After studying business in Cologne and Los Angeles, Jörg Schäfer worked on mergers and acquisitions for various investment banks. His focus was on engineering and manufacturing. In 2006 he joined GTP Schäfer, where his main areas of responsibility are sales and research & development. He also has the task of internationalizing GTP Schäfer and supervises our operations abroad.
about the person
Before studying business with a focus on production technology at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Thomas Schäfer completed an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic, graduating with honors. After completing his studies he became technical director for production at GTP Schäfer. Since 2000, he has concentrated on continually improving production efficiency by optimizing machinery at our factories all around the world. He is also actively involved in developing new products and manufacturing concepts.
Sales and technical support – Germany
about the person
After serving an apprenticeship as a foundry mechanic focusing on the production and techniques of hand-molding, Tobias Hesse finished his training to qualify as a master of foundry technology. At the time he was working in a German foundry, where he was responsible for improving productivity and reducing the defect quota of hand-molded castings up to 12 tonnes. He then worked as the manager of a Swiss hand-molding foundry for two years before joining GTP Schäfer in 2013.
About the person
After his apprenticeship as a Model builder mechanic, Robert Krautz completed his industrial foreman training specializing in foundry technology. Robert’s German foundry experience began in the area of hand-mold casting, which prepared him well for a transition into sales. From 2011 – 2014, he was employed as a sales representative for an established castings and steel trading company. Robert’s career progressed further into technical field service with a well known foundry products supplier. In 2021, Robert Krautz joined the GTP Schäfer team as a foundry technical application consultant.
About the person
Stephan Fritz trained as a materials tester specialising in metallurgy and at the same completed his university entrance qualifications, and then studied foundry technology/casting technology in Duisburg and Clausthal-Zellerfeld. From 2005 to 2020 he worked as plant manager for moulding and smelting in a German stainless steel foundry. As plant manager he was responsible for the introduction of a standard sand system based on a synthetic sand. In 2020 he was promoted to production manager, responsible for the entire production including mechanical processing. In 2022, Stephan Fritz moved to GTP Schäfer as product manager for special moulding materials.
Sales and technical support – international
about the person
Nick Richardson completed an apprenticeship specializing in foundry technology and metallurgy. He then went on to work as a foundry metallurgist and technical manager in the UK metal-casting industry. Building on his success, he joined S&B Industrial Minerals (IKO) as Global Foundry Applications Technology Manager, focusing on the application of bentonite and carbon additives for green sand molding. In 2015, after more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing high-quality, defect-free castings, Richardson joined GTP Schäfer as Application Technology and Export Sales Manager. His responsibilities include technical and customer support for non-German European and international foundries.
Sales and technical support – France
about the person
Didier Legrand began his career at a young age. After fifteen years working in various foundries, and having gained a wealth of experience in different positions from laboratory assistant to production manager, he changed careers and started as a technical sales engineer for green molding sand additives, working for IKO Minerals with sole responsibility for the market in France. After successfully developing the French market, Didier became General Manager of the French legal entity for IKO Minerals. After a number of years in this role, he took up a new challenge as Technical Sales Director for Europe, the Middle East, and South East Asia in the field of green molding sand additives. After a successful career spanning more than 35 years, Didier Legrand retired from his previous roles to start a new career as a foundry consultant and formed his own company: ASTEA Consulting. We are very happy to announce that Didier is now representing GTP Schäfer on the French market.
Distribution
about the person
Semra Öztürk studied finance and accounting before working for various international companies in accounting and sales. She joined GTP Schäfer in 1994 and was head of sales until the end of 2017. Since 2018 Özturk has been in charge of distribution as Distribution Coordinator.
Personnel
about the person
After completing an apprenticeship as a business clerk, Bernd Köhler studied business law before working for several years for a marketing agency in Cologne. He then moved into personnel as branch manager of a temporary employment agency. After qualifying as a personnel manager in 2014, he joined GTP Schäfer. He is currently responsible for supporting our employees and developing their potential.
Purchasing
about the person
Christian Nasse studied business engineering with a focus on purchasing and logistics in Krefeld, graduating in 2013. After gaining his degree, Nasse began working at GTP Schäfer. The next year he took over the role as purchasing manager for raw materials and equipment.
Finance
about the person
René Wildt first completed his apprenticeship as an industrial clerk and then worked for three years in controlling with a focus on consolidation planning. In 2010 he moved to GTP Schäfer, becoming head of finance in 2013.
