People at ALPLA – Interview with Timo Ehrmann

You wear two hats at ALPLA. What exactly do you do?

I work as a Product Engineer at the Product Development Center. On the one hand, I support technical developments, for example in the canister segment, and help bring together design, engineering and project management teams. On the other hand, I focus on Design for Recycling and support customers in considering recyclability right from the start of a project. With new regulatory requirements, this topic is becoming increasingly important.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I like most is that science and technology come together with people – and something meaningful emerges from that. You get to work on future-oriented topics while learning from past experience. What has worked? What hasn’t? I especially enjoy bringing together people with different strengths and helping them create something together.

How long have you been with ALPLA?

Including my internship as part of the scholarship program, I’ve been with ALPLA for a little over two years. I’ve been based at Headquarters for around one and a half years.

How did you first hear about the Alwin Lehner Scholarship?

Quite by chance. One of our professors mentioned it during a lecture. I thought about it and talked to a fellow student, who said: “Timo, sit down this weekend and write the application.” So I did, and I thought it sounded like a great opportunity.

You originally come from a chemistry background. What was your path like?

I’m from Germany and studied Applied Chemistry there. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in plastics and wanted to deepen that knowledge in my master’s degree. That’s why I studied Management in Technologies at Johannes Kepler University Linz. I wanted to continue working with plastics, but with a stronger focus on industry.

The scholarship also includes an internship. What was that experience like?

The internship overlapped somewhat with my master’s thesis. I spent six months based in Markdorf and had the opportunity to get to know several ALPLA plants and locations, primarily in Germany. One of the most exciting parts was working directly in production – installing moulds, running tests and supporting quality-related activities. It was a particularly dynamic period in Markdorf, with many changes happening at the time.

You were once a scholarship recipient yourself. Today, you mentor students through the Alwin Lehner Scholarship program. What is that like?

I really enjoy it. I still remember my own time as a student and can relate well to many of the questions and challenges students face today. I think that makes the exchange particularly valuable. The scholarship gave me many opportunities and insights. Being able to give something back and support young talents as they take their first steps into professional life is a rewarding experience.

What are the biggest challenges in your work?

Whenever people come together, different interests and perspectives come together as well. One of the biggest challenges is aligning those perspectives while keeping the overall goal in sight. At the same time, it’s important to decide what really matters at a given moment and where to focus your attention.

In STUDIOa, you work closely with customers. How different are their requirements?

They can be very different. In workshops, you quickly notice whether people are open from the beginning or more reserved. The atmosphere often changes over time, and with it the communication and team dynamics. Understanding and adapting to that is an important part of the job.

How do you identify opportunities for improvement or new ideas?

There are two main approaches. First, I read a lot to stay up to date with developments, regulations and industry trends, and to build a broad understanding of the topics I work on. Second, I listen to experienced colleagues. Many decisions are based on experience, and there is a tremendous amount of knowledge within ALPLA. For me, it’s important to combine that experience with new developments and perspectives.

Have you already faced situations where you had to make difficult decisions?

Of course. Especially early in your career, you quickly realise how valuable the experience of others can be. My approach is to identify the people with the most relevant expertise – whether that’s my manager, colleagues in toolmaking or people working directly on the machines. I try to bring together different perspectives and then make a decision based on that collective knowledge.

Let’s switch gears for a moment. What has been your biggest personal achievement so far?

I got married last year. My wife and I moved to the Lake Constance region and made it the centre of our lives. Over the past few years, I’ve lived in several different places. Building a home together was an important step for us.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy exploring the Lake Constance region and the Allgäu, usually by bike. I like discovering new landscapes, cafés and towns, ideally together with friends or my wife. We also enjoy inviting people over for dinner.

Can you name three things on your bucket list?

Travelling to South Korea – that one will actually happen this year. I’d also love to buy a house together with my closest friends and their families one day. And, as a classic Lake Constance goal, cycling all the way around the lake is still on my bucket list.

You joined ALPLA as a young professional. What advice would you give to newcomers?

Come in like a sponge and absorb as much as possible. At the beginning, I tried to learn as much as I could about technologies and processes. At the same time, it’s important to be open, build connections and take on responsibility. Curiosity, openness and a willingness to learn go a long way.

How would you describe ALPLA in three words?

Interdisciplinary. Curious. Hands-on.

What does a perfect day at Lake Constance look like for you??

Going to the mountains during the day and ending the evening by the lake with a campfire and grilled sausages.

Final question: what is your favourite food?

Spinach dumplings with herb butter and Parmesan cheese. We were in Merano recently and took a dumpling-making course – you could say we learned from the experts.