Pipe & Tube Business VP Speaks of K 2025

Vice President Philippe Moeschler shares insights on innovation, sustainability, and customer care as Maillefer showcases its latest technologies at K 2025.

Philippe Moeschler, vice president of the Pipe & Tube Business based in Switzerland, takes a moment to share his thoughts about K 2025, which is considered the world’s number one trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry.

What does the K show mean to you?

K is a privileged opportunity to meet our valued customers and present them with our latest innovations, which are closely linked to sustainability and customer care. K is where we absolutely have to be. This recent edition was also a great opportunity to celebrate our 125 years of existence.

Speaking of innovations, could you share a couple of your favorite ones?

Each of our applications is worth talking about. When thinking Automotive, electrification is creating great opportunity for producing new sorts of tube, hose and seals. Manufacturers look to replace EPDM rubber with a thermoplastic elastomer alternative, namely TPV. The synergies with leading material suppliers accelerate our ability to offer innovative solutions to our customers.

At K we presented our progress on TPV products for Automotive. One such project is an extrusion line for yarn reinforced TPV hose. Teknor Apex’s took an active participation in this realization. Another example is the development work underway for TPV automotive weather seals. At this moment we are involving partners including TPV supplier, Celanese, and experts from within the Davis-Standard group. At K, we met with interested producers in joining our select group on this groundbreaking venture.

…and your second favorite?

I hesitate between Heating & Plumbing, Medical, and Microduct, yet lean towards the first because of the challenge. Where the European market is more mature, other regions see demand rise. The installed base in Europe for PEX and PE-RT pipe production, both multi-layer and composite (with aluminum layer), is generally satisfying demand. The race is on to optimize, augment performance, increase material savings, etc. This creates opportunity for us to push the limits. Yet, it also means that manufacturers must commit to having skilled personnel, quality materials, and high-end equipment to make a difference in a very competitive market. Going faster is possible without increasing waste production and excess energy consumption.

Meanwhile, other regions of the world are seeing growth in this business. Manufacturers turn to Maillefer for help in making their plans a reality. We stand out by offering complete solutions and expertise for the duration. We deliver not only equipment but also know-how that considers production, product and market requirements. Plus, with our extensive network of partners, customers acquire the needed competence for their project to succeed.

Tell us more about progress made on the sustainability front.

There are two sides to this: what we do internally and what we do externally. The two are related. Our efforts may be rewarded with ISO 14001 and EcoVadis certifications. However, grasping these concepts allows us to better understand and provide the tools needed for customers to meet their own sustainability goals.

Material processing is a clear example. Stricter regulations are shifting use away from PFAS (fluor based), PVC and EPDM rubber materials to more environmentally friendly alternatives. This translates into the need for adapting and developing extrusion technology. We can’t do it alone. Synergies with leading material suppliers accelerate our ability to offer innovative and proven solutions to our customers. We’ve intensified those relationships.

What about customer care?

We are in a B2B business. In my first years at Maillefer, I had a client that called us needing an extruder gearbox urgently. The line was down. A glance at the serial number and we guessed it would be a long wait. Our original equipment, delivered in the mid-1900’s, was over 50 years old. Surprisingly, I discovered we had one in stock.

We were lucky, but more importantly, the customer quickly got the part and soon had his line up and running. I had learned a valuable lesson – one must persist in searching for every possible solution in keeping a customer’s production going.

Maillefer offers services that help keep lines running now and throughout the equipment’s lifecycle. By supporting customers with services, upgrades and value packages, the installed base can remain active and adaptive to changing market conditions.

What is your message in conclusion?

Long-term customer relationships survive on loyalty and beneficial exchange. This year we celebrate 125 years since our founding. The longevity is symbolic, especially when timed with K. I thank the valued customers, friends, colleagues, partners, and industry players who attended this key event. Welcoming them in the Maillefer tradition was a privilege. The welcome is extended to future visits at our facilities.