Frischer Wind am PFI – Michael Tackenberg im Austausch mit dem neuen PFI Institutsleiter Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell

Mit Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell übernimmt zum 5. Januar ein Materialwissenschaftler und Maschinenbauingenieur die Leitung des PFI. Im Interview mit dem Vorstandsvorsitzenden Michael Tackenberg spricht er darüber, warum ihn die Interdisziplinarität besonders reizt, welche Rolle Teamgeist, Internationalität und Kundennähe für ihn spielen – und weshalb für ihn am Ende immer der Mensch im Mittelpunkt steht.

You will be managing the PFI in Pirmasens from 5 January. I am very much looking forward to working with you.

Was reizt Sie an der neuen Aufgabe?

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell: I like the interdisciplinary approach. The PFI combines scientific excellence with practical relevance and strong partners from industry and associations.

You're not from the leather industry – so where are you from?

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell: That's right. As a professor of materials science and a doctor of mechanical engineering, I worked at KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) on ceramic materials, high-performance ceramics and technologies. My work there encompassed both areas: research and teaching. I see parallels with PFI here. Both industries also require a broad understanding of the subject matter: in the world of ceramics, the entire process chain must be right, from powder to component – the same applies to leather and shoes.

Have you had any previous experience with leather or footwear?

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell: Yes, actually. Although more in my personal life. After an accident, wearing custom-made orthopaedic shoes helped to alleviate my pain and restore balance to my gait and body. Incidentally, I also consider these areas – medicine, sport and orthopaedics – to be important and exciting for the PFI.

Where do you see similarities or synergies with your previous job?

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell: On the one hand, there is a lot of overlap in the areas of materials, research and testing. On the other hand, the application of the product plays an important role. The focus here is always on people. So I also see synergies in the areas of qualification, manufacturing and application.

This question may be a little premature, but do you have any goals? Any special plans?

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell: The PFI is already visible today. But I would like to expand this visibility. With more marketing and more personal presence – and beyond the industry.

What is generally important to you in your work?

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell: Internally, I want to strengthen the team and externally intensify dialogue with partners and customers. I see these projects as being both internally focused and spanning the various locations. It is important that we position ourselves together. The terms ‘team’ and ‘people’ must be filled with content – that brings added value. Last but not least, I am keen to promote the creativity of PFI employees, to dare to try new things and to make things happen.

Your academic standards are high. How do you think science and practice can be reconciled in your new role at the PFI?

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell: The scientific standards are also very high at PFI. It's about generating knowledge and making that knowledge visible. The standards lie in the details, in understanding the product and implementing it appropriately. We need to know what makes the people who use the product tick. These adjustments are important for understanding the big picture – internally, but also with regard to our customers.

What role does internationality play for you?

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell: Internationality plays a major role. We cannot retreat into our own little world. We must present ourselves to the whole world and take different value systems into account. Together with the fantastic team, I want to further develop the PFI, shape opportunities together and make the PFI's expertise visible and effective worldwide.