VDMA appoints new chairman

Franz-Josef Paus succeeds Johann Sailer, who has stepped down after six years as chairman of the board

FRANZ-Josef Paus, executive director of Hermann Paus Maschinenfabrik GmbH, has been appointed as new chairman of VDMA (Germany’s Construction Equipment and Building Material Machinery Association) for the next three years. 

He succeeds Johann Sailer, executive director of GEDA-Dechentreiter GmbH & Co KG, who did not stand for reelection after six years in the position. 

VDMA’s confirmation of Mr Paus as new chairman was made at its General Assembly in Dusseldorf. During the meeting, the Association also announced two deputy chair appointments – Joachim Strobel, sales director of Liebherr EMtec GmbH, and Herrmann Weckenmann, executive director of Weckenmann Anlagentechnik. 

Mr Paus, who has been a member of the Association board since 2002, explained his priorities during his inaugural speech. He will continue to promote joint research, as he sees it to be of particular importance when it comes to implementing ‘Industrie 4.0’ concepts on building sites, thus supporting the innovation potential of individual member companies and the entire sector. 

He pointed out digitalization will have far-reaching effects on the construction and building materials industries in decades to come. It is also important for Mr Paus and VDMA to represent the interests of small, family-owned businesses and their ability to innovate will not be lost as a result of ever-increasing regulation. 

VDMA represents 330 companies in the construction, building material, glass and ceramics machinery industries, which generated a total turnover of €13.9 billion in 2016.