Jowat Magazine 2013-01 EN

P|17Progress 1 |2013 ment the Swiss centre of competence in Europe, re- sponsible for the adhesives based on PU prepolymers. In other areas of the world, we are also present with our own developers: At Jowat Corporation in the USA; and also at Jowat Manufacturing in Malaysia, where the management team is currently expanded. With our regional development policy, we are gaining important know-how on the various markets, but also in the di- verse climate zones. Of course, we spread these fin- dings to other departments throughout the Jowat orga- nisation. How does the coordination among these sectors work? Dr. Hartmut Henneken: The Industrial Divisions of Jowat AG, Sales, and Technical Service are in contact around the globe with our customers every day. They are aware of the customer-specific requirements and have the chance to involve the colleagues from R&D into the customer support activities. Together, the de- mands of the customer are analysed, and the most suitable adhesive basis for the intended application is determined. If none of the suggested adhesive bases available meets the required performance parameters, the respective laboratory director will initiate the ne- cessary process to start a new product development – and of course always taking economic aspects into account. The objective is at all times to be able to supp- ly our customer with a suitable adhesive product in the shortest possible time. Our Directors of the R &D laboratories have also certain responsiblities for a smooth production process of the adhesives. The formulations must also work reliably – and this means efficiently – under the conditions of mass production. Adhesives with a non-varying high quality level have to be allways available in the vo- lumes required by the customer. To reach this target, a close cooperation among the R&D directors with the purchasing department, quality management, and the team around the plant management, is necessary and important. Can you describe the role of the R&D Director as innovator? Dr. Hartmut Henneken: Product innovation is – apart form the desired continuous improvements of products – one of he original tasks of the R&D departments. This requires to uncover potential for innovation, in new markets, in new raw materials, or in application envi- ronments. Jowat AG encourages nonconformist ideas that reach beyond established trains of thought. For us, the cooperation with institutes and universities, our commitment in projects of R&D, is providing major im- pulses for our process of innovation. In-depth chemical professional know-how then is not enough? Can you summarize the formula for success of Jowat AG for reliable success of inno- vative performance? Dr. Hartmut Henneken: The formula for development performance which “for sure” brings about success is for Jowat composed of quality, commitment and trust. We rely on employees who beyond their professional competence generate motivation from taking over a multitude of different responsibilities. The target is to provide the best possible adhesive product for our cu- stomer, around the globe and for sure also in the future. Judith Kapteina interviewed: Jowat Global Dr. Hartmut Henneken, Jowat AG (Assistant to the Managing Director R&D) Successful cooperation due to competent communication Interview partner

Jowat Magazine 2013-01 EN

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