*

Switch valve for tempera-

ture control in the urea tank

for AdBlue systems

The coolant valve enables

control of coolant throughput

in the engine

The future is multifaceted.

Woco offers pioneering and

customized solutions

for the automobile industry

as an innovative supplier.

reduction of cold start emissions. A positive side effect is thereduction of typical diesel cold start knocking noise.

Pneumatic actuators help to reduce emissions in thearea of exhaust treatment. Woco supplies actuators with aposition sensor for this purpose for exhaust recirculationcontrol in the so-called low pressure exhaust recirculationcircuit. Exhaust fumes are extracted downstream of the particle filter and fed in again upstream of the compressor.This achieves a reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.

The admixing of urea (AdBlue, Bluetech) to exhaustfumes also reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. Nitrogenoxide in exhaust fumes is converted to water and ammoniathrough SCR (selective catalytic reduction) in the case ofdiesel vehicles. Electric valves and special seals are requiredfor this purpose. These are also developed and supplied byWoco. Switch valves are used for temperature control in theurea tank in the case of AdBlue systems. Coolant flow is con-trolled through the heating coil in the urea tank, enablingthe temperature control of the urea to achieve the requiredurea viscosity.

POLYMER SYSTEMSProducts such as elastomer molded parts, precision seals,plug and cable seals made of LSR (liquid silicon rubber) and

vibration decoupling products are de-veloped and produced in the PolymerSystems BU. Woco’s own Material Development enables the realizationof product and module solutions conforming to market requirementsand, in particular, solutions suitablefor serial production, e.g. future fuelapplications (biofuels, design fuels, alcohols, etc.). Diaphragm develop-

ments and solutions also realized for gas-powered drivescontribute to effective CO2-neutral applications.

Innovative developments with considerableCO2 reduction potential

* Support of rising engine compartment temperatures withelastomer materials resistant to continuous running

* Resistance of seal materials to future fuels

* Resistance of materials to blow-bygases

* Elastomer materialswith low gas dif-fusion

The admix-ing of urea re-duces nitrogenoxide emissions.Special tank fillingfittings with an inlet forfuel and one for urea arepart of the Woco product range.

Innovative components from thePolymer Systems BU enable the support of concepts relat-ing to downsizing with the aid of charging systems, the realization of alternative drives based on gas and alcoholand the exploitation of weight and, consequently, CO2

potentials through material savings. ❚

Dr. Anton Wolf


Tank seal ring made

of resistant synthetic

rubber

WOCO2vehicle

woco INSIDE


Woco and CO2, a topic that has been given increased attention inthe last few issues of this magazine, now peaks in the realizationof a demonstration vehicle and the new brand name WOCO2.

On the occasion ofFISITA 2008, we converted aMercedes-Benz E-Class as ademonstration vehicle and

unveiled it in conjunction withTÜV SÜD to an international

public to present measures for the reduction of CO2 from Woco. A core team

headed by Udo Gärtner and including Philip Zach, MarioBacher, Josef Hohmann and Markus Mayer developed driveand aerodynamic measures for the reduc-tion of CO2 and realized these on the ve-hicle. Measurements were conducted onthe vehicle by TÜV SÜD prior to and afterconversion for the improved evaluation ofthe measures and, in particular, possibleCO2 reduction potential. Unlimited mar-ginal conditions relating to all measuresincluded the maintenance of suitability fordaily use and, in particular, no impairmentof acoustic and vibration-related comfortfactors of the vehicle.

The following measures were realized on the vehicle:1. The dual-channeled exhaust system (2 separate rearmufflers) was replaced by an innovative single-channeledrear muffler solution made of plastic. In addition to a no-table reduction in weight, this measure also achieved aconsiderable reduction in exhaust back pressure, both results which directly effect the CO2 emissions of the vehicle. The plastic solution and the associated and con-siderable temperature reduction on the muffler surfacealso enable the exploitation of weight reduction potentials

Philip Zach, Josef

Hohmann, Mario

Bacher and Markus

Mayer, members of

the core team

WOCO2 demon-

stration vehicle

Woco competence up close –

woco INSIDE


(e.g. through a possible dispensing with the temperatureshield plate in the engine tunnel). Mention should also bemade of the volumetric reduction achieved in relation tothe muffler itself which can be utilized for additional trunkor tank capacity.

2. Adjustable shutters were integrated in the radia-tor grille to improve the aerodynamics of the frontsurface of the vehicle. Air streams flowingthrough the engine compartment that areaerodynamically unfavorable can thus beprevented through controlled measures.This measure also shortens the engine coldstart phase, as no cooling air reaches theengine when the shutters are closed, accelerating heating of the cooling water and lubricant. Shutters are increasing in importancein modern vehicle development, as all measures toimprove aerodynamics also have a positive effect on CO2

levels.3. A further measure to improve aerodynamics is the

so-called underbody paneling. The underbody which, ingeneral, is severely fissured and causes turbulence, is

“smoothened” as a result of thismeasure. Air streams which are notsubject to turbulence reduce resist-ance and lead to lower consump-tion. The entire underbody of theWOCO2 vehicle was paneled with

plastic, enabling the integra-tion of the rear plastic

muffler in the panelingmeasures at the rearof the vehicle.

The CO2 reduc-tion measures inte-

grated in the WOCO2

demonstration vehicle in a single operationwere measured and evaluated in cooperation

with TÜV SÜD. Promising potentials for CO2 reductionwere recorded during this which will be supplemented by further measures in the future. Woco can draw on numerous options for weight reduction, engine optimiza-tion, and aerodynamic parameters in this respect, due to itsbroad product range. To be continued. ❚

Dr. Anton Wolf

Udo Gärtner presents the vehicle

at TÜV SÜD on the occasion of

FISITA 2008

New at EFFBE France and MCS

wocoPLANTS


EFFBE-CZ s.r.o. was established in1998 as a subsidiary of EFFBE FranceS.A.S. EFFBE-CZ has produced di-aphragms from the outset, particu-larly diaphragms for gas meters,controller diaphragms and dia-phragms for automobile emissions.The EFFBE Group was taken over byWoco in the year 2000, and EFFBE-CZ has been a member of the WocoGroup since then. Specialization ingas meter diaphragms by EFFBE-CZ

also started in this year, with the result that EFFBE-CZ is today the competence center for gas meter diaphragms at Woco. A small company on the outskirts of Zlin has developed within eight years to become the second largestproducer of gas meter diaphragms in the world.

The founders, Rudolf Vesely and Jaroslav Rotter, arejustifiably proud of their company. “I believe that we andour team have succeeded in building a strong companywith automated production and a high level of productquality. As a competence center, we have also made considerable progress in the area of development and successfully work together with the Group headquarters inBad Soden-Salmünster”, says the General Manager ofEFFBE-CZ, Rudolf Vesely. Product launching on the marketis realized in conjunction with the Sales department atEFFBE France. This cooperation reflects the philosophy of the Woco Group and illustrates that EFFBE-CZ has com-pletely integrated itself.

This member of the Woco family celebrated its 10th

anniversary in September 2008. The first 10 years at EFFBE-CZ were extremely successful, so it only remains to wish thecompany every success for the future.

Petr Zahnas

In the context of preparations for the future of EFFBE France,Jean Paul Brender was was appointed General Director onSeptember 1, 2008.

As a graduate engineer, Brender started his career atMGI COUTIER in France and dedicated himself for eight yearsto the development of engine components for BMW and PSAin the plastics division. He joined EFFBE France as a processdevelopment engineer in October 2001, has headed pro-duction since 2005 and was appointed Director of Engi-neering in January 2007.

Brender will continue to work with Butterlin, Presi-dent of EFFBE France and manager responsible for MCS fora few more years to come. He will continue in his capacity asDirector of Engineering and head the Competence Center forDiaphragms at MCS.

We wish him every success in his new position.Jean-Michel Butterlin

Specialist for gas meter diaphragms celebrates

The team

at EFFBE

The home of the

specialist for gas

meter diaphragms

Jean-Michel Butterlin and Jean Paul

Brender in conversation (from l.)

(Measurement and Control Systems Business Unit)

its 10th anniversary

The Pearl on the Danube

During the long internship period in the second academic year, Hanna Wiegand had the opportunity to take up a two-month long internship in thesummer of 2008 at Woco Ipartechnika in Hungary. An interview withDorothee Noll offers Hanna Wiegand the chance to look back at her time inBudapest and the experience gained of the Hungarian working environment.

YOU ARE WOCO


D.N.: Hanna, you had a choice of completing a theoreticalterm abroad or taking up a practical internship at Woco inanother division. Why did you choose to spend timeabroad in a Woco division?H.W.: Firstly, I think it is very important to spend time abroad

during an apprenticeship or studies. In addition to improving

linguistic skills, it also promotes your personal develop-

ment. This represents a fundamental cornerstone of

your later professional career. As Woco is a com-

pany with an international orientation, I regarded

it as extremely important to also visit and get to

know another division abroad.

D.N.: What were your expectations prior to the two-month internship at Ipartechnika in Hungary?H.W.: I had mixed feelings prior to my departure. I was full of

anticipation regarding both the work at Ipartechnika and every-

day life in Budapest. As I was the first trainee in the Hungarian

division, I really had no way of finding

out what I should expect. But I had no

misgivings about being unhappy in any

way, because I knew I would be well

looked after at Ipartechnika, just as I am

well taken care of here at Woco.

D.N.: What exactly is working atIpartechnika like?

H.W.: I was employed in Financial Accounting dur-

ing my internship, but I also had the chance to

gain an insight into logistical processes. As part

of Kis-Benedek's team in Logistics, I had the op-

portunity to experience every step of the supply

chain at the production site in Budapest, from pro-

duction of a product to the supply of customers. Not

only did my colleagues in Hungary involve me in every work-

ing process, they also organized activities with me to let me

experience the country and people better.

D.N.: Now you are back in Germany and working in Finances & Controlling. What are your thoughts when youlook back at the time spent at Woco Ipartechnika?H.W.: I have fond memories of my internship abroad and the

Hungarian colleagues I got to know. My stay in Budapest con-

siderably influenced my personal development, as I was able

to gain work experience at another Woco division outside

Germany. Both the daily life and working in a foreign country

also helped promote my sense of independence.

I’ll sum up by saying that I’m extremely thankful for the time

spent in Hungary, and I can only recommend that anybody

offered a chance of this nature should take advantage of it! ❚

Head of Logistics,

Csilla Kis-Benedek

(on left at back), with

her team in Hungary

The 21-year old student

Hanna Wiegand reports

in F&C on her time spent

at Woco Ipartechnika

The new facility at the

Ipartechnika division

in Budapest

Information on the Ipartech-nika division in Budapest:Expansion of the production site at Woco

Ipartechnika began in 2004, and approx. 230

personnel are employed there today. Cylinder

head covers and acoustic components are

produced by the Hungarian division for OEM

customers in Hungary, Germany, Great

Britain, Poland, Austria, Romania, Belgium

and the Czech Republic.

You are Woco Foreign internship in Budapest

26 new trainees at the Bad Soden-

PEOPLE & CULTURE


package” filled with useful articles associated with their newemployer, including a Woco coffee cup, Woco pen, etc. andworking utensils relating to their apprenticeship and futureduties, such as a vernier caliper, voltameter and a book. Aone-hour instruction period held by our Occupational SafetyOfficer, Thomas Perina, which addressed the subjects of oc-cupational safety and environmental protection completedthe first working day at 12:00 noon.

The trainees were first able tofamiliarize themselves to a greater

This was achieved at the Bad Soden-Salmünster di-vision through group work, exercises and presentations, withthe new trainees learning the fundamental basics whichwould enable them to enter the new working environmentwith confidence. The trainees had the chance to get to knoweach other and their instructors better. A“Woco Rally” and atour of the facility allowed the trainees to familiarize them-selves with both the company and the range of products pro-duced. Questions such as “What are my rights andobligations during the apprenticeship?”, “What shape doesthe apprenticeship at Woco take?” or “Where do I expect tobe at the end of my apprenticeship?” were intensively addressed by the newcomers. Parents, associates and theemployee representative council were also invited on theevening of the first day. The newcomers were warmly wel-

comed in speeches held by Thilo Möller, An-dreas Noll and Roland Schalk. During this festiveceremony, parents had the opportunity to expe-rience directly the location and environment inwhich their children will in future work every dayand increase their professional experience.

The first few days in Kronach took on adifferent form for the young newcomers. A brief presentation first introduced KronacherKunststoffwerk, with a subsequent tour of thefacility enabling participants to experience thecompany in greater detail. By way of a welcome,newcomers were presented with a “starter

An exciting start to a professional career at two divisions with differing operations. The objective was to present a uniform intro-duction to a professional career at both divisions and ensure thatthis start was as positive and interesting as possible.

Young hopefuls

in Kronach

Woco Rally

Breakfasting

together

Company

tour

Salmünster and Kronach divisions

PEOPLE & CULTURE


degree with the complete plant during the following twoworkdays, with all being welcomed to the various depart-ments and introduced to these in detail. Practical exerciseswere also conducted to a certain degree. A shared breakfaston September 2 offered instructors and mentors the oppor-tunity to introduce themselves. Initial discussions took placein this relaxed atmosphere, offering everybody the chanceto get to know each other.

Regardless of whether an apprenticeship takes 3.5years or 2 – the first few days leave the greatest impression

and are often remembered for a lifetime. Woco wishes tocontribute to this knowledge and also ensure that the startfor newcomers next year is once more an interesting andmemorable experience.

Young hopefuls were also welcomed at other Woco divisions in Germany. A total of ninety-six trainees were takenon by different divisions throughout Germany on September1, 2008. In addition to the eighteen new trainees at BadSoden-Salmünster and eight in Kronach, two newcomers willbe welcomed this year at Boxberg and four in Wittenberg. ❚

Nina Krieg/Bettina Puelz

Creating collages on

the topic of: “Where

I will be at the end of

my apprenticeship”

Young hopefuls

in Bad Soden-

Salmünster

Company tour

around the individualEverything revolves

YOU ARE WOCO


We at Woco (WaW): Mr. Desch, you mentioned beingin two minds when you were offered the position ofmanaging the trainee workshop.

Franz-Albert Desch (FD): I was very happy in my old job

and felt very comfortable in that environment. That’s

why the decision to take up the new position was a

difficult one for me. However, I eventually accepted the

challenge and have to date not regretted my decision,

and I think that my colleague Uwe Rüffer and I make a

good team in the trainee workshop.

WaW: You have been instructing trainees for fiveyears now. What attracts you particularly to this task?

FD: Working together with young people. I can intro-

duce them to technology and fire their enthusiasm for

this subject by passing on my practical experience

to them and guiding them through their first steps in

their professional lives. I also enjoy the cooperation

with the training team at Woco and with technical col-

leges, a partnership which has developed extremely

positively.

We at Woco offer trainees a well-organized apprentice-

ship, a fact which is confirmed time and time again dur-

ing interviews with applicants. The same applies for the

trainees, as they also profit from the excellent training

conditions at Woco. Numerous thank-you letters from

trainees attest to this – and that is the best praise that

you can ever get. The positive test results also

indicate that training of young people is at the fore at

Woco.

WaW: Which aspect of training do you consider tobe particularly important?

FD: Everything revolves around the individual and the

manner in which one relates to each other. Building

trust is the only way to create a positive working

environment, and that in turn provides the basis for a

good working atmosphere and ensures that work is also

In an interview, Franz-Albert Desch reports onhis experience as Training Manager in the

trainee workshop. Desch has worked at Woco since1972. He began his career in Technical Care, changingto Tool and Fixture Construction in 1989 when hebecame manager of the department in 1996. It was withmixed emotions that he took up his position in HumanResource Development in April 2003.

Girls Day 2008 – firing

the enthusiasm of

young women

for engineering

Precision work de-

mands a lot of “grind-

ing and filing” in the

trainee workshop

You are Woco

Franz-Albert Desch in conversation

enjoyable and fun. Trainees should not experience work

as a burden, and our job is to communicate the pleasure

it can involve.

WaW: What can you contribute to the personality development of trainees?

FD: Building trust is also important here, along with

assuring a sense of continuity and stability in the

apprenticeship. It is important to approach criticism

carefully and strive at all times to place the emphasis

on praise. I think it is incredibly important to listen, take

the necessary time to solve problems and act as a

contact person and help in all situations.

WaW: You train young people for skilled profes-sions, including process mechanics, toolmakers,electronics technicians and machining mechanics forturning and milling. Are women also evident in these professions?

FD: We currently have a young woman in her third year.

Her greatest wish was to complete an apprenticeship in

a technical trade. Her knowledge and ability are in no

way different to that of the young men in her profession.

Our chief objective is to respond to the personalities of

young people.

WaW: Thank you very much for the interview. ❚

Woco expresses thanksfor many years of loyal service

PEOPLE & CULTURE


Elle

n G

raue

l

Woco Industrietechnik GmbHGermany

40 yearsArnold Farnung September 2, 1968

Norbert Amberg October 1, 1968

35 yearsHelmut Weyrich April 1, 1973

Reinhold Eichenauer September 1, 1973

Peter Hubert September 1, 1973

Alwin Bös October 19, 1973

30 yearsSüheyla Özünal January 9, 1978

Hermann Ristow June 1, 1978

Christel Junk July 1, 1978

Josef Hohmann August 1, 1978

Franz Langgut August 2, 1978

Andreas Bangert September 1, 1978

Michael Heid September 1, 1978

Sabine Jöckel September 1, 1978

25 yearsManfred Hübl April 5, 1983

Andreas Zajac July 4, 1983

Helmut Schweizer July 11, 1983

Ursula Keppner July 25, 1983

Burkhard Artz August 1, 1983

Ulrike Mathes-Jöckel August 1, 1983

Hans-Jürgen Simon August 1, 1983

Elke Weber August 1, 1983

Andreas Ziegler August 1, 1983

Mathias Kuhn November 2, 1983

Woco IPS GmbHGermany

25 yearsGunter Wörner December 1, 1983

EFFBE GmbHGermany

30 yearsHenz-Peter Mathes July 1, 1978

Kronacher Kunststoffwerk GmbH Germany

40 yearsJoachim Hertel August 1, 1968

Helmut Röder August 1, 1968

35 yearsWerner Ostenda March 1, 1973

25 yearsFred Graf April 5, 1983

Doris Gäßlein September 1, 1983

Jürgen Schneider September 1, 1983

Polymer-Technik Elbe GmbHGermany

45 yearsUdo Döring May 13, 1963

Wolfgang Brauer September 1, 1963

Ursula Gläser September 1, 1963

Margrit Nastraha September 1, 1963

Karin Strunkeit September 1, 1963

40 yearsManfred Hübner August 19, 1968

Bärbel Eckert September 1, 1968

Manfred Sitte September 1, 1968

35 yearsErich Fehse May 14, 1973

Klaus Armes September 1, 1973

Martina Dietrich September 1, 1973

Harald Höhne September 1, 1973

Ralf Merten September 1, 1973

Reinhard Schmidt September 1, 1973

Wolfgang Thiele September 1, 1973

30 yearsRoland Kell September 1, 1978

Lutz Klose September 1, 1978

Frank Kästner November 1, 1978

25 yearsFrank-Peter Ricken January 17, 1983

Christine Meyer September 1, 1983

EFFBE France S.A.S.France

35 yearsMonique Schöpfer January 2, 1973

Annick Broglin September 4, 1973

30 yearsKarine Vuano-Bach January 2, 1978

Serge Vuano January 16, 1978

Marcel Stosskopf January 23, 1978

Anna Stosskopf September 18, 1978

25 yearsClaudine Gillig February 14, 1983

Liliana Stanisz October 17, 1983

Dominique Portal December 12, 1983

PEOPLE & CULTURE


Arnold Farnung began his career at Woco atthe tender age of fourteen on September 2, 1968. Under thecompetent tuition of his trainer, Ottomar Wolf, he completedan apprenticeship as a steel die maker. Arnold Farnunglooks back with fondness to the early days and remembersexciting times at the plant in Bad Soden. In addition to theproduction of molded rubber parts, processing of plasticswas already making inroads and presenting those respon-sible at the time with a variety of new challenges. This de-velopment also cast its spell over Arnold Farnung, asinjection molding of plastics offered numerous unheard ofdevelopment options. Arnold Farnung was from this pointon involved in the development of plastics processing, beingprimarily involved in the construction of plastic molds. Out-side purchasing was unknown at the time, and everything

He was originally destined for an apprenticeshipas a fitter, but fate had other plans in store for him as Norbert Amberg joined Woco, a then relatively new companyon October 1, 1968, taking up an industrial sales manage-ment assistant apprenticeship. Franz Josef Wolf himself employed the young man, and the ambitious companyneeded industrial sales personnel in those days.

Norbert Amberg first saw “action” in sales in thethird year of his apprenticeship and remained in this fieldon completion of his training. He took on the function ofgroup manager in 1985 in the internal sales service and stilllooks back with fondness on the collegial contacts hemade, both among customers and in the company itself.

The Sales department moved from Bad Soden toSalmünster on January 2, 1991, with business units beingseparated in 1996. Each business unit was from then on assigned its own sales department. After a brief period inModular Technology sales, Norbert Amberg switched as theinternal sales service manager to automotive sales in theRubber Technology business unit in 1996 under the direc-tion of Kurt Sperzel. His customers were VW, BMW, Daimlerand Audi. Although the main sales activities were conductedon the telephone, Norbert Amberg visited customers on sitefrom time to time if circumstances demanded this.

Times have changed, says Norbert Amberg after almost forty years in sales. Contact with customers used to

Arnold Farnung

40 years in Bad Soden-Salmünster

A salesmanlooks back

A specialistfor plastics

40 years in Bad Soden-Salmünster

PEOPLE & CULTURE


necessary was handcrafted, he reports. Many new productswere created with his participation, such as the first watervalves, the control light window for the VDO, the first fansand many more.

With production also increasing in the plant inSteinau, an additional plastic mold making facility was established in Steinau, with Arnold Farnung taking over itsmanagement in 1988. He obtained his master’s certificatein industrial processing in evening classes and sat the master craftsman examination at the Chamber of Industryand Commerce in the summer of 1990.

With both tool making facilities being centralized in Salmünster in 1995, Arnold Farnung switched to the Purchasing department where he was responsible forprocuring plastic molds in the then MAS business unit.

The integration of the Modular Technology and MAS busi-ness units in 2004 saw Arnold Farnung moving to the newly-established Process Technology department where hefound ideal conditions to optimally implement the technicalexpertise he had gained over the decades. As a plastic spe-cialist, he is responsible for the technical design of plasticmolds and their subsequent forwarding to production sites.His most recent duties abroad took him to our plant in Hungary where he supported process engineering work andstart-ups of molds and tools (e.g. the OM 648 cylinder headcover).

He still retains his enthusiasm for his job after fortyyears of service and is delighted that Woco will continue toproduce more plastic mold parts itself in the future. ❚

Ellen Grauel

be more open and more personal in nature. E-mail is nowused extensively in this age of electronic data processing.Moreover, we also feel the fluctuation of personnel amongour customers. Negotiations have become more difficult inevery respect.

Norbert Amberg is very appreciative of the fact thathe gained practical experience during his industrial salesmanagement assistant apprenticeship. This benefited himover the years, as it enabled him to rapidly appreciate theinterplay between technical and functional aspects.

Since the redivision in market fields in 2004, NorbertAmberg still bears responsibility today for the key customers Audi, VW and BMW. ❚

Ellen Grauel

Norbert Amberg

processing

PEOPLE & CULTURE


As a high school student, Margrit Nastraha si-multaneously commenced an apprenticeship asa rubber specialist on September 1, 1963, andwas thus able to graduate from high school andcomplete her apprenticeship in July 1967. Ongraduating as an engineer from the EngineeringCollege for Rubber and Plastic Technology in

Fürstenwalde (Ingenieurschule für Gummi- undPlasttechnologie Fürstenwalde), she was em-ployed mainly as a technician in the raw mate-rials facility from 1970 onwards. She has beenresponsible for preparing recipes for associatedfirms since 1993. Margrit Nastraha commencedsemi-retirement on August 1, 2008.

On successfully completing studies in rub-ber technology, Manfred Hübner took up his dutiesat VEB Gummiwerk Elbe on August 19, 1968, in Ma-terials Management. He was already heading thisbusiness unit by May 1, 1969. His responsibilitiesat this time also extended to the purchasing of rawmaterials for the mixing facility. Parallel to his duties in the company, Manfred Hübner completedstudies in business administration between 1973and 1978 at the University of Applied Sciences in

Merseburg (Technische Hochschule Merseburg).He placed his extensive expertise at the disposal ofWoco Industrietechnik, where he was Head of Purchasing for rubber tubing and plastics fromFebruary 1991 to December 1992. With the estab-lishment of the Polymertechnik Elbe GmbH jointventure, Manfred Hübner returned to Wittenbergand has been Head of Procurement Marketing sincethen with responsibility for the purchasing of rawmaterials for PTE, Vorwerk and Woco.

Udo Döring joined the then VEB Gummiwerk Elbeon May 13, 1963, and was initially employed as acalender and rolling mill operator. He qualified asa rubber specialist during this period and becamethe shift manager in the weighing facility for rawmaterial in 1972. Parallel to his duties in the com-pany, he qualified as a master craftsman in plastic

and elastic processing. He was an operator in thecontrol center of the main department of the Zen-traler Rohbetrieb Elbe (now the PolymertechnikElbe GmbH (PTE)) as of January 1, 1979. UdoDöring took advantage of semi-retirement after 45years of service and left the PTE GmbH on July 31,2008.

40 years at PTE

Udo Döring

Margrit Nastraha

Manfred Hübner

45 years at PTE

PEOPLE & CULTURE


Bärbel Eckert joined the company forty years ago, learning theskills of a rubber specialist from September 1, 1968, onwardsand subsequently taking up these duties in a variety of busi-ness divisions. Since the establishment of PolymertechnikElbe GmbH, Bärbel Eckert has worked as a trial mixer and inspector in shift work at the physical laboratory.

Ursula Gläser started an apprenticeship as a materials testeron September 1, 1963, at the former Gummiwerk Elbe GmbH.On completion of her apprenticeship on July 17, 1965, shetook up duties in her profession in the Test Engineering department. She is still active in this department today, contributing the technical expertise she has gained over thedecades to test engineering for the benefit of our company.Ursula Gläser commenced semi-retirement on June 1, 2009.

Karin Strunkeit joined the then VEBGummiwerk Elbe on September 1, 1963,and completed an apprenticeship as anindustrial business management assis-tant. As an executive, she was subse-quently involved in material planningand, until taking semi-retirement onJune 16, 2007, was active in the presentProcurement Marketing department atPolymertechnik Elbe GmbH.

Manfred Sitte joined the VEB Gummiwerk Elbe on November 20, 1968, as a warehouseand transportation worker employed in shift work. He oversees the entire unloadingprocess and is also responsible for the correct storage of incoming raw materials. His knowledge of warehouse management is unequalled, and he ensures that the plantpremises are kept in an orderly fashion. Manfred Sitte will commence semi-retirementin the summer of 2009.

On completion of his graduation from high school, WolfgangBrauer took up an apprenticeship as a rubber specialist at theVEB Gummiwerk Elbe on September 1, 1963, successfullycompleting this training in 1967. After working as a mixer anddeputy to the supervisor, he took over a position as a mastercraftsman in the raw materials facility on January 1, 1980. He qualified as a master craftsman in the chemical industryfor this function. Wolfgang Brauer did shiftwork from the be-ginning and commenced semi-retirement on February 1, 2009.

Bärbel Eckert

Manfred Sitte

Wolfgang Brauer

Karin Strunkeit

Ursula Gläser

Mar

et S

irp

PEOPLE & CULTURE


Helmut Röder commenced his apprenticeship as a tool maker onAugust 1, 1968, at Stockhardt & Schmidt-Eckert and, following successfulcompletion of his training, was employed as a skilled craftsman in the Tool-making department until 1977. He then switched to the Metalworking de-partment and was employed as a company fitter with responsibility for theKronacher Kunststoffwerk and the old porcelain factory which, at that time,was still a branch of the former Stockhardt & Schmidt-Eckert.

Due to his excellent technical expertise, Helmut Röder was appointedHead of Production in 1983 and, simultaneously, to the position of processengineer.

The Mechatronics and Automation department was expanded in2000. This presented Helmut Röder with a new challenge, and he workedtogether with Detlef Gerstner on the expansion of this area. He still headsAutomation today, investing his entire knowledge in the development ofnew production technologies and automation systems for the KronacherKunststoffwerk. He also dedicates himself ceaselessly to the training ofyoung mechatronic technicians. ❚

Bettina Pülz

of automationA specialist in the area

Joachim Hertel commenced a tool maker apprenticeship on August 1,1968, at Stockhardt & Schmidt-Eckert, the company which was later renamed Kronacher Kunststoffwerk GmbH. On successfully completing his apprenticeshipin January 1972, he was employed as a skilled craftsman in the Toolmaking department until 1975, followed by duties as a fitter in the Finishing departmentfor duroplastics and thermoplastics until 1983. Joachim Hertel worked in moldmaintenance and optimization in the following years, changing whenever his duties demanded this. He was, for example, also a line inspector in the interimand stood in for the Finishing department manager. Joachim Hertel assumed responsibility for the Pad Printing department at the end of 1996.

With the discontinuation of the Finishing department in Kronach in No-vember 2002, Joachim Hertel switched to the Assembly department, while si-multaneously retaining responsibilities for pad printing machines. He was askilled craftsman on the BMW E60 assembly line until May 2006 and continueshis duties in the Assembly department in which he mainly assembles special production orders for premium manufacturers. ❚

Bettina Pülz

Versatile service

Joachim Hertel

over 40 years

Helmut Röder

40 years at KKW

40 years at KKW

PEOPLE & CULTURE


Franz-Josef Saum joined Woco as a graduate elec-trical engineer in October 1980 and, after a short period of in-troductory training, took over management of the plant inSteinau purchased in 1976. His particular responsibility atthis time was in the area of control and technical support forthe plant production, the creation of new jobs and as a con-sultant to our Development department in matters relating torational processing methods. He also took over productionmanagement in 1983 in the area of engineering thermoplas-tic components, when his training as an electrical engineerwas instrumental in addressing the technical complexitiesinvolved and, in most cases, computer-controlled injectionmolding machines.

1989 saw the transfer of pneumatic supply units(PVS) for Daimler Chrysler from Steinau to Salmünster.Franz-Josef Saum and his team developed a PC applicationfor production control to master control of the productionof these complex articles consisting of numerous individualparts. At the time 150 personnel were employed in Hall 1 ofthe line production and system assembly under the man-agement of Saum, energetically supported by a highly mo-tivated team in production, planning and technical service.

With the conclusion of a cooperation contract in August 1991 between Woco and the state-controlled Czechcompany MEZ Vsetin, the cooperative effort in the area ofpneumatic supply lines for the automobile industry and theproduction of special tools and equipment was born. It wasunder the aegis of Franz-Josef Saum that the production ofpneumatic systems was transferred to the plant of the Czechcooperation partner MEZ Vsetin. A total of around 150 Czechemployees in groups of 20 were trained for three monthseach in the plant in Salmünster to ensure that work in theCzech Republic would be realized to German quality andperformance standards.

Franz-Josef Saum can well remember the early daysin the Czech Republic: it was a difficult birth before produc-tion in the Czech Republic was up and running properly.Work continued 7 days a week, with 3 shifts a day.

Production of a further product group was started in 1992 – the so-called temperature sensors. Franz-JosefSaum also oversaw and supported this production devel-opment, along with organizing the later transfer to the CzechRepublic.

Woco expanded its activities in the Czech Republicfurther with the establishment of STV in April 1993 and theerection of a branch facility in Jablunka in 1995, and the con-struction of a completely new production facility in Vsetin(with everything concentrated under a single roof) in 2001also saw Franz-Josef Saum’s skills being once more calledupon. Franz-Josef Saum demonstrated enormous commit-ment in getting the newly-developed Woco system block upand running, and he continues to involve himself in its opti-mization right up to the present.

Franz-Josef Saum’s contribution to the setting up ofthe production site in the Czech Republic, an important location for Woco, was extremely valuable, a commitmentwhich demonstrated enormous devotion and spirit. Reach-ing retirement age has not stopped him from continuing ina consultative capacity for Woco and imparting the compre-hensive wealth of experience he has gained in the samemanner as before.

On joining the company in 1980, Franz-Josef Saum ex-pressed a wish to cooperate with Franz-Josef Wolf and hisemployees to ensure the future success of the companythrough his efforts. – We can confirm today that his wish hascome true, and he can be proud of everything he hasachieved in 28 years of service to Woco! ❚

Ellen Grauel

Major achievements in almost 30 years at Woco

At the age of 65, Franz-Josef Saum retired on April 30,after twenty-eight years of service at Woco. His successful involvement is closely associated withthe erection of the plant in the Czech Republic.

Franz-Josef Saum

PEOPLE & CULTURE


General Manager Siegfried Meißner retires after 43 years in senior positions at the Gummiwerk Elbe and its successorcompany, Polymer-Technik Elbe GmbH(PTE).

The farewell for Siegfried Meißner:

Franz Josef Wolf, Peter Cöllen, Siegfried

Meißner, Dr. Haseloff (Economics

Minister of the State of Saxony-Anhalt)

and Dr. Wolfgang Keil (from l.)

Siegfried Meißner

His career began in 1966 at the VEB GummiwerkElbe. On completion of studies in operational, measure-ment and control engineering and technical cybernetics atthe Technical University in Dresden, Siegfried Meißner invested his entire energy in the planning and design of amixing facility in Wittenberg. He was even sent with somecolleagues to the West in 1972 to train on new machines

(a very special case during the GDRera). He was Director of Engineer-ing after production started, be-coming the senior departmentmanager for mixing productionfrom 1984 onwards. SiegfriedMeißner took over management ofthe Gummiwerk Elbe GmbH in1990 and oversaw the privati-zation of the individual productiondivisions. He made a considerablecontribution in this position to theretention of the mixing facility andits further operation by Woco andVorwerk as an associate company.

On the establishment of PTE GmbH by Woco and Vorwerkin 1993, he was appointed Plant Manager of PTE. SiegfriedMeißner was Director of Engineering at Antivibra-tionstechnik s.r.o. (AVT) in the Czech Republic from 1996 to1999 before resuming the position of Plant Manager at PTEGmbH in the year 2000. As a member of management,

he bore a substantial responsibility for the Production andEngineering departments and invested a great deal of hisenergy in setting up the mixing production facility in Wuxi,China, in 2006.

His long career was distinguished by a high sense ofresponsibility, an immense degree of technical expertiseand extraordinary commitment. He showed great opennessat all times, and demonstrated how professional successcan be attained with his personal dedication.

Siegfried Meißner took his leave of the company onSeptember 26, 2008, after over forty-two years of service.Both associates at PTE, Franz Josef Wolf and Peter Cöllen,Head of the Vorwerk Autotech GmbH in Wuppertal, praisedthe technical competence of the departing PTE GeneralManager in a laudation. As Wolf noted at the end of hisspeech: “You were a tough nut to crack” could not havebeen a greater compliment for Siegfried Meißner.

The employees, business partners and guests badetheir farewells to Siegfried Meißner at a subsequentevening event and thanked him for his cooperation. ❚

Ellen Grauel/Maret Sirp

A unique, positive

wocoTELEGRAM


We at Woco – Employee Magazine of the Woco Group, No. 42 – December 2008

Publisher: Woco Industrietechnik GmbH, Hanauer Landstraße 16, 63628 Bad Soden-Salmünster, Germany, Tel.: +49 (0) 60 56 /78-0,www.wocogroup.com

Editorial Staff: Dr. Heike Beerbaum, Dr. Bernd Casper, Bernhard Eckert, Stefan Engel, Matthias Hackerschmied, Gerhard Hepp, Manuela Jost, MarkKeuneke, Karin Kropp, Thomas Mack, Anna DagmarMetz, Dorothee Noll, Roland Schalk, ChristopherStorch, Michael Weber, Anke Wolf, Dr. Anton Wolf,Bernhard Wolf

Editorial Direction: Dr. Heike Beerbaum, Manuela Jost, Anke Wolf

Design and Layout: STRAIGHT – concept & design,Frankfurt a. M., Germany (www.straight-cd.de)

Translations: sprachenwelt GmbH, Hünfeld, Germany

Printed by: Druck- und Pressehaus Naumann GmbH & Co. KG, 63571 Gelnhausen, Germany

Photos: STRAIGHT – concept & design, Woco Gruppe,company photos, FISITA – International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies

© Woco – Reprints only with prior written permissionof the publisher

Editorial deadline: September 30, 2008

Woco Industrietechnik GmbH, GermanyFranz-Josef Saum April 30, 2008Erich Tögel June 30, 2008Gerlinde Steffan August 31, 2008 Edith Weitzel September 30, 2008 Helmut Jöckel October 31, 2008

Woco IPS GmbH, GermanyGregoire Benneyan March 31, 2008

Kronacher Kunststoffwerk GmbH, GermanyHorst Biesenecker February 29, 2008

Polymer-Technik Elbe GmbH, GermanyRenate Steinert March 31, 2008Dieter Kuhnert June 30, 2008 Udo Döring July 31, 2008 Manfred Schmidt September 30, 2008 Brigitte Lange September 30, 2008 Siegfried Meißner September 30, 2008

EFFBE France S.A.S., FranceDoris Bentzinger June 30, 2008

Systemtechnik Vsetin spol. s.r.o. (STV), Czech RepublicZdeňka Janírková February 29, 2008 Zdeňka Chudějová May 18, 2008 Věra Štastná May 31, 2008 Hana Gaberová June 21, 2008 Helena Horáková July 10, 2008

EFFBE CZ s.r.o., Czech RepublicVladimír Gatial January 16, 2008Karel Vaš March 14, 2008 Karel Čaník August 30, 2008

Woco Ipartechnika Magyarország Kft., HungaryPeter Hegedüs December 31, 2008Tibor Hegedüs December 31, 2008

Woco expresses its thanksRetired employees

The following employees retired in 2008:

Solution approachesAutomobile trends > Functions > Ideas >

An innovation workshop was held on October 9 and 10,2008, by Woco and DuPont (plastic supplier) under the direction of Dr. Anton Wolf (Predevelopment Management)in Kronach.

The objective of this workshop was to draw on current trendsin the automobile industry and future functions in automobilesas the inspiration for ideas and solution approaches with re-gard to products, materials and processes. The two days in-volved were regarded as a valuable opportunity to worktogether and an exercise which should definitely be continuedthrough concrete innovation projects on both sides. The par-ticipants formed an interdisciplinary team consisting of Wocoemployees from Bad Soden-Salmünster and Kronacher Kunst-stoffwerk and DuPont employees from all over Germany.

Dr. Heike Beerbaum

The workshop team

Gathering ideas –

finding solutions

http://www.wocogroup.com

http://www.straight-cd.de

Acoustics Actuators Polymer systems

The sharper your instincts,the safer it is to follow them.

We sense development trends in the automobile areas of

acoustics, actuators and polymer systems. Our instincts guide

us in developing and manufacturing technological systems that

anticipate the demands of the market, the customer, the future.

www.wocogroup.com


http://www.wocogroup.com

Woco Group Magazine - 42

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