The pro-K Industrieverband langlebiger Kunststoffprodukte und Mehrwegsysteme e.V. has elected a new Board of Directors. Hendrik Johannink takes over as Chairman of the Board. Topics such as artificial intelligence, new work and economic development were also discussed at the member dialogue.
At the general meeting of the pro-K on 5 June 2024 in Berlin, regular elections to the Executive Board were held. Hendrik Johannink (Ringoplast GmbH) was unanimously elected as the new Chairman of the Board. He replaces Klaus-Uwe Reiß, who held the position for seven years.
„I would like to thank Klaus-Uwe Reiß for his extraordinary commitment and special dedication to the pro-K. Under his aegis, a decisive course was set for the future viability of the pro-K and its member companies, which I can now build on perfectly as his successor. I would also like to emphasise his extraordinary personal commitment following the sudden death of our Managing Director Ralf Olsen.“
Hendrik Johannink
Immediately following the members„ meeting, the pro-K members“ dialogue entitled "Future Germany" brought together renowned experts on current hot topics in the industry. AI expert Dr Nico Piatkowski from the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems shed light on Challenges and opportunities of generative AI for companies. The topic of recruiting young talent then took centre stage. Judith Strücker, an expert in young recruiting, explained how Companies successfully recruit the skilled workers of tomorrow achieve. Finally, Dr Volker Treier, Head of Foreign Trade at the DIHK, spoke about economic development in Germany and pointed out the growth impetus that is now needed from Berlin and Brussels.
In a panel discussion, the three speakers joined pro-K Managing Director Sven Weihe and the participants to discuss future challenges for the plastics processing industry. It became clear once again that the benefits of AI are not yet being fully utilised in all medium-sized companies. The topic of Recruitment continues to occupy the industry. In order to prevent the shortage of skilled labour, the right approach, strategy and channels are needed when recruiting young talent. And finally, SMEs need reliable long-term framework conditions from Berlin and Brussels.
„This is where the pro-K needs to continue its work of recent years and act as a door opener for member companies towards political decision-makers.“
Sven Weihe
Source: pro-K
