„Innovation is the basis for future growth“, said Michael Schwarzkopf, chairman of the executive board of Plansee Group in his welcome speech. In a year of economic downturn nobody should loose track for the time beyond the economic crisis. “The entrepreneurial challenge is to strike a balance between making short-term adjustments and long-term growth options”, Schwarzkopf said.

Rapid technological change requires the permanent further development of materials. Ever more demanding applications – from medicine to cars and mobile phones – require new material developments. “In the long run future success is based on the research results discussed this week at the Plansee Seminar”, Schwarzkopf emphasis.

Besides technological challenges Schwarzkopf also sees the need for innovative business models. The orientation on customers needs could result in comprehensive delivery and service packages. To guarantee stable prices it is highly recommendable to make the raw materials supply more calculable – through direct access on raw materials production and more recycling activities. Rising energy costs in the medium term requires keeping cutting energy usage in production processes.

Schwarzkopf sees big market potential in energy supply, health, transport and environment. “Even though it is not evident at a first glance: Powder metallurgical solutions are an important pillar for the successful development of theses industries of the future – whether it be wafer-thin coatings for solar cells or even more long-lasting tools for the automotive industry.”

The Plansee Seminar

2009 will be the 17th time that the Plansee Seminar has taken place since Paul Schwarzkopf first organ-ized this forum for the world’s leading scientific and industrial powder metallurgy experts. Delegates share their opinions and ideas on the latest developments in technologies, materials and applications of powder-metallurgical high-performance materials.

All the research presented at the Plansee Seminar is previously unpublished. Delegates particularly value the high scientific quality of the event, and the chance to engage in discussions with other leading experts. The Plansee Seminar is organized and subsidized by the Plansee Group.

Since it was first set up in 1921, the Plansee Group has been at the forefront of developments within the power metallurgy industry, and with its four divisions – Plansee High Performance Materials, GTP Tungsten & Powders, Ceratizit Hardmetals & Tools and PMG PM Products – is one of the world’s leading suppliers of powder metallurgical products and components.

Press contact

Dénes Széchényi
Member of the Plansee Seminar Organizing Committee
Head of Internal Communications Plansee Group

PLANSEE SE
Metallwerk-Plansee-Str. 71 – 6600 Reutte – Austria
Tel. +43-5672-600-2243 – Mobil: +43-664-8 15 25 98
denes.szechenyi@plansee.com