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aerospace sectors located there. And
our new METAPLAS.DOMINO coating
system not only testifies to the success-
ful integration of the Metco thin film
business into Balzers, but also to the
synergies arising in coating systems.
So all big projects that were got off
the ground in the last two years ...?
That’s right – in the last year alone, our
integration project teams completed
more than 15 very large and strategi-
cally important projects, which of
course also have a positive impact on
our balance sheet.
At least equally important in my
mind, however, are the synergies that
arise at a very personal level, and are
not listed in any business plan. For me
as CEO they are, however, a sign that
employees of both brands are con-
sciously living and advancing this
integration. Just one example: An
employee of our Balzers France branch
was working with a customer on a coat-
ing solution. After a discussion showed
that Metco expertise would be a
valuable addition to the project, he
contacted his Metco colleagues and
together they were able to
offer the customer a perfect
solution – and, moreover, a lasting
solution, because the customer may
also want to make further investments.
This is precisely the proactive type of
approach that will make the merger of
Oerlikon Balzers and Oerlikon Metco a
success.
At a personal level: You are a doctor
of physics and now responsible for
more than 6,100 employees. Do you
like your role as CEO of the Oerlikon
Surface Solutions Segment? And do
you actually still have time to be
involved in research projects?
This is something that’s hard for me to
answer, because I have two souls in my
breast. As a physicist I have to admit
that I am sorry to be often only
marginally involved in our exciting
research projects. My education and
experience of course nonetheless help
me enormously to monitor
developments, set priorities for
our research department, and to make
necessary decisions.
As CEO I am proud that innovation
is one of our Segments’ success
factors. We are continuously develop-
ing – with new technologies, industries
and markets, we are growing as a
company and setting industry stand-
ards – what could be more exciting? Of
course growth by itself is not enough. It
must also be sustainable, in order to
safeguard the future of the company
and the jobs it provides. Because as
you say – I am ultimately also responsi-
ble for the well-being of our more than
6,100 employees who contribute to the
realization of our goals. We are all
united by a passion for our industry,
and for the Balzers and Metco brands.
One of my most important tasks as
CEO is to nurture and safeguard this
passion.