#Industry 4.0 / Digitalization

2023-03-23

New Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Lenze Group

A handover at Lenze SE: on May 1, 2023, Dr.-Ing. Claus Bischoff (49) will become the new CTO of the global automation specialist. He succeeds Dipl.-Ing. Frank Maier (60), who is leaving the company on April 30 after 14 years on the Executive Board and 18 years with the company to devote more time to his family and personal interests. As Chief Technology Officer, Bischoff will be responsible for Research & Development and Innovation. In this role, he will continue to drive the digital transformation of the company and the technological development of Lenze's range of services.

Dr.-Ing. Claus Bischoff succeeds Dipl.-Ing. Frank Maier in April

Frank Maier joined the company in 2005 when Lenze became a globally successful automation specialist. Among other things, he drove the transformation of the product portfolio into a scalable modular mechatronics system and paid particular attention to the expansion of the software portfolio and expertise.

"Over almost two decades, Frank Maier has played a key role in shaping the company's further development and achieving major technical milestones. On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board and the Lenze family of owners, I would like to thank him for his work and the successes he has achieved. We wish him all the best for the rest of his life," says Dr. Michael Paul, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Lenze SE, and adds: "At the same time, I am very pleased that we have been able to recruit Dr. Claus Bischoff for the Lenze Executive Board. I see him as a strong leader who combines technical know-how with an entrepreneurial mindset, and I am convinced that he will provide a decisive impetus for the further growth of the Lenze Group."

Lenze CEO Christian Wendler adds: "With his expertise in digitalization and IIoT, Frank Maier has set a decisive course for our future. Building on this, we will further consolidate our position as a pacesetter in automation. With Claus Bischoff, we are getting an excellently suited successor. I look forward to working with my new colleague."

With Bischoff, a proven and recognized engineering, automation, and mechatronics expert joins the top management body of Lenze SE. He has many years of experience building digital and agile approaches and organizational and business development in global companies. Bischoff, who holds a PhD in Mechatronics & Automation, joins Lenze from mechatronics specialist Marquardt GmbH, where he was most recently Managing Director and CTO responsible for Engineering, Sales & Business Units. Previously, Claus Bischoff was Head of Engineering at Continental AG, where he was responsible for development in the field of hybrid and electric vehicle systems, and held management positions at Magna International AG and Robert Bosch GmbH.

Lenze receives IEC 62443-4-1 certification: TÜV Rheinland confirms cyber-secure development process

Lenze SE has been certified according to IEC 62443-4-1 since November 2025. TÜV Rheinland thus confirms that Lenze meets the requirements of this internationally recognized standard for a secure development process for industrial automation and drive products. The certification is an important milestone on the way to implementing the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which will become mandatory for machine manufacturers and their suppliers from December 2027.

Lenze at ITMA Asia 2025: Smart, Robust and Cost-Efficient Motor Drive System IE5/IE6 for the Textile Future

At the world's largest trade fair for textile and apparel technology, ITMA Asia (October 28-31, 2025 in Singapore), Lenze will be presenting innovative automation solutions for the textile value chain in Hall 7, Stand B201. The focus will be on energy-efficient drive packages, modular machine concepts and scalable software solutions - developed for mechanical engineers and end users who rely on sustainable technologies. Lenze has been a reliable partner to the textile industry for over 77 years.

New alliance for high-performance drive technology

The Lenze Group, international specialist for drive technology and automation solutions, and Sonepar in Germany, leading electrical wholesaler, have entered into a sales partnership with a focus on innovation and market penetration. Since 1 July 2025, Sonepar has been an official "Lenze Performance Partner Distribution" - with the aim of bringing innovative drive solutions to industry faster and more comprehensively.

Earning money with data? Lenze demonstrates how.

The “SPS – smart production solutions” in Nuremberg is THE trade fair for automation in Europe. At the Lenze booth 391 in Hall 7 it is all about the digitalization of mechanical engineering this year. In four steps - from data collection and analysis to the development of data-driven, scalable products and a platform that facilitates the implementation of application in the field - the automation experts from Hamelin will showcase how they collaborate with customers to generate additional revenue for them.

Suzhou Tianyuan boosts costing accuracy to 98% with Coats Digital’s GSDCost

Coats Digital is delighted to announce that Suzhou Tianyuan Garments Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of high-quality sportswear and functional apparel for global brands such as Adidas, FILA, ANTA, and The North Face, has achieved remarkable productivity and cost management improvements following the implementation of Coats Digital’s award-winning method-time-cost optimisation solution, GSDCost.

Mango joins TextileGenesis pioneering traceability solution, a Lectra company, for a transparent value chain

Mango, one of the leading international fashion groups, has joined TextileGenesis, the pioneering traceability solution for the fashion and textile industries, to trace their natural and animal fibers, synthetics, man-made cellulosic fibers and leather. TextileGenesis, a Lectra company, offers a complete and secure cutting-edge technology with its six-dimensional (6D) offering and unique “fiber forwards” approach. Mango, has long been committed to maintaining a fully transparent supply chain, and TextileGenesis will reinforce this commitment.

Happy Holidays!

Dear reader, the year 2025 is drawing to a close. We are entering what we hope will be a peaceful holiday season, spending time with our families and taking a moment to pause and reflect. We hope we have been able to support you once again this year with relevant news and articles, and we look forward to surprising you with many innovations in the coming year. Enjoy the festive season, stay healthy, and we wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

As the global market leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is a key supplier of interior and exterior components for the highly anticipated Polestar 5 model. The successful collaboration between Autoneum and Polestar marks a significant milestone in sustainable automotive engineering: the electric grand tourer sports car features several innovations in lightweight, fully recyclable polyester-based components that ensure a superior driving experience. Polestar 5 was revealed at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is available in 24 markets.