PEOPLE WATCH
Häfner becomes EVP for Research and Transfer
On 12 June 2024 , the senate of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft appointed Prof . Constantin Häfner as the executive board member responsible for Research and Transfer . He is currently the executive director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen and is expected to assume his board responsibilities shortly .
Before his appointment at Fraunhofer ILT , Prof . Häfner led the Advanced Photon Technologies programme at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in
Prof . Dr . Constantin Häfner . Image : © Fraunhofer ILT / Dominik Asbach .
California , where he worked on the development of the world ’ s most powerful laser systems . He is also a full professor and holds a professorship for Laser Technology at RWTH Aachen University .
Hildegard Müller , Chair of the Senate of the Fraunhofer Society e . V ., commented : “ Constantin Häfner ’ s international experience at prestigious research institutes will provide a significant contribution to the positive development of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in the crucial area of Research and Transfer .
With his ability to advance research projects while always considering their applicability and economic benefit , he is precisely the right person to complete the Fraunhofer board .” Fraunhofer ’ s President , Prof . Holger Hanselka , welcomed the senate ’ s decision : “ We look forward to working with Constantin Häfner . With his profound expertise , ideas and passion , he is perfectly positioned on the Fraunhofer board ,” he added .
Currently , discussions are underway so that Prof . Constantin Häfner can start this new role as quickly as possible . n
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Richard Williams , MD of Locit , with his team .
Richard Williams , MD of Locit , in the digital factory .
Locit bolsters sales team to drive growth
Locit , a UK manufacturer of steel lockers and innovative storage solutions , has bolstered its sales team to drive growth . Aaron Grant joins the Deeside-based company as Strategic Business Manager , bringing 15 years of experience and a strong track record in the sector . He will focus on boosting sales in the Midlands , North and Scotland , working alongside Kevin Elliott , who manages South West , Wales and Ireland , and Daniel Fordham , who heads the North West . Lindsey Hewitt and Sasha Capiello make up the customer and sales support team .
Locit , a carbon-neutral steel locker manufacturer , is on course to book more than £ 6.5m in sales in its second year of trading , ending September 2024 , an increase of 40 % on the previous year . This follows investment by Arete Capital Partners , a Liverpool-based private capital investor , in 2022 .
This accelerated sales performance has been achieved through a robust order pipeline which includes orders from various industries including schools ; gyms ; industrial units ; police ; leisure and entertainment venues . Meanwhile , advanced digital manufacturing methods have enabled the company to respond to demands for new innovative products . One such product under the ‘ Pure Lockers ’ brand is Phone Safe , a wall-mounted locker that features individual compartments for students ’ mobile phones .
Commenting on the new appointment , Richard Williams , CEO of Locit , said : “ We are delighted to welcome Aaron to our sales team as we continue our mission to provide innovative storage solutions to our trusted distributors across the UK and
Aaron Grant , Strategic Business Manager , Locit .
Europe . We are experiencing phenomenal growth , and Aaron ’ s expertise and passion for driving results will help us realise our ambitions . With our expanding team and market-leading products , we are poised for even greater success in the year ahead .”
Locit ’ s 64,000 sq-ft digital manufacturing facility sits within Deeside Enterprise Zone , home to advanced manufacturing companies in the aerospace ,
automotive , food and pharmaceutical sectors . The company is a member of the ‘ Made in Britain ’ initiative , which supports and promotes British manufacturing and enables buyers and consumers at home and overseas to identify British-made products . n
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