Paul-Bernd Vogtland new ESF President

March 24, 2022

Paul-Bernd Vogtland, Managing Partner of VDF Federn Group (DE) from Hagen and simultaneously Chairman of the Board of the German spring industry association VDFI, was elected President, succeeding Tomi Parmasuo, Meconet OY (FI), in this position. Francesco Silvestri, Mollificio I.S.B. s.r.I. (IT), was elected as his Deputy, and Dr. Michael Hagedorn, VDFI (DE), was appointed as the new General Secretary. Axel Schnöring, Schnöring GmbH (DE), was confirmed in his position as Treasurer.

President Paul-Bernd Vogtland also sees the spring industry facing major challenges. The environment of the spring industry in Europe will change significantly in the future due to the shift between globalization and de-globalization of the economy, structural change in the automotive industry and the path taken toward climate neutrality, as well as the major demographic challenges and the resulting HR issues. A European umbrella organization that brings together and represents the interests of the national European trade associations worldwide—for example, in areas such as standardization or research—is a great support for the internationally operating spring industry.

Text by Jörg Dambock