Making the World Lighter with Carbon Fibers
Interview with Dr. Patrick Rapmund, Managing Director of DYNEXA GmbH & Co. KG
In the dynamic world of materials science, carbon fiber technology has established itself as one of the most promising areas. DYNEXA, a medium-sized company based in Laudenbach in Baden-Württemberg, has been intensively involved in processing carbon fibers in recent years. Today, DYNEXA (a company of Avanco Composite) has an unparalleled comprehensive expertise in winding carbon fibers to achieve specific product properties.
Patrick Rapmund, 57 years old, began his career in the automotive supply industry, where he worked for many years. Seven years ago, he decided to switch to DYNEXA to work with carbon fiber processing. "I wanted to make the world a little lighter and thus consume fewer resources," he explains. This philosophy is reflected in the company strategy: it focuses on the development of innovative solutions that go beyond the boundaries of traditional materials.
Origins in the Paper Industry
DYNEXA has a remarkable history that began 35 years ago with a research project aimed at improving efficiency in the paper industry. "We emerged from the Freudenberg Group, and the research project became independent and evolved," says Patrick Rapmund. Today, DYNEXA supplies customers worldwide in the automotive, marine propulsion, and renewable energy sectors.
Versatility of Carbon Fiber Products
The versatility of DYNEXA's carbon fiber products is impressive. As Patrick Rapmund explains, the company operates in various segments, including the production of drive shafts for sports cars and solutions for the paper industry. "We have also begun to develop products for e-mobility, such as motor bandages and rotor bandages," he says. This adaptability to new market conditions is crucial, as the demand for more environmentally friendly solutions is continuously increasing.
Another important application area that DYNEXA has targeted is geothermal energy. "Our carbon fiber products are corrosion-resistant and lighter than steel, which makes them ideal for borehole applications," explains Patrick Rapmund. These innovations could be not only more efficient but also more sustainable.
Sustainability in Focus
A central concern of DYNEXA is the reduction of the CO2 footprint in production. Patrick Rapmund emphasizes that the company continuously works to optimize its processes to become more energy-efficient. "We rely on sustainable raw materials and try to reduce our waste products," he says. These measures are not only good for the environment but also for business, as more and more customers value sustainability. "Our products are lighter and require less energy to accelerate. This has positive effects on energy consumption," adds Patrick Rapmund. This philosophy could give DYNEXA a competitive edge in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
Digital transformation also plays an important role in the corporate strategy of DYNEXA. Patrick Rapmund explains that the company is working on developing a digital twin of its products to increase efficiency in production and provide more transparency to customers. "We want to give our customers the ability to view quality data about their products online during the manufacturing process," he says. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is also being examined to optimize processes and further increase efficiency. "We are looking at where it makes sense to employ AI, whether in maintenance or quality data collection," explains Patrick Rapmund.
Corporate Culture and Employee Orientation
Another key to the success of DYNEXA is its corporate culture. With 55 employees, the company places great emphasis on an open and familial atmosphere. "We promote communication at eye level and value a customer-oriented way of thinking," explains Patrick Rapmund. Training and further education are part of the corporate culture, to ensure that employees are always up to date with technology. "We want our employees to feel comfortable and to have the opportunity to develop further," adds the Managing Director. This philosophy has proven successful, as the company is able to flexibly meet the demands of the market.
Outlook and Challenges
With ambitious sales targets and a clear growth strategy, Patrick Rapmund looks optimistically to the future. "We want to double our sales in the next three years," he explains. However, these ambitious plans also require investments in people and machinery. "If the future turns out as we envision, the capacities will not be sufficient. Then we will need to invest," says Patrick Rapmund. He sees the challenges of the coming years as an opportunity to develop further and to tap into new markets. "The world is changing, and we must be ready to adapt and offer innovative solutions."