VOA 2026 General Meeting with Board Elections

The newly elected VOA Board of Directors, led by Friedhelm U. Scholten, is committed to guiding the surface finishing industry confidently and effectively through the current challenges. The focus will be on practical solutions that provide clear direction to member companies. It is also encouraging that the election has brought several younger members onto the board, who will contribute fresh perspectives. For the next four years, the following board members will represent the industry’s interests: Dr. Thomas Becker (Eloxal Gerlingen GmbH), Michael Boche (Apt Extrusions GmbH & Co. KG), Michael Gotta (Elox Gerhard Gotta GmbH & Co. KG), Marc-Steffen Hinderer (Hydro Extrusion Deutschland GmbH), Sven Höfler (Eloxal Höfler GmbH), Torsten Sandersfeld (Diedrich Sandersfeld GmbH & Co. KG), Marcel Saul (Ekka Entlackung Ernst Kuper GmbH), Georg Schwab (Eloxal-Pühl GmbH), Christoph Wahl (HD Wahl GmbH), and Norbert-William Sucke (Erbslöh Aluminium GmbH), who is seconded by Aluminium Deutschland e. V. Auditor Gudrun Wassermann (Eloxal Müller GmbH) did not stand for re-election. She is succeeded by two auditors: Frank Erhardt (Erhardt Erko GmbH) and Victor Gotta (Elox Gerhard Gotta GmbH & Co. KG). Here, too, the generational shift is evident, as both represent the active involvement of the next generation of entrepreneurs.

VOA General Assembly: Robust Systems and Modern Work Environments

At this year’s VOA General Assembly, the association also focused on the future and stability of social security systems. Two in-depth presentations shed light on key perspectives: Dr. Irmgard Stippler, Chairwoman of the Board of AOK Bayern, analyzed health insurance from the employers’ perspective and addressed, in particular, the sharp rise in spending by the statutory health insurance system and the current situation regarding skilled workers. She also explored prospects for a sustainable and secure system, touching on the political debate in the process. Complementing this, Brigitte Iding, Chair of the Executive Board of Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bayern Süd, addressed the current situation and challenges facing the statutory pension insurance system. She focused in particular on preventive care services as well as medical rehabilitation and services to facilitate participation in working life. Dr. Rüdiger Maas from the Institute for Generational Research provided another key perspective. In a highly engaging presentation, he offered a nuanced view of the different generations, from Baby Boomers to Generation Alpha. He highlighted how the digital world is affecting Generation Z, how communication between people of different ages can “miss the mark,” and what challenges—but also opportunities—intergenerational collaboration brings to companies.

Technical Developments, Quality Standards, and Innovations

The Technical Committee meeting on June 17, at which the VOA welcomed around 70 participants, also offered a broad spectrum of technical topics and an intensive exchange of ideas. The focus included, among other things, current developments in testing as well as the ongoing refinement of the internationally recognized quality marks Qualanod, Qualicoat, and Qualistrip, which are of central importance to the industry. In addition, technical issues at the European level were discussed, such as those related to the BREF STM. Bernard Gilmont, Secretary General of the European Association for Surface Treatment on Aluminum (Estal), and Marc-Steffen Hinderer provided an update on the current status and the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Attendees also gained insight into the ongoing research projects at the Fem Research Institute involving the VOA. These projects once again highlighted the close interconnection between practice, regulation, and innovation. The program was complemented by practical presentations from supporting members Remondis and Mardo Kältetechnik. On the one hand, they highlighted the role of the circular economy in the surface finishing industry; on the other hand, they demonstrated how the targeted use of modern refrigeration technology can enable efficient temperature control of anodizing baths.