Gripping technology has a new face now: SCHUNK, the expert for clamping technology and gripping systems has won over the world-class goalkeeper Jens Lehmann as a brand ambassador. The AUTOMATICA 2012 show was the official kick-off for this cooperation, where the No. 1 goalkeeper fascinated the show visitors a whole day long on the SCHUNK booth.

Gripping technology has a new face now: SCHUNK, the expert for clamping technology and gripping systems has won over the world-class goalkeeper Jens Lehmann as a brand ambassador. The AUTOMATICA 2012 show was the official kick-off for this cooperation, where the No. 1 goalkeeper fascinated the show visitors a whole day long on the SCHUNK booth. During the technology-goalkeeper discussion round with Sky TV moderator Jessica Kastrop, Jens Lehmann and leading automation experts, "passed the ball" between each other.

During the discussion round, the statement from Jens Lehmann arose that good hands decide on success, and he referred it to the goalkeeper of the future. In the field of automation the same applies, since precise gripping and safe holding are the key disciplines in modern production automation. Obviously successes in soccer and successes in automation have many parallels. This has been made clear from all contributions of the podium participants, namely Henrik A. Schunk, Fanuc's European President Olaf Gehrels, SEW-Eurodrive Member of Board and Plant Manager Dr.-Ing. Markus Klaiber, as well as Thomas Hähn, CEO of Hahn Automation, that beside sophisticated technical solutions, commitment, passion, and the cohesion within the team decide on a company's success. During the discussion round it was obvious, that Jens Lehmann and the soccer topic can provide valuable impulses to the companies in the field of automation. Jochen A. Rotthaus, CEO of the soccer club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim emphasized that professionalism in sports is as much important as in the economic area. Moreover, he also mentioned the values passion, loyalty, and appreciation, which are of the same importance. This fact has been confirmed by the technology experts on an immediate response. They repeatedly emphasized how important the factor of the human element is for the technological success: It is the standard for perfect gripping, and also the emotional link for a successful coexistence. In a figurative sense this also includes things such as hugging each other with joy, or concentrating for the next game, getting up again after a defeat, or after having received a red card. The impression of this evening has been that professionalism, and emotions determine a soccer game, but also the machine building and plant construction industry.

From time to time there was no chance of crossing the SCHUNK booth at the AUTOMATICA. Centre of attraction were up to 25 new benchmark products, which were showcased by the innovative family-owned company, and the world-class goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. Many visitors who haven't had the chance of attending a VIP reception, photo shooting, or the technology-goalkeeper discussion round with Jens Lehmann, used the opportunity of having a quick glance at the exceptional athlete on the show booth, and take the opportunity for a snapshot or an autograph. The opening event at the AUTOMATICA shows that SCHUNK is setting standards in communicating in the field of machine building by employing a popular brand ambassador.