Frank Paul Nonnenmann to follow Michael Unger as Managing Director for Supply Chain & MPE on the Balluff Executive Board

Neuhausen a. d. F. – Frank Paul Nonnenmann replaces Michael Unger as Managing Director at sensor and automation specialist Balluff effective February 1, 2020. After more than 28 years in the company and 20 years as Managing Director, Unger will join the Advisory Board of the family-owned company in Neuhausen. Like Unger, his successor will also be responsible for setting up and maintaining the global production and logistics network and for the Machine & Plant Engineering (MPE) business unit. Unger's function as spokesman for management will be assumed by Managing Director Katrin Stegmaier-Hermle. "It would not be an exaggeration to say that the departure of Mr. Unger from management represents the end of an era for us," notes Stegmaier-Hermle. "With his great knowledge, his experience and his strategic vision, he has played a decisive role in the growth from a medium-sized Swabian business to a globally active, modern company. We are highly grateful to him for this – and we are glad to know that through his Advisory Board work we can continue to draw on his appraisals and his know-how in the future."

Global positioning

Having consistently relied on internationalization since as far back as the 1980s, the company sees the global production and logistics network as the backbone of its business success. "This is why we are so pleased to welcome Mr. Nonnemann to the Balluff family as a proven supply chain expert," says Katrin Stegmaier-Hermle. Nonnemann's previous career is characterized by great experience in the building and growth of purchasing, manufacturing and logistics organizations in international corporations. In his previous position as Vice President for Quality and Operations at ABB in Zurich, he was responsible for the supply chain of the Power Grids and Transformer business unit. Prior to ABB he was at Honeywell, where he held various international management positions including in the USA, China and Great Britain. During his time in the USA as Vice President for Global Supply Chain in the Sensing & Control division, Nonnemann already had contact with Balluff, as Honeywell is a supplier for sensor and automation specialist Balluff.

The circle closes

Following his degree in industrial engineering he began his career as lean management head at a medium-sized Swabian company which then became part of the Honeywell corporation. "This kind of closes a circle for me," explains Nonnemann, who lives with his wife in Stuttgart. "I am very pleased to be able to bring my experience and expertise to Balluff and together with the staff to shape the future of industrial automation."

Change and continuity

Effective January 1, 2020 Unger assumed his role as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Balluff GmbH as well as of Balluff Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, replacing Rolf Hermle. This decision represents both continuity and change for Balluff at the same time: "Mr. Unger is now the first person to head the Advisory Board who does not come from the founding family. But he is nonetheless an extremely important part of the Balluff family, and that makes him the ideal successor for my father Rolf Hermle," emphasizes Stegmaier-Hermle.

About Balluff

Founded in 1921 in Neuhausen a.d.F., Balluff employs 4000 people worldwide and represents innovative technology, quality and cross-industry experience in industrial automation. As the leading sensor and automation specialist, the family-owned company in its fourth generation offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality sensor, identification, network and software solutions.

In 2018, Balluff Group reported a turnover of around 488 million Euro. In addition to the main headquarters in Neuhausen a. d. F., Balluff has sales, production and development locations around the world and can boast 38 wholly owned subsidiaries and other representatives in 68 countries. This guarantees that customers have rapid worldwide availability of products and are provided with high-quality advice and service directly on site.