VDMA Valves has elected Lubert Winnecken as its new chairman, succeeding Axel Weidner, as the association begins a new term with an executive board representing manufacturers from Germany’s building and industrial valve sectors. Mr Winnecken, CEO of KEUCO, will also continue to lead the VDMA Building Valves Division. The newly elected executive board brings together senior representatives from both segments of the German valve industry and is set to focus on competitiveness, energy costs, regulatory requirements, technological transformation and workforce development.
Andreas Laschke, President Segment Valves at KSB, was elected Vice Chairman of VDMA Valves and Chairman of the VDMA Industrial Valves Division. Elisa Sasserath-Kentsch of Hans Sasserath was appointed Vice Chair of VDMA Building Valves, while Oliver Bertram of Perrin, Kitz Group, became Vice Chair of VDMA Industrial Valves. Michael Everwand of Everwand & Fell and Michael Rimm of IMI Hydronic Engineering Deutschland have also joined the VDMA Valves Executive Board.
As chairman, Mr Winnecken intends to strengthen the valve industry’s representation in political decision-making and increase its visibility at both national and European levels. Competitiveness, energy costs, regulatory requirements and innovation are among the priorities for the association.
“Our companies are facing increasing pressure from international competition. Now is the time to once again consistently prioritize industrial competitiveness: with reliable political framework conditions, competitive energy costs, and a regulatory environment that enables innovation rather than hindering it,” said Lubert Winnecken, CEO of KEUCO.
VDMA Valves also plans to strengthen its representation at the European level, where regulatory proposals, sustainability requirements and industrial competitiveness continue to influence the operating environment for valve manufacturers. The association will draw on the expertise of companies from both building and industrial valve segments to address common challenges and promote the exchange of industry experience. Key areas of focus for the new board include strengthening the competitiveness of German valve manufacturers, securing skilled workers, supporting technological transformation and addressing regulatory requirements affecting the industry.
Laura Dorfer, Managing Director of VDMA Valves, said, “With Lubert Winnecken, Andreas Laschke, and the newly elected Executive Board, we are gaining a team with a high level of technical expertise, entrepreneurial experience, and a broad perspective on the challenges facing our industry.”
The new executive board will guide VDMA Valves’ activities and contribute to the further development of Germany’s valve manufacturing sector over the coming years. The association represents more than 190 member companies from across the building and industrial valve segments. VDMA Valves is part of the VDMA, the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association, and provides a platform for manufacturers to exchange knowledge, address industry-wide challenges and represent their interests in discussions concerning industrial policy, regulation, technology and market development.
