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news & facts New European innovation leader for intelligent surface solutions is created SurFunction GmbH, a deep- and green-tech pioneer in the field of laser-based surface enhancement inspired by nature, announces the successful completion of the acquisition of Surcoatec GmbH. This strategically significant acquisition creates a new European innovation leader, combining DLIP-based microand nanostructuring, physical and chemical high-performance coatings, and industrial series production in a comprehensive service portfolio for the first time. Technological platform with industrial maturity SurFunction is becoming an integrated technology provider for functional surface solutions – from prototype development and qualification to industrialized series production. This sets new standards for industries that place the highest demands on precision, reliability and functionality. At the heart of the combined technology portfolio is SurFunction’s industrialized DLIP (Direct Laser Interference Patterning) technology. This broadly patented platform enables the targeted micro- and nanostructuring of surfaces to control physical, chemical or biological properties based on nature’s model – for example to minimize friction, reduce germs or control adhesion. With its modular and leading ELIPSYS® platform, SurFunction has already set standards for scalable, automated and inline-capable surface processes, and recently achieved further breakthroughs through the unique integration of fiber laser technologies. The integration of Surcoatec’s expertise in vacuum-based thin-film technology, including PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) coatings is now creating a new system generation: DLIP-structured, functionalized surfaces with precisely coordinated coating systems – reproducible, industrially viable and scalable. Industrial location with quality assurance and implementation expertise With the acquisition of Surcoatec GmbH, SurFunction secures a top industrial location for coating and surface finishing in Düren (North Rhine-Westphalia) – with connections to RWTH Aachen University and other research institutions. The Surcoatec infrastructure is fully designed for series production capability and is ISO 9001:2015 certified. This enables the reliable implementation of quality-critical requirements – for example, in medical technology, the optical industry or aerospace. In addition Surcoatec brings an attractive IP base to the technology sector – including patented processes for multifunctional layer systems, adaptive hard coatings and integrative process chains. This specifically complements and expands SurFunction’s existing, broad intellectual property landscape, particularly in the area of structure-driven functionalization. further information: www.surcoatec.com New managing director at MAPAL Thailand Change in the management of MAPAL Tooling (Thailand) Co. Ltd: at the end of April James Tan, managing director of the Thai subsidiary since 2017, retired. Effective immediately, Michael Loefflad, managing director of MAPAL KK, Japan, will manage the two Southeast Asian subsidiaries in personal union. James Tan has been an important pillar for MAPAL in the region for several decades. He started his career at MAPAL in 1995 to market German products in Southeast Asia. He then became technical support manager and was responsible for training and support throughout Southeast Asia. He was also instrumental in setting up MAPAL Malaysia and MAPAL Indonesia. In 2017 he finally took over the management of MAPAL Tooling Thailand. His great commitment and tireless efforts have contributed to the positive development of MAPAL in Southeast Asia. Michael Loefflad has been managing director of the MAPAL KK subsidiary in Japan since January 1, 2024. He has more than 20 years of professional experience in Asia and brings extensive expertise and industry knowledge from various management positions to the company. He will apply this expertise to his additional position of responsibility at MAPAL Thailand. further information: www.mapal.com 26 no. 3, September 2025
news & facts New sales representative in Turkey BMR elektrischer und elektronischer Gerätebau GmbH, a specialist in the manufacture of frequency converters, has now established a sales representation in Istanbul with Osman Çoban from OFC Elektronik. “Mr. Çoban has years of experience in sales for German electronics and electrical engineering companies and excellent knowledge of the Turkish market” says BMR managing director Susanne Brittling with satisfaction. “Turkey is of great interest to us, as there is particular demand here in the mechanical engineering, textile and porcelain industries, as well as wood processing, for high-quality frequency converters ‘made in Germany’” adds BMR managing director Stephan Brittling. The innovative family business from Schwabach has been internationally oriented since its founding. The trend is continuously increasing. This also applies to the dental industry, where BMR’s frequency converters are used worldwide. The Turkish dental industry is also an important future market. Here, Osman Çoban will serve as an on-site representative to ensure optimal communication with existing and new customers. further information: www.bmr-gmbh.de New CEO Kellenberger, a leading global provider of advanced metal-cutting solutions, announced the appointment of Carsten Liske as its new chief executive officer and member of the board of directors, effective immediately. Carsten will be based in Goldach, Switzerland. He is a highly experienced executive in the machine tool industry as well as other capital goods sectors. He most recently served as chief executive officer of the Chiron Group in Tuttlingen, Germany. Prior to that he held global senior leadership positions at Rieter, the world’s leading supplier of short-staple fiber spinning systems, as well as at OC Oerlikon and ABB Group. further information: www.kellenberger.com New production site in China Zeller+Gmelin officially opened its new production site in Huzhou, China, with a celebratory ceremony on May 8, 2025. Numerous customers, partners, employees and representatives of the city government attended the opening of Zeller+Gmelin (Huzhou) Co., Ltd.. The new site in the economically booming Nan Taihu New District (Zhejiang province) marks an important milestone in the company’s China strategy. The modern facility in Huzhou is designed to produce highquality lubricants for the Chinese market. The focus is on applications in the automotive, wire drawing, textile and General manager Marc-Tran Heller addressed partners and authorities in Chinese to acknowledge the successful cooperation and commitment of the Huzhou team metal processing industries. With the new plant Zeller+Gmelin is reaffirming its long-term commitment to one of the world’s most dynamic growth markets – focusing on local proximity, delivery capability and flexibility. Clear location concept: production in Huzhou, sales in Suzhou The new production site complements the already established sales and customer service center in Suzhou. While consulting, service and order coordination will continue to take place there, Huzhou will focus on manufacturing in the future. This clear division of responsibilities strengthens the Group’s service portfolio and improves supply security for customers in China. Strategic milestone for the Asian business With the new location in Huzhou, Zeller+Gmelin is strengthening its presence in Asia and thus setting a clear example for further growth, according to the headquarters in Eislingen, Swabia (Germany). The facility is equipped with state-ofthe-art production technology and is operated by a qualified, locally based team. Huzhou is expected to develop into a central hub within the company’s Asia strategy in the future. The successful implementation of the project is the result of close, cross-location collaboration between the teams in Germany, Suzhou and Huzhou. further information: www.zeller-gmelin.de no. 3, September 2025 27
