Trumpf recently announced that Lutz Labisch will soon take the reigns as president and CEO of Trumpf in North America from outgoing CEO Peter Hoecklin. In taking over the leadership role, Labisch will tap into nearly two decades of experience working within the machine tool industry. During his six-year tenure with Trumpf, Labisch has contributed to the continued development of the organization’s smart factory strategy.
“Lutz Labisch is strategically, an exceptionally adept manager who has proven his great expertise in previous management functions in the finance department of the holding company in Germany and at Trumpf’s North American subsidiary,” said Trumpf Group CEO Nicola Leibinger-Kammueller, in a release announcing Labisch’s new role. “He also possesses the key cultural skills and knows the market in North America as well as in Europe and Germany. I wish him every success for the great tasks that lie ahead!”
Starting March 1, 2022, Labisch assumes responsibility for the production, sales, and service of Trumpf’s machine tool and laser technology product portfolio across North America. He is also responsible for the strategy and business operations at Trumpf’s U.S. subsidiaries, including facilities in Connecticut, California, Illinois, and Michigan. Additionally, Labisch will oversee all Trumpf operations in Mexico, Canada, and Brazil.
Laser Focus World: What is your vision for Trumpf?
Lutz Labisch: At Trumpf, our mission is to offer outstanding laser, fabrication, and production solutions to our customers so that they can create exceptional products. I’ve spent the last few weeks meeting with customers in settings as diverse as multinational corporations, midsize companies, and small family-owned job shops. One thing they all have in common is their desire to provide the best product possible to their own customers. My goal for Trumpf in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is to remain a healthy, growing company that continues to deliver innovative products and services which enable our customers to meet and exceed their customers’ expectations.
LFW: What do you see as the most intriguing opportunities ahead?
LL: I am excited about some of the new areas into which Trumpf has expanded in recent years—additive manufacturing, applications to support e-mobility, and Smart Factory solutions that support Industry 4.0 initiatives. I am particularly intrigued by the flexible fabrication projects in which customers in industries that have typically used more traditional methods of manufacturing are integrating machine tool and laser technology to produce new products. Trumpf has identified a need among our customers to continue to drive cost out of their manufacturing operations while increasing flexibility. We provide automation for both machines and material handling and offer solutions for digitized processes and services. This brings with it opportunities for new business models or programs to optimize equipment utilization.
LFW: What are the biggest challenges facing the industry?
LL: Without a doubt, the ongoing pandemic is creating challenges whose effects ripple across the industry. Supply chain issues resulting from the pandemic continue to plague the industry. Also, while skilled labor and retention issues posed challenges before the pandemic, they are increasingly limiting our customers’ abilities to remain productive and profitable. Over the last few years, we’ve introduced technology that helps alleviate some of those problems. Our integrated systems not only boost the overall equipment effectiveness of single machines, but also include automated material handling and storage solutions. All this drives down the need for skilled labor significantly. We are always looking for ways to optimally support manufacturers and to enable our customers to stay ahead of their competition.
Peter Fretty | Market Leader, Digital Infrastructure
Peter Fretty began his role as the Market Leader, Digital Infrastructure in September 2024. He also serves as Group Editorial Director for Laser Focus World and Vision Systems Design, and previously served as Editor in Chief of Laser Focus World from October 2021 to June 2023. Prior to that, he was Technology Editor for IndustryWeek for two years.
As a highly experienced journalist, he has regularly covered advances in manufacturing, information technology, and software. He has written thousands of feature articles, cover stories, and white papers for an assortment of trade journals, business publications, and consumer magazines.