KraussMaffei Group has announced a planned change in the management board of KraussMaffei Technologies, a manufacturer of injection molding machines and automation solutions. On 31 March 2026, at his own request, Jörg Stech will step down from his position as chairman of the board of KraussMaffei Technologies and global head of the technology divisions for injection molding, automation and additive manufacturing. His successor as managing director and member of the board of KraussMaffei Technologies will be Dirk Musser, currently Head of Group Transformation at KraussMaffei Group, who will take up the role on 1 April 2026.
Stabilization and strategic shift under the leadership of Jörg Stech
The period during which Jörg Stech headed KraussMaffei Technologies coincided with a demanding phase in which the company was facing losses and a deteriorating market environment. During this time, a wide range of measures was implemented to improve margins and balance sheet quality in order to safeguard earnings and the company’s long-term development capability.
In the field of injection molding and automation technologies, the product portfolio was renewed. Stech initiated the market launch of the LRXplus linear robot and the new fully electric PX injection molding machine series, as well as the MC7 control system, with market introduction scheduled for the end of 2025. In parallel, applications based on artificial intelligence are being developed. In addition, another multi-year development project was started.
An important element of Jörg Stech’s strategy was the use of technological capabilities to open up new market opportunities, including in the area of ColorForm solutions, as well as entry into new end markets such as aerospace and drone applications. In parallel, programs focused on operational excellence, improvement of price and cost quality, and capital discipline were implemented. Despite the deteriorating market environment, particularly in the injection molding technology segment, KraussMaffei Technologies is now in a significantly more robust condition than three years ago.
Alex Li, CEO of KraussMaffei Group, emphasized the importance of the changes implemented: "Jörg Stech took on responsibility in a difficult situation, set clear priorities and launched key initiatives. The successful market launch of the LRXplus linear robot and the fully electric PX machine series, the consistent focus on profitability and the sustainable strengthening of our balance sheet are visible results of this work. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Jörg Stech for his leadership, integrity and team spirit."
Commenting on the appointment of his successor, Alex Li added: "We value Dirk Musser as a manager who combines clear strategic thinking with operational excellence. In a short period of time, he has provided important impetus for the transformation of the group, impressing with his analytical strength, determination and deep understanding of our processes, among other things through his effective cooperation with the managing directors of KraussMaffei Technologies. We are convinced that he will continue in this direction with a clear vision and initiative in order to successfully steer the development of KraussMaffei Technologies."
Summing up his work to date, Jörg Stech said: "After many years of working in an environment marked by technological, economic and geopolitical challenges, I look back with great gratitude on a period in which I was always surrounded by an exceptional workforce. Together, we achieved things that many initially considered impossible. This cooperation, this willingness to push boundaries and create something new, was a source of satisfaction for me. My special thanks go to all stakeholders in the company and, of course, to all employees. I leave with respect, gratitude and the conviction that this long-established company will continue to achieve significant success in the future."
Dirk Musser as an internal successor in the role of managing director
On 1 April 2026, the position of managing director of KraussMaffei Technologies will be taken over by Dirk Musser. As Head of Group Transformation at KraussMaffei Group, he has so far been responsible for initiating and coordinating transformation activities across the group. In close cooperation with the management board of KraussMaffei Technologies, he has made a significant contribution to the development of the company’s strategy and the improvement of its operating performance.
Musser is an experienced manager in the areas of transformation and finance, with more than twenty years of experience in international industrial and technology companies. He holds a degree in economics. Strong analytical skills, in-depth understanding of processes and experience gained on international markets are cited as key strengths in his new role.
Before joining KraussMaffei, he served as Senior Vice President of Business Transformation at CRRC New Material Technologies, where he led extensive transformation, lean and turnaround projects. Within a short period of time, he stabilized the earnings of two production plants in the United States and Mexico. Previously, as Senior Manager Turnaround & Restructuring at Deloitte, he was responsible for operational and financial restructuring programs for industrial and technology companies.
Dirk Musser also held long-term profit and loss responsibility as Head of Business Unit at CRONIMET Raw Materials Suisse AG, where he managed a global procurement and production network, developed new markets and was responsible for post-merger integration processes. His earlier professional experience also includes positions at Fujian Benz Automotive in China, Daimler Trucks, Bombardier and DaimlerChrysler.
The handover of responsibilities is intended to be seamless, and the succession process has already started. Dirk Musser stresses that his priority will be to continue strengthening the company’s market position: "Together with my fellow managing directors, Dr Frank Szimmat and Markus Bauer, I want to drive the further development of KraussMaffei Technologies with determination. We are focusing on further strengthening stability and performance and on taking the necessary steps to position the company successfully in a dynamic market environment. I look forward to shaping this path together with our teams."
Dirk Musser will take over as managing director of KraussMaffei Technologies
