Beyond technical triumphs, this epoch-defining alliance encompasses customer empowerment, boundary-pushing, and a shared vision for a sustainable industrial future.

A Natural Handshake

Jesper Ejenstam, VP and Head of R&D, Kanthal.Ejenstam initiates the conversation by putting the spotlight on Kanthal's key competency: "At our core, we specialize in generating industrial heat through pioneering resistance elements and alloys." He explains that Rath Group’s expertise seamlessly complements Kanthal’s goal of retaining heat within the system, minimizing losses, and ensuring protection.

"This collaboration adds another toolbox to our repertoire as together, we aim to deliver a world-class, sustainable industrial heating system that meets diverse needs," Ejenstam elaborates.

Shedding light on the foundational principles of this partnership, Rank reveals that Rath Group’s extensive portfolio of refractory and insulation materials seamlessly integrates with Kanthal's expertise, establishing a sturdy groundwork for the joint effort. "This partnership opens unexplored territories, particularly in enhancing insulation for electric heating systems. Together, we aim to push boundaries and set new standards in the industry," Rank decodes further.

Future-Forward Objectives

Jürgen Rank, Technical Sales, Rath Group.Discussing the future trajectories, Ejenstam delineates, "Our immediate goals involve aligning with Rath Group’s needs to support transitions in various industries and addressing market improvements." He accentuates their strategic focus on treating heating elements and insulation as a unified system, aimed at enhancing efficiency and developing top-tier integrated products by harnessing their combined competencies.

Rank, on the other hand, stresses the significance of prioritizing sustainability and seizing learning opportunities. "This partnership serves as a prospect to deepen our understanding of electric heating and refine our engineering capabilities," he explains. "Learning from Kanthal about electric heating adds a layer to our expertise."

He then draws attention to Rath Group’s existing sustainability initiatives for customers, including comprehensive reports and meticulous monitoring of emissions and energy consumption, as a demonstration of their commitment. "Persistent improvement is the central goal, and we consistently explore avenues for advancement in this crucial domain," Rank adds.

Sustainability Meets Innovation

The urgency to meet the world's sustainable aspirations further drives us to swiftly develop and deliver unprecedented solutions in the electric heating industry.

Continuing the conversation, Ejenstam explores in greater detail the nuances of this collaborative effort, aimed at optimizing electric heating solutions and sparking meaningful sustainability dialogues. "Shifting from gas to electric isn't just a change, it's a profound commitment to sustainability," he points out. "The urgency to meet the world's sustainable aspirations further drives us to swiftly develop and deliver unprecedented solutions in the electric heating industry."

Bringing forth Rath’s perspective, Rank elaborates, "We aim to deliver dependable solutions that facilitate a seamless shift in alignment with global sustainability objectives." "The industry's heightened awareness of carbon pricing underscores the urgency for innovation. As carbon emission costs rise annually, investing in green technologies becomes not just a forward-thinking move but a strategic imperative for businesses," he goes on to explain.

Addressing Technical Challenges Hand-in-Hand

To establish a thriving technical partnership that fosters innovation, a collaborative mindset must be coupled with an assertive strategic plan to adeptly overcome any potential challenges.

Magnifying this aspect, Ejenstam states, "Collaboration is crucial as we tackle technical challenges collectively. We need to sit down with customers, including end users and others in the supply chain, to discuss their needs and any concerns or anxieties they may have. This involves a lot of brainstorming and workshopping, and it's crucial to have as many key players at the table as possible."

Moreover, Ejenstam reinforces the value of incorporating diverse viewpoints to tackle critical questions regarding various system components. "Integrating input from all stakeholders accelerates problem-solving and facilitates progress," he explains.

Rank echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the complexity inherent in tailoring solutions to diverse applications. "The main challenge is that we don't have an “all-in-one solution” for all applications. This makes the developments highly complex. Collaborative work is needed to qualify and refine engineering, addressing unknowns together iteratively," he affirms.

Empowering Customers Together

In a unified endeavor aimed at empowering customers and fostering positive change, both Ejenstam and Rank highlight the collective mission of providing dependable solutions aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and energy costs. Ejenstam expresses, "Our collaboration aims to offer reliable solutions that help customers reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs, providing options that make business sense in the long run. The partnership, rooted in innovation, thus translates into practical advantages for end-users, promising solutions that are not only efficient but also economically viable."

To further solidify this viewpoint, Rank asserts, "If efficient solutions are cost-effective for the customers, it becomes a big plus. The success of this collaboration hinges on delivering lucrative solutions that compete favorably with existing options. The ultimate goal is to empower customers to reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs - critical factors in the energy industry."

Real People, Real Collaboration

Kanthal and Rath Group are committed to working together to meet the ever-evolving needs of a sustainable industrial future.

As our discussion draws to a close, Ejenstam and Rank reveal that their partnership goes beyond mere business transactions, representing a merger of ideas and values aimed at effecting significant change.

Ejenstam summarizes this sentiment by stating, "The collaboration between Kanthal and Rath Group is not just about using technical jargon and developing corporate strategies; it's about real people working together to create a more sustainable industrial future."

He concludes by saying, "We acknowledge that there is still much that we do not know, but our shared values and mindsets push us to find solutions. Whether through our current offerings or new developments, Kanthal and Rath Group are committed to working together to meet the ever-evolving needs of a sustainable industrial future."

Rank, mirroring this emotion, uncovers the value of mutual learning and enrichment. "I believe we will gain valuable insights from Kanthal about electric heating and the installation process. This knowledge will complement our focus on refractory and insulation solutions, enriching our expertise. While we are eager to learn, there is still much to discover," he wraps up, intensifying the partnership's ongoing pursuit of knowledge.