Wemhöner Surface Technologies: Florian Barth new technical managing director

Wemhöner, the German manufacturer of surface finishing systems, has entrusted Florian Barth as new technical managing director, with responsibility for its technical division as of mid-year. From next year, Barth will work alongside Kathleen Wemhöner in a dual leadership structure.

The appointment comes at a challenging time for suppliers to the wood-based panels and furniture industries, which are facing market uncertainty, rising cost pressure, and intensifying international competition. In this context, Wemhöner – a family-owned company that recently celebrated its 100th anniversary – is relying on an internally developed management profile to strengthen technological development and operational efficiency.

Barth joined Wemhöner in 2012 after graduating in mechanical engineering in Aachen. His career within the company has spanned design engineering, project planning for large-scale and special installations, and technical support for sales activities involving highly demanding applications. Since 2020, he has also held responsibility within the R&D function, contributing to the advancement of the company’s surface technology solutions.

In his new role, Barth will focus on further consolidating Wemhöner’s technological positioning along the entire value chain, with particular emphasis on finishing systems for wood-based panels and furniture surfaces. Key priorities include increasing process efficiency and safeguarding value creation in Germany.

Wemhöner Surface Technologies employs around 300 people at its headquarters in Herford, Germany, and is supported by an independent sister company in Changzhou, China, with approximately 200 employees, reinforcing its global industrial footprint.