A new CEO took over operational responsibility for MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH in Tauberbischofsheim, Baden-Württemberg and TREPEL Airport Equipment GmbH, Wiesbaden, in November. Roland Hartwig (57) is a qualified mechanical engineer and recently CEO of one of Europe's largest manufacturers of trailers and semi-trailers, the Austrian Schwarzmüller Group. He replaces the previous CEO Werner Berger, who is retiring.

MAFI and TREPEL have been internationally known manufacturers of heavy-duty tractor units for seaports and transportation equipment for airfield logistics for decades. MAFI has helped shape the development of roll on/roll off sea transportation for vehicles, machines, containers and trailers since the 1950s. TREPEL is the world market leader for ground support equipment at airports. Both companies are part of the NDW Neckar Drahtwerke Group based in Eberbach.

The outgoing CEO Berger was at the helm of MAFI for more than 30 years and shaped the successful rise of the company during this time. The new CEO Hartwig spent most of his career in vehicle construction for logistics. He completed an apprenticeship as a machine fitter and then studied mechanical engineering at Regensburg University of Applied Sciences. He then worked for Linde Material Handling, recently as Vice President Operations and Head of Linde’s parent plant in Aschaffenburg. Starting in 2016, Hartwig was CEO of the Schwarzmüller Group.

CEO HARTWIG: “WE WANT TO GROW!”

Hartwig will set his company up for growth: “The two brands MAFI and TREPEL have an excellent position on several continents, and with the TREPEL brand we are even the global market leader in the aviation sector.” Despite the current difficult conditions, the CEO foresees good opportunities for growth thanks to the company’s high performance: “Our strengths include the premium quality of our products and our flexibility in providing global support to our customers. We will use these capabilities even more intensely.” A second area of focus involves the efficiency of the organizational structures. Hartwig: “The twobrand strategy is set, but the structures underlying its implementation could certainly benefit from more standardization.”