TPT January 2024

INDUSTRY

Ernst Blissenbach – a true tube engineering innovator

Ernst Blissenbach

longitudinally welded pipes, which were fundamentally advantageous in terms of production and tolerances, of their main disadvantage: the internal welding flash. This was to be achieved by means of a tool in which a carbide cutting ring scarfs the burr formed inside the tube during welding during the initial production process. However, as in many successful entrepreneur stories, new ideas are not always welcomed with open arms. Skepticism, especially from experts, often creates resistance to new developments and requires intensive persuasion efforts. Thus, Ernst Blissenbach had to invest not only his diligence and perseverance, but also his entire fortune in his vision. The long phase of failed attempts discouraged companions and partners, so he finally founded his own company in 1997 – at age 60, when others are considering retirement: “It’s all or nothing – that has always been my motto,” said Mr Blissenbach. “I have always taken my cue from the best of the best.” His perseverance proved him right. He achieved a breakthrough. And, thanks to his tool innovation, this led to the resurgence of longitudinally welded tubes as a market-dominating process. Ernst Blissenbach does not need much promotion for his successful process these days. The high-quality standards, long durability and refinement of inside tube scarfing tools have long been recognised worldwide – the Blissenbach systems are seen as market leading. “We are as well-known in our field as Kleenex or Coca-Cola,” said Mr Blissenbach. The company’s customers include plant engineers and pipe manufacturers whose products are used, for example, in the energy or automotive

HAVING been born in Remscheid, Ger- many engineering and entrepreneurial expertise are part of Ernst Blissenbach’s DNA. Bergische Land is considered one of the cradles of German industry and is known for its entrepreneurial spirit in metalworking. What emerged from this beginning? An innovation, as just one example, that has become the standard for inside tube scarfing systems. And at the same time, the story serves as an example that it takes courage and perseverance for innovations to succeed. Ernst Blissenbach himself is a textbook example of an entrepreneur – representative of the many hidden heroes who define Germany’s success in global markets. However, as with any great story, there were obstacles, difficulties and hardships for Ernst Blissenbach GmbH and the innovation that followed. At the end of the difficult post-war years and after his military service, Ernst Blissenbach successfully completed his professional training at Vaillant. Subsequently, he managed to rise from an apprentice to a respected employee in the design office. His dedication and quick thinking earned him a good reputation with his boss, Karl-Ernst Vaillant, and he was allowed to implement his own tool ideas in his free hours. Over the years, the results of his work were in such demand that in 1973 – together with his brother – he ventured into self-employment. The two brothers were very successful. However, it was the forward-looking market assessment by a leading Mannesmann employee regarding future pipe productions that triggered a technological vision in Ernst Blissenbach. The person in question had advised him to strive for the development of a tool capable of economically removing the inside burr from high frequency longitudinally welded tubes. If functioning properly, this production method could then develop into a cost effective alternative to seamless pipes in the long run. In the almost 100 years of important inventions by the Mannesmann brothers (also from Remscheid, Germany), seamless pipes were produced solely by rolling instead of welding. The Blissenbach approach was to rid

industries. When pipe welding machines are purchased for around 15 or 20 million euros, the Blissenbach system tailored to the plant is almost certainly ordered. Age is not seen as a problem, but as a future opportunity and an emancipatory tool for our economy: the 85-year-old head of the company is a successful “free-ager” still driven by a spirit of innovation. Innovations continue to be the driving force. To this end, the company maintains an in-house innovation lab where employees can work collaboratively to develop and advance new project ideas in changing configurations. “Without highly specialised people, a high-tech company has no future,” said managing partner Mr Blissenbach. “Ultimately, people are the decisive factor – their skills, knowledge and willingness to make a difference – but they also need to be given the necessary space.” For this reason, the top innovator cultivates flat hierarchies and a policy of short paths. Every employee can come to him directly with their ideas and everything is then discussed on an equal footing. From vision to global market leader – Ernst Blissenbach exemplifies innovative entrepreneurial spirit. But not only that. The still imaginative and active, now 85-year-old company patron, proves that age can be seen not as a problem, but as a future opportunity and an emancipatory tool for the economy, as knowledge and experience are valuable resources.

Ernst Blissenbach GmbH www.blissenbach.de

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JANUARY 2024