During our busy days at the Belgrade Technical fair, as part of our short visit to our partners over at Neofyton, we’ve managed to grab the chance and get a quick chat with the CEO of ENGEL, Dr. Stefan Engleder.
- As the head of a very successful company that has been listening to and defining technological trends for the past 75 years and that possesses a great deal of business experience, what is it that inspires you, in the current industrial and informational landscape, to be the leader of one of the most technologically advanced companies?
What inspires me is the opportunity to deliver highly differentiated solutions – fast, globally, and with a clear benefit for our customers. In challenging times, companies have to optimise their production and make strategic choices. ENGEL provides the total package: from innovative machine concepts and automation to smart digital tools. We combine digitalisation and speed with a consistent focus on real customer needs. Whether it’s tailored high-end systems or accessible standardised solutions, ENGEL stands for forward-looking technologies that help our customers stay competitive – and be the first in their field.
- As a leading European company in which quality assurance and management plays a key role — due to the presence on the European, North American and Asian market — it was necessary to ensure product compliance with the highest national standards of a number of countries. Quality assurance is just one of the factors needed for the highly competitive international market. Do you have any words of advice for Serbian business leaders who’d like to take their businesses global? What are the key things to look out for before taking such a step?
Going global means delivering consistent quality and reliability – everywhere. At ENGEL, all our plants are certified not only to international ISO standards, but also to our own internal ENGEL standard, ensuring uniform product quality across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. But quality doesn’t end at the gates of our production sites. We provide service and support throughout the entire lifecycle of the machine – with trained technicians, regional availability, and deep system expertise. Focus on long-term trust, local competence and understanding regional requirements – these are key elements in building strong international relationships.
- For the realization of complex and sophisticated systems, such as new hybrid thin-wall packaging machines, up-to-date mechatronics knowledge is required in addition to years’ worth of experience with injection molding technology. What technological innovations that your team developed are you the most proud of as CEO?
I’m proud of the continuous evolution of our core machine platforms – two-platen, tie-bar-less and fully electric. With each generation, we manage to increase customer value through higher performance and smart features that enhance productivity. A key focus is also on AI and digitalisation. Our iQ process observer is a real AI-based system that monitors lots of parameters and supports the operator in real time. Another example is iQ temp control, which optimises the entire temperature control circuit for energy efficiency and process stability.
- We live in a time where there’s a strong duality of opinions related to AI use. On one hand, there are a number of cautious and skeptical takes, and on the other, we’ve got major market players promoting its use in an ever-increasing number of segments of life and work. This presents a set of challenges, ranging from cultural and ethical to infrastructural — the latter simply due to the exponential demand for stable power sources required for AI training. What’s your take on the importance of AI for the future of injection molding technology? To what extent does ENGEL currently (through hardware or software) integrate machine learning, computer vision or more resource-intensive generative AI in its products?
AI is already a reality at ENGEL – not as a buzzword, but as a practical tool. Systems like the iQ process observer use AI to support operators, reduce scrap, and improve energy efficiency. We combine human expertise with data-driven intelligence. Internally, we also use AI in areas like assembly and capacity planning to better allocate resources. One thing is clear: technology complements people – it doesn’t replace them.
- Some AI activists keep saying that readily-available knowledge will replace education, because automated systems with access to the entirety of humankind’s knowledge will make the most optimal decisions, ultimately being capable of leading technological and scientific progress. Until then, if that time ever comes, societal development is dependent on people — professionals and engineers. How does your company motivate and support young people in their educational journey and what would be your advice for young people choosing their education options and career paths so that the knowledge they gain stays relevant in the age of AI that’s in front of us?
We’ve been investing in strong educational pathways for years – from apprenticeship programs to international trainee models. It is important to us that young people not only understand technology, but also know how to question it critically and shape it. My advice to young talents: look for careers that combine a willingness to learn with creative drive. Those who are prepared to continuously develop themselves will also be needed in an AI-driven future.
- Now that we’re talking about plans for the future — they don’t only rely on personal wishes but are also dependent on current real-world challenges. What do you consider a burning issue of today? What’s your vision for the future development of injection molding technology and how will ENGEL adapt to future challenges and market demands?
Rising energy costs, skilled labour shortages, volatile markets, and new trade barriers such as tariffs are reshaping global industry. ENGEL responds with regional production in the triad, robust supply chains, and a portfolio ranging from efficient machines to digital assistance systems. Through automation, AI-based process optimisation, and strong service capabilities, we help our customers stay competitive – wherever they operate. Our claim is not only to “be the first” ourselves – we want our customers to “be the first” in their industry.
Thank you for the time and effort you’ve put in to acquaint us not only with ENGEL’s offerings and technologies, but also the company’s spirit and your own visions for the future, which will certainly shape the future of both ENGEL and the injection molding industry as a whole.
With a background in electrical engineering and extensive history in publishing, he focuses on providing Mehatronika's key content and is behind many of our projects and initiatives.
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