In this VDMA interview on the way to K 2025, Markus Vollmer, CEO of Kampf GmbH, discussed the company’s role as solution provider and the challenge of skilled labor shortage in the plastics industry.

Markus Vollmer, CEO of Kampf GmbH.

Kampf is increasingly evolving from machine manufacturer to solution provider. What does this change mean?

Vollmer: We no longer solely offer customers machines but also look at their tasks and goals from their perspective, and then offer the optimal overall solution, including peripherals, and take into account the specialist staff available to the customer. Ultimately, these are complex systems that also consider technical requirements such as digitalization, connectivity, and, more recently, artificial intelligence. The solution process does not begin with a catalogue from which the customer selects a machine, but with in-depth advice from our experts. Together, we develop a suitable solution. The process only ends when the machine's life cycle ends, sometimes after 20 years or more. Our customers are looking for a state-of-the-art machine to be able to adapt throughout its lifetime.

How does Kampf design these solutions in concrete terms?

Vollmer: We support our customers through every phase of their investment and go far beyond traditional service. Our aim is not only to maintain machines, but also to adapt them in a flexible manner in terms of new legal requirements and ensure our customers' productivity through additional measures such as upgrades, training and consultation. One increasingly important aspect is the qualification of machine operators – in particular through training and refresher courses, which we offer.

What are you doing to alleviate your customers' staffing problems?

Vollmer: We are developing an intelligent human-machine interface that will enable even non-specialists to operate a machine. At K, we will demonstrate that an untrained person can do this within a short period of time. The machine identifies operators via facial recognition and asks them what tasks they want to carry out. The operator can choose from a range of activities – for example, starting a new cycle or inserting a new roll. They are then guided through the process step by step; no text is used. Instead, videos and 3D animations are provided. In addition, the operator can communicate with our team in the background at any time, as all machines are online.

What is the focus at Kampf at the K?

Vollmer: We will focus on three areas: in addition to the intelligent AI-supported human-machine interface described above, we will be showcasing larger machines for a wider range of materials that represent a technological leap forward in terms of efficiency. Finally, we will be presenting a new product group for a specific target group – which will be a surprise at the K. Given the current difficult economic environment, K has an important role to play in bringing the industry together. It is still the most international platform where the most innovations are on show. The trade fair will help to provide orientation, and demonstrate the leading position of European mechanical engineering.

In this VDMA interview on the way to K 2025, Markus Vollmer, CEO of Kampf GmbH, discussed the company’s role as solution provider and the challenge of skilled labor shortage in the plastics industry.

Markus Vollmer, CEO of Kampf GmbH.

Kampf is increasingly evolving from machine manufacturer to solution provider. What does this change mean?

Vollmer: We no longer solely offer customers machines but also look at their tasks and goals from their perspective, and then offer the optimal overall solution, including peripherals, and take into account the specialist staff available to the customer. Ultimately, these are complex systems that also consider technical requirements such as digitalization, connectivity, and, more recently, artificial intelligence. The solution process does not begin with a catalogue from which the customer selects a machine, but with in-depth advice from our experts. Together, we develop a suitable solution. The process only ends when the machine's life cycle ends, sometimes after 20 years or more. Our customers are looking for a state-of-the-art machine to be able to adapt throughout its lifetime.

How does Kampf design these solutions in concrete terms?

Vollmer: We support our customers through every phase of their investment and go far beyond traditional service. Our aim is not only to maintain machines, but also to adapt them in a flexible manner in terms of new legal requirements and ensure our customers' productivity through additional measures such as upgrades, training and consultation. One increasingly important aspect is the qualification of machine operators – in particular through training and refresher courses, which we offer.

What are you doing to alleviate your customers' staffing problems?

Vollmer: We are developing an intelligent human-machine interface that will enable even non-specialists to operate a machine. At K, we will demonstrate that an untrained person can do this within a short period of time. The machine identifies operators via facial recognition and asks them what tasks they want to carry out. The operator can choose from a range of activities – for example, starting a new cycle or inserting a new roll. They are then guided through the process step by step; no text is used. Instead, videos and 3D animations are provided. In addition, the operator can communicate with our team in the background at any time, as all machines are online.

What is the focus at Kampf at the K?

Vollmer: We will focus on three areas: in addition to the intelligent AI-supported human-machine interface described above, we will be showcasing larger machines for a wider range of materials that represent a technological leap forward in terms of efficiency. Finally, we will be presenting a new product group for a specific target group – which will be a surprise at the K. Given the current difficult economic environment, K has an important role to play in bringing the industry together. It is still the most international platform where the most innovations are on show. The trade fair will help to provide orientation, and demonstrate the leading position of European mechanical engineering.