Better to be a champion than a hidden champion

STT: What specific projects will you be focusing on in 2026 – and which partners will you be working with?

MT: Our motto is: From Pirmasens to the world – not only in the field of testing, but also in research. We want to intensify cooperation with our subsidiary in Asia, including through the institute’s management. In addition to China, we see potential in Vietnam and India. A key goal is to increase the visibility of the PFI. We have been present at several events in recent weeks. Whether this will directly result in orders remains to be seen – but if you’re not visible, you’re certainly not going to get any orders. We maintain good contacts with the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Economics and the city of Pirmasens. We want to further strengthen this basis – among other things, through better exchange between departments.

GS: This also increases the chance of research projects. And if these come to fruition, findings and ideas should flow back into training. We want to strengthen our position in the area of digitalisation – and we want to do so consistently. The idea of turning a sheet of paper into a PDF is not digitalisation. It’s about the digital capture, use and processing of data. Another key issue is recyclability and sustainability.

STT: What are your specific wishes for the PFI in the area of research?

MT: The PFI has a technical advisory board where our engineers present their projects. We would like to see more input from industry there. When research projects are initiated by the institute, we have to market the results ourselves. It would be more efficient if companies approached us with specific questions. Data protection and competition are important issues here – but we do not disclose any information to the outside world. Whoever initiates a project is also the first to benefit from it. The composition of the advisory board has changed significantly: in the past, it was mostly decision-makers, but today it is often senior employees – which means that decision-making processes take longer.

STT: When a research project is to be launched, how does that work? And where could the focus lie in the future?

GS: With specific questions, it is easy to estimate which processes and resources are required. This determines the investment required, including personnel and time planning. Most of the time, we work in partnership to share the workload and leverage synergies.MT: This can often result in a publicly funded project, which reduces costs for everyone involved. However, many market players currently seem rather paralysed. Yet EU regulations in the area of sustainability offer many opportunities. Unfortunately, commitment wanes as soon as political pressure eases. For example, large recycling plants were built in Germany and the Netherlands, but now they are being dismantled because nothing is happening.GS: Anyone starting now would be early – and therefore at an advantage.MT: We need to think about new recycling processes – such as decomposition instead of just mechanical shredding. Repairability also offers potential, as complex as it is. This is where the PFI can provide support with its expertise.GS: I bring experience from research and teaching – that helps. I want to analyse the structure from a certain distance: What needs to be separated, what can be combined to achieve greater impact?

STT: What events are coming up next in your calendars?

MT: Lineapelle, Micam and Barefoot in the summer, among others. We want to be present wherever shoemakers are active. I would have liked to show Prof. Schell the GDS, but that is now history.

STT: What are your visions for the next three to five years?

GS: We want to become more visible – nationally and internationally. To do this, we need to strengthen dialogue with the industry and be open to ideas and questions. Often, all it takes is a little push. When our work is noticed, inquiries grow – and with them, opportunities for development. The added value of our services goes far beyond certificates.MT: Security and visibility are key issues. The PFI is active in Cads, HDS/L and vocational training. But our contribution is not always recognised. We don’t just want to be there, we want to help shape things. To do that, you have to be visible. Right now, we’re a hidden champion – our goal is to be the champion. For example, we offer green electricity – enough to power an entire shoe factory or shoe store. We have an ecolabel that still has potential to develop. Our prices are in line with the market – but the industry needs to take notice. Now would be the time to invest in further training: for example, with our sustainability manager programme. That puts you at the cutting edge.GS: Networking is essential, especially in the field of sustainability. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel; we can learn from each other. That benefits everyone – at no cost to anyone. It’s a huge opportunity.