Wirtschaftsforum: Dr. Silverio, the company has been part of the GAPI Group since 2000. How has the integration into the group influenced the development of the business?

Dr. Sandro J. Silverio: The other companies in our group specialize in the processing of elastomers, PTFE, and high-tech polymers. They are among the leading suppliers of sealing solutions made of elastomer, PTFE, TPU and thermoplastic materials for special industrial applications. Before the takeover, the company, then still under the name Polypenco, made a lot of PTFE as well as various types of plastics. But then they focused on an exotic material that is very difficult to work with but extremely powerful: PAI. The brand name is Torlon®. Components and sealing solutions made of this unique material have excellent properties at extremely high and very low temperatures. There are different types and types of this material. We have the know-how to process Torlon® and even have our own tool shop. We are proficient in all technical topics relating to the material and components and know the special applications very well. This makes us a niche player among plastics manufacturers. In our niche, we are the world's largest Torlon® injection molding processor. We focus on the production of components, mainly for the automotive industry. In addition to Torlon®, we also offer components made of PEEK and PPS, but Torlon® makes us unique.


Wirtschaftsforum: How have the crises of recent years affected your business?

Dr. Sandro J. Silverio: The years 2018 to 2019 were very good years for us. Then came the crises. We felt this strongly. Since 2022, sales have been rising again. This year, we are even recording double-digit sales growth. Our main customers are OEMs, including Daimler Truck, Mercedes Benz, or VW, but also Tier 1 suppliers, such as ZF, the largest transmission manufacturer in Europe. We also have individual industrial customers. But we mainly focus on the automotive industry. We have aligned our processes accordingly.


Wirtschaftsforum: What are the most important product categories of GAPI Technische Produkte GmbH?

Dr. Sandro J. Silverio: Our business is based on three product groups. Heavy-duty sealing rings, particularly stable thrust washers that can even replace metal components, and L-bearings, which are used in viscosity dampers to mitigate vibrations. We focus on these three lines. In the future, we will only manufacture assemblies and components made of high-performance plastics.


Wirtschaftsforum: What distinguishes GAPI Technische Produkte GmbH from other providers on the market?

Dr. Sandro J. Silverio: Our uniqueness is based on various factors. We are a family business and can react quickly. Through our own tool shop, we control quality and are flexible at the same time. We always invest in the essentials, such as modern technologies.


Wirtschaftsforum: How do you deal with the topic of sustainability?

Dr. Sandro J. Silverio: Sustainability is a very important topic. Here, too, we can score points with our products. Our materials have great advantages over other materials in terms of CO2 emissions, as well as lower energy consumption. Customers attach great importance to this, because they do not want to buy CO2 certificates. We deal intensively with this topic and select our materials very carefully. We try to save energy wherever possible.


Wirtschaftsforum: What does the digital transformation mean for your company?

Dr. Sandro J. Silverio: Industry 4.0 is a common phrase in our market. In my opinion, the term digitization is more appropriate. You have to use the individual components of Industry 4.0 to become better and more competitive. Industry 4.0 makes quantity 1 possible. You have to look at IT differently today than you did in the past. IT used to be a department, but today it's a strategic component. Smart products are a keyword of Industry 4.0, for example the installation of sensors for remote monitoring, another aspect is e-commerce.


Wirtschaftsforum: What are your plans for the near future?

Dr. Sandro J. Silverio: We will bring new materials to the market. Currently, we are already well booked for 2024. The issue of a shortage of skilled workers will continue to occupy us. The winner is always the one with the best team. We will position ourselves accordingly here.