Kautex announces Eike Wedell as new CEO

Bonn, 20 February 2025 – It is with pride and confidence that Kautex Maschinenbau System GmbH announces the appointment of Eike Wedell as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over 35 years of experience in plastics technology, Eike Wedell brings an impressive combination of industry knowledge, leadership and innovative spirit that will lead the company into a new era of growth and sustainability.

“Kautex is a company with a global reputation in the plastics industry and enormous potential. I look forward to working with the team to develop new technologies and implement a sustainable growth strategy that will bring Kautex back to the top,” says Eike Wedell at the start of his new position.

A clear plan for the future

As a long-standing expert in plastics technology and with a clear plan for sustainable development, Wedell sees the circular economy as one of the key challenges of the future. “Visions are a reach for the stars. However, the next achievable steps are clear to me: the entrepreneurial success of Kautex and the establishment of a stable organization after turbulent years. This will provide security for our customers, but also for the families of our employees. It will also accelerate the development of sustainable technologies that save our customers money and protect the environment." In order to achieve these goals, Wedell is planning an intensive examination of the company's previous working methods.

Strategic focus and constant growth

A central strategic focus is the development of new markets and product segments. To this end, targeted investments are being made in adjacent technologies, among other things. Eike Wedell explains: “I have three main priorities: I want to ensure that employees are proud of their Kautex products and that everyone has the goal of producing the most economical blow molding systems – in time and exceeding expectations. Secondly, we will massively expand our technical center to serve not only as an innovation center, but also as a central location for further training and exchange. It will become a place where employees, customers and partners can come together to work on forward-looking solutions.”

Wedell's third focus is on the development of a new product segment that will help to balance out market fluctuations. The focus will be on technologies that address both sustainable materials and innovative fields of application, for example in the circular economy and in the area of renewable energies. The aim of this initiative is to reduce dependence on traditional markets and at the same time open new growth opportunities.

Leadership principles and corporate culture

In his management work, Eike Wedell relies on a cooperative management style based on trust, personal responsibility and teamwork. “The greatest success is when my team can say: We did it together”. In addition to a lean organization and more efficient processes, optimizing the ERP system will also be a top priority, which will have a positive impact for our customers.

Sustainability and social responsibility

“Our current standard of living would be inconceivable without plastics, but the industry has so far failed to consistently implement the circular economy. We want to make our contribution here and I will continue to strongly promote this. That is why we are also part of R-Cycle,” says Wedell. It is clear that innovation, sustainability and close cooperation with employees, customers and partners are the pillars of Kautex's future success.

A message to employees and customers

Eike Wedell is convinced that the common path into the future requires commitment and a willingness to change. “Success comes through participation. We want to be a reliable problem solver and partner for our customers and business partners. I would like to thank you for your trust and look forward to working with you.” With the appointment of Eike Wedell as CEO, Kautex Maschinenbau System GmbH is optimistic about the future and is setting clear signals for growth, innovation and sustainability.