Press information
International Site Meeting 2026
Kufferath Group Strengthens International Collaboration in Slovakia
International knowledge transfer, technological developments, and personal exchange were the focus of this year’s Kufferath Group International Site Meeting. Under the motto “Think global, act local,” the international site managers met at the Kufferath Group`s second site in Slovakia from May 11 to 14, 2026, to discuss current developments, future projects, and further international collaboration within the corporate group.
The international guests were personally welcomed by the Slovak site manager Robert Loži. The following discussions centered on current developments at the international sites as well as the short- and medium-term plans of the individual plants. Particular emphasis was placed on future technologies in the areas of test systems and automation.
Focus on Technology, AI, and Future Developments
The presentations by Josep Ferré, Site Manager of Creasoft — the company centrally responsible for managing and coordinating R&D activities within the Kufferath Group — provided important insights into current technological developments and future visions in the field of AI-supported testing systems. Particular focus was placed on AI-powered quality control for wiring harnesses under the motto: “Zero Errors. Full Traceability.”
Further highlights included the introduction of the new InteCAT LV,HV Voltage Tester — a modular and scalable EtherCAT-based testing platform — as well as AruTrack, a new smart visual positioning solution for torque systems.
These topics were complemented by Werner Raulin, Vice President of Sales at the Kufferath Group, who provided information on global market trends and the current requirements of international customers.
Current common challenges facing the international locations include, in particular, start-up projects in the field of AI-supported test systems and the implementation of next-generation testing technologies across international production sites.
Insights into the Slovakia location
Particular attention was given to a system designed for testing air and water hoses with integrated flow testing. Various configurations — ranging from simple solutions to complex multi-test systems — are designed to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of the market.
According to site management, the system is currently receiving very positive feedback from customers, as reflected by growing demand.
Personal Interaction as a Key Component
Global Site and Sales Managers of the Kufferath Group at the international Site Meeting in Bratislava - Photo: Kufferath Group
For CEO Michael Gröh, such international meetings are of great importance for collaboration within the group: “They strengthen team spirit and allow questions to be raised in a safe space. Furthermore, they generate new ideas for the future.” The social program included, among other things, joint sightseeing in Bratislava and an evening at a winery near Nitra.
Direct exchange between the locations also remains a key factor for future developments. According to the CEO this contributes in particular to expanding the product portfolio and avoiding parallel duplicate development efforts.
Looking ahead to the coming years, the Kufferath Group intends to continue on its current international course. Michael Gröh summarizes the message to the international locations:
"This approach has proven successful for us over the past years, and we will continue to build on it."
Productronica Shanghai 2026
Kufferath Group Strengthens Presence in Asia
Strong market momentum, high-quality exchange, and clear growth ambitions in China and beyond: From March 25 to 27, 2026, the Kufferath Group showcased its expertise at Productronica Shanghai, supported by a strong international team of local specialists and colleagues from headquarters across management, sales, and R&D.
The company’s participation underlines the strategic importance of the Asian market, with China playing a central role in its global growth ambitions. Beyond market access, the region is key for production, sourcing, and the development of local expertise.
China as a Strategic Growth Market
CEO Michael Gröh emphasizes that being present in Shanghai not only strengthens visibility and customer relationships, but also fosters closer collaboration across global teams.
The Chinese electronics market continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological innovation and increasing demand in areas such as artificial intelligence, automotive electronics, and smart manufacturing. At the same time, competition is intensifying and technological requirements are rising.
Platform for Exchange and Business Development
According to Yin Jun, Branch Manager China, Productronica Shanghai serves as a central platform for engaging with decision-makers, gaining market insights, and identifying new business opportunities in the region.
The exchange with customers and partners was characterized by in-depth, solution-oriented discussions. Key topics included AI integration in manufacturing, developments in automotive electronics, and approaches to increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Growth Opportunities in Key Technologies
In particular, growth opportunities were identified in electric vehicle technologies, AI-based inspection systems, and flexible automation solutions.
The positive feedback from customers confirms the company’s strategic direction and its strong positioning in the market.
Clear Focus on Expansion
Looking ahead, the Kufferath Group plans to further expand its presence in Asia and explore additional markets in the region. Success in China, however, requires a clear approach: combining global technological expertise with strong local adaptation and close customer relationships.
“Our success is built on strong relationships. Being close to our customers – especially in key markets like China – is what drives us forward."
Productronica 2025
A Strong Showing and a Record Year for the Kufferath Group
From November 17th–21st, Munich once again became the global hub for electronics manufacturing technologies — and the Kufferath Group was right in the center of it. Productronica, held every two years, has been a cornerstone in our international trade fair presence for more than a decade.
As Managing Director Michael Gröh explains, participation is a clear strategic decision:
“Being present at Productronica means strengthening customer relationships, gaining new business opportunities, and maintaining close ties within our global teams. It helps us understand cultural expectations and grow together — across regions and markets.”
Why we attend every two years, consistently
Productronica in Munich is a key touchpoint for building connections and visibility in the global electronics industry. Our reasons for taking part are clear:
- Customer loyalty & relationship building: strengthening long-term partnerships through direct exchange.
- New business development & talent attraction: visibility to new customers, markets and future employees.
- Internal collaboration & cultural understanding: meeting face-to-face enhances global teamwork.
- Brand presence & industry reputation: every appearance sharpens our profile and fosters sustainable growth.
Planning takes three to four months with lasting impact
Preparing for a trade fair of this dimension begins well before the doors open. Around three to four months are invested into planning — from booth design to scheduling customer meetings and aligning teams internationally. “The preparation is extensive, but absolutely worth every hour,” Gröh emphasizes.
A standout fair and the strongest in a decade
The expectations for Productronica were high: strengthen name recognition, secure future growth, and advance toward global market leadership. And they were met and exceeded. Gröh summarizes:
“For me, this was the best Productronica in the last ten years. We strengthened our name, opened new doors, and made significant progress toward our future goals.”
And in two years? We’ll be back.
The decision is already made — Kufferath will return when Productronica opens again in Munich in two years. “Absolutely — this trade fair is essential for our growth strategy,” Gröh confirms. “We plan to continue strengthening our global presence here.” Productronica 2025 marks a milestone — one that will continue to shape our path forward in innovation, partnership, and industry leadership. We thank everyone who visited our booth and look forward to the next Productronica.
Face to face in Shanghai
Review of the General Management and Sales Meeting 2024
The Kufferath Group's annual General Management and Sales Meeting took place again last week. For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, the 2024 meeting was once again held in the presence of all invited participants. This year, the Chinese location had the honor of hosting the three-day meeting. Not only was the business planning for the coming year discussed together, but the 10th anniversary of Michael Gröh, CEO of the Kufferath Group, was also toasted.
Moers - 27.04.2024
On April 24, 2024, the Kufferath Group's General Management and Sales Meeting came to a close after three days of international exchange and planning for the coming business years as well as an informative site visit to the home of the Chinese location. In Shanghai, the attendees and the respective representatives had an intensive exchange of views on upcoming challenges at the respective locations and initiated the implementation of the realignment on the basis of these discussions. A large part of the meeting was devoted to adapting the short and long-term strategies to ensure that the company's products in the field of testing technology can continue to operate safely in the existing and new international markets of the automotive industry in the future.
In addition to that, it was also very important for all those present to tackle the second strategic focus, which was to expand the team's high performance. The already existing friendly relationships and the resulting open interaction between all those present made this much easier. The host's selection of planned activities away from the business level should also be emphasized in this context, which will be remembered with great appreciation by all participants without exception.
After this international event, on the closing evening of April 24, 2024, everyone was certain that the gained knowledge, developed solutions and decisions that have been made had created the ideal basis for the Kufferath Group to continue to operate successfully around the world in the future. CEO Michael Gröh concluded the international General Managing and Sales Meeting 2024 with the words:
"We have three productive days behind us, during which we have tackled issues that we will work on
together and whose solutions we will make available to every location in the Group."
Together with all those present, he toasted his tenth anniversary at the Kufferath Group with his business partners, friends and family: “Here's to the next ten successful years!”