Düsseldorf – 26.02.2024. The team of the Kupferverband e. V. gathered off-site in Ulm at the end of January for two days to discuss the strategy and goals for the year 2024. A central focus of the kick-off meeting was to clarify the role of the Kupferverband in the national and international context and to prepare the vision and positioning for the coming years.

In a constructive atmosphere, key questions were intensively discussed: What makes the Kupferverband special? What services are needed and provided nationally and internationally? What are the expectations and desires of the member companies? This discussion was well warranted as the Kupferverband has gained additional members and tasks through the integration of the Brass Sanitary Association. The discussion was moderated and accompanied by Rolf Werner, Chairman of the Board of the Copper Association.

The association considers it its task, as an essential foundation of the copper world, to bundle knowledge about copper, its alloys, and the technical application of these materials, and to answer questions from manufacturers, users, and authorities with this expertise. The team emphasized the importance of innovation and foresight to be prepared for the challenges of the coming years in a timely manner.

Furthermore, triggered by the change in the leadership structure, the team was reorganized and responsibilities were adjusted accordingly: In succession to Michael Sander, Dr. Klaus Ockenfeld and Markus Killer took over the management of the Kupferverbandes business in November 2023, leading to a strong dual leadership. Dr. Klaus Ockenfeld, who has been dedicated to the field of environment, health, drinking water, and regulation since 2005, has taken over the management of the “technical-scientific services” department of the association. Markus Killer, who has been the commercial director at the Kupferverband for about three years, is responsible for the “Finance and Administration” department. This measure is intended to increase the efficiency and performance of the association and to optimally utilize the existing potential. The strong dual leadership reflects the tasks of the Kupferverband: on the one hand, the Kupferverband continues to have a strong focus on scientifically technical issues and collaborates with a broad network of partners from research, industry, and universities. On the other hand, the administrative tasks of the management of the Kupferverband were significantly expanded through taking over the management for the Copper Tube Quality Association and for OECAM (Organization of European Manufacturers of Copper Alloy Castings).

“The special dynamism that defines our team was palpable at the annual kick-off event. We not only discussed our internal goals for 2024 but also set the course to tackle future challenges in a systematic process,” describes Markus Killer the results. Dr. Klaus Ockenfeld adds: “It has become clear in recent weeks that our team is coming together even stronger and moving forward dynamically. Our common passion for innovation and progress drives us to explore new paths and to continue to be a strong voice for the material copper in the future.”