News & Press Releases

[Winterthur, Switzerland] – coatmaster AG, a pioneer in non-contact coating thickness measurement technology, is proud to announce a significant leap forward in its business trajectory. Bolstering its foothold in the powder coating sector, coatmaster has embarked on an ambitious scale-up initiative aimed at fortifying its distribution network. Simultaneously, the company is venturing into the dynamic realm of battery technology, marking its foray with the procurement of substantial contracts from renowned battery and automotive OEMs on a global scale.

To align its management and company organization with the growth plans, coatmaster is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ralph Mennicke as the new CEO, effective September 1, 2024. This strategic hire signifies coatmaster’s commitment to grow its business during times of technology shifts, its dedication to innovation and customer value, and its drive towards operational excellence amidst a challenging global economy

The expansion into powder coating underscores coatmaster’s commitment to diversification and market resilience. By strengthening its distribution channels, the company is poised to meet burgeoning demand and cater to a wider clientele, thereby amplifying its market presence and consolidating its position as an industry and technology leader.

In parallel, coatmaster’s entry into the battery industry heralds an exciting chapter of innovation and collaboration. Through securing major contracts with globally leading OEMs, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy storage in automotives and data centers. Leveraging its expertise and resources, coatmaster is primed to deliver cutting-edge solutions that redefine industry standards and accelerate the transition towards sustainable mobility.

Dr. Ralph Mennicke brings a wealth of experience and expertise to coatmaster, with a background in non-destructive testing and advanced sensors and metrology, digital products, and international business management. His proven track record of achieving substantial growth, fostering innovation, and building strong customer relationships makes him an invaluable addition to the coatmaster team.

Andor Bariska and Prof. Dr. Nils Reinke, as founding members of coatmaster, continue to define the company’s strategy and play pivotal roles in its growth and success, remaining actively involved in the business. Their ongoing commitment particularly in sales and key accounts in the two business areas “powder” and “battery” underscores coatmaster’s dedication to excellence and innovation in the industry.

Andor Bariska, one of coatmaster’s founders: “I am excited and eager to lead the key accounts, sales, and services for the new battery business, signifying a new era of growth and innovation for the company alongside the new management recruitment. We are confident that Dr. Mennicke’s strategic vision and expertise will propel us to new heights, delivering even greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”

Prof. Dr. Nils Reinke, the second founding member of coatmaster, shares in this optimism, stating, “This day signifies a pivotal moment for coatmaster, as we invest into our customer base in the powder coating sector and add a new application field. Dr. Mennicke’s will fuel us to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate challenges with agility and foresight, ensuring the continued success and relevance of our solutions in the market.”

“I am thrilled to join coatmaster as CEO and excited to work alongside Andor Bariska, Prof. Dr. Nils Reinke, and the entire team to drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence within the exciting business areas of powder coatings and insulating coatings of battery cells,” says Dr. Ralph Mennicke.

Winterthur/Switzerland, 01.09.2024. Dr. Ralph Mennicke (left), Andor Bariska (center) and Prof. Dr. Nils Reinke (right) are repositioning themselves together with their coatmaster team to simultaneously strengthen the services for their worldwide customers in the field of powder coatings and to seize the field of insulating coatings for batteries. The patented coatmaster measurement technology is thus set to provide even more customers and stakeholders worldwide with the best economical and ecological solution.