TR PLAST relies on a committed workforce and promotes young talent. Son Paul Hierl has been working in the area of Business Development since 2024 and will take on a larger role in the future. Also, Martin Hierl's wife is active in the company. "Our goal is to carry the values of the family business into the next generation," emphasizes Martin Hierl. "We need to reflect on virtues and diligence. This has been and remains our key to success," says the managing director.

Digitalization, Sustainability, and Innovation

TR PLAST is strongly advancing digitalization. In 2023, the company invested 750,000 EUR to digitally connect all 70 production machines. This networking enables real-time monitoring of downtime and production times, thus increasing efficiency and transparency. "Digitalization is not an end in itself, but a tool to secure cost leadership and technology leadership," emphasizes Martin Hierl. A dedicated IT department is working on a roadmap with various AI projects for process optimization and quality assurance. Another focus is on achieving sustainability goals. In the last three years, TR PLAST has reduced internal waste by 50% and covers 25% of its electricity demand through photovoltaic systems. The company has been using recycled materials such as recompounds for over a decade. "Sustainability is not an option, but an obligation," explains Martin Hierl. Certifications such as ISO 50001 and the soon-to-be-completed ISO 14001 underscore this approach. The range of services extends from prototype construction to series production. This includes the use of state-of-the-art CAD technologies, 3D printing, and finite element calculations (FEM) as well as toolmaking, assembly, and finishing. "We accompany our customers from the idea to the finished solution," says Martin Hierl.

Market Situation and Future Visions

The last few years have been characterized by great challenges. During the coronavirus pandemic, closed customer operations led to short-time work. However, the broad positioning in terms of customers, technologies, and knowledge allowed for dynamic adjustments. "Our flexibility has carried us through this time," says Martin Hierl. The war in Ukraine brought additional problems for the energy- and resource-intensive company. "Our cost structures often no longer fit and we had to produce at a cost deficit temporarily," recalls Martin Hierl. "But through intensive discussions with customers, we found solutions." These experiences strengthen TR PLAST GmbH, which relies on long-term partnerships and sustainable strategies. The current market situation offers both opportunities and challenges. "The price level is slightly above that of 2019, but labor costs have risen," explains Martin Hierl. "In series production, unit numbers are falling in automotive, consumer, and electronics, which requires adjustments." At the same time, the new business is doing well, driven by projects and technologies that are presented at trade fairs like Fakuma. "Fakuma 2024 was a complete success: We were able to establish 20 high-quality contacts," reports Martin Hierl. With an export rate of 57%, TR PLAST is well-established in international markets. 80% of the customers are German companies with a global orientation. "40% of our revenue is generated in the automotive sector, with solutions for trucks, construction machinery, and cars. Our entry into e-mobility began with the use of recompounds in the BMW i3," says Martin Hierl. For the future, TR PLAST has ambitious goals. By 2028, the turnover is expected to rise to 40 million EUR. In addition to digitalization and efficiency, corporate culture remains an important focus. "Our spirit—fresh, flexible, friendly—remains the core of our success. I am convinced that our team will successfully shape the next phase," concludes Martin Hierl.