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Crazy for Composites Interviews – Matthias Wendt, Managing Director of inno-focus digital gmbh

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Crazy for Composites is a series of interviews with Industry Leaders, shaping the advanced composites industry. These interview are tie-free – casual, nothing formal and yet – pretty insightful.

Interviewer: Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Matthias Wendt: My name is Matthias Wendt, and I’ve been the managing director of inno-focus digital gmbh since 1997. Outside of work, I have a real passion for classic cars and enjoy motorcycling. At work, my main focus is on supporting companies in nearly all aspects of digital transformation, with a strong emphasis on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and digitalizing production processes. Additionally, we have a longstanding connection to the composites industry, as active members of Composites United e. V. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with this network, including on various research projects, to address the unique digital needs of composites manufacturers.

Interviewer: What do you love most about your work or your company?

Matthias Wendt: What I love most about our work is that we’re able to provide real value to our clients. We don’t just digitalize for the sake of it; we enhance efficiency and productivity through targeted digital solutions, creating sustainability and tangible benefits. Our collaborations in the composites industry exemplify this well. Working within the Composites United network, we help companies in this innovative field improve their production workflows and stay competitive through digitalization.

Interviewer: What is the top challenge that you or your company face today?

Matthias Wendt: We’re at a pivotal moment. Many businesses are under pressure to innovate while managing costs, but digital transformation still feels like a leap for some. On the product side, we’re on the verge of implementing AI-driven solutions, which show enormous promise for our clients. In the composites sector specifically, we see a growing need for integrated solutions that can help manufacturers streamline their processes while adhering to strict quality standards, a challenge we’re actively working to address with industry partners.

Interviewer: What’s your best tip for early adopters of digital transformation?

Matthias Wendt: Many companies have already implemented isolated digital solutions, but they’re hesitant to take further steps because they think they’d have to abandon these existing systems. That’s often not the case. Many existing tools can be integrated into larger platforms, like our Digital Twin Software iiotecos, without needing to replace them. Another key tip is that gaining transparency in production processes alone opens up substantial optimization potential. Even the first step toward digital production can deliver significant improvements, which we’ve observed directly with our partners in the composites industry.

Interviewer: Is sustainability or recycling part of your agenda?

Matthias Wendt: Absolutely. Digital Twins, with data from the entire production chain, can provide insights into the CO2 footprint, helping companies optimize resource use and reduce emissions. Sustainability is increasingly a priority within the composites industry as well, and with our products, we’re positioned to support these goals through resource-efficient digital solutions that help composites manufacturers reduce waste and boost eco-efficiency.

Interviewer: On a more personal note, if you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

Matthias Wendt: I believe I’m exactly where I should be. But people have mentioned I might have made a good architect or politician as well!

 

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