Vibration Technology for Industry and Everyday Life
Interview with Jörg Heyming, Managing Director of ROSTA GmbH
ROSTA AG, an innovative Swiss company, has established itself as a leading provider of vibration technology since its foundation in 1944. Jörg Heyming, Managing Director of ROSTA Germany GmbH, provides insights into the development and success factors of the company. With groundbreaking inventions and relentless innovation, ROSTA has revolutionized the industry and is now present worldwide in numerous sectors. The ability to continuously adapt to market changes makes ROSTA an indispensable partner in the industry.
The roots of ROSTA AG can be traced back to the inventions of a certain Mr. Rohr. The name 'ROSTA' is derived from 'Rohr' and 'Staufen'. The inventor developed a principle where a twisted axis and rubber elements were combined to integrate three functions into a single component: springing, damping, and bearing. This concept led to the development of numerous products such as chain tensioners and belt tensioners, as well as motor rockers. "Our products are particularly characterized by high quality and durability," emphasizes Jörg Heyming.
Wide market presence and constant change
Today, ROSTA is active worldwide in many industries, including agriculture, food industry, mining, E-Mobility, and recycling. The expansion began in the 1980s with the establishment of a subsidiary in Canada, followed by additional branches in Germany, Italy, the USA, Australia, and China. Proximity to the customer is a crucial success factor.
"Our sales and service branches, as well as almost 40 distribution partners worldwide, allow us to respond quickly to customer needs and offer customized solutions," said Jörg Heyming. ROSTA Germany GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ROSTA AG Switzerland, which is part of the POLYGENA group, a Swiss holding with four other companies. The integration has enabled ROSTA to leverage synergies within the group and improve product quality. "Collaboration with Compounds AG, our sister company and supplier of high-quality ROSTA rubber, is a key factor in the longevity of our products," explained Jörg Heyming. ROSTA employs about 120 people worldwide, including 13 in Germany.
Innovation and Sustainability as Drivers of Success
Another success factor for ROSTA is the power of innovation. In Switzerland, the company has its own laboratory and a design and innovation team, with capabilities up to the calculation and simulation of a digital twin. "We do about 50% of our business with catalog goods and 50% with customer-specific solutions," Jörg Heyming elaborates. These customized products are developed in close cooperation with customers.
Digitalization also plays a central role in the company. The introduction of an ERP system enables fast data exchange and efficient collaboration across all locations. In addition, ROSTA offers digital services such as vibration sensors to monitor productivity and predictive maintenance. "Our motor rockers and tensioning systems help increase the energy efficiency of machines and extend the lifespan of components," emphasizes Jörg Heyming. These innovations lead not only to measurable efficiency improvements but also promote sustainability. "Through our products, we can save energy and reduce CO2 emissions," he adds.
ROSTA products are particularly sought after in areas such as e-mobility, agriculture, forestry, recycling, mining, and general machinery construction. They are also used in niche areas such as children's playgrounds and sports equipment and stand out for their high quality and durability from the competition. ROSTA's expertise in fulfilling individual customer wishes contributes significantly to the company's sustainable growth.