Frank Blase moves to the Board of Directors – operational management remains in the hands of the four well-known CEOs

igus GmbH, the specialist for motion plastics, has taken a significant step in its corporate development: the Cologne-based company is now trading under the name igus SE & Co. KG. With this new structure, igus is strengthening its strategic orientation, creating clear responsibilities and setting the course for future success – particularly with regard to international growth and corporate continuity. Artur Peplinski will assume the role of management spokesperson.

The new legal form combines the advantages of a European corporation (“Societas Europaea” or “SE”) with the flexibility of a limited partnership (“KG”). It stands for an international orientation and is a logical step in the company’s development for a globally active company. At the same time, it allows for productive cooperation between the management and a Chairman of the Board. This role will be taken over by Frank Blase, who is stepping down from operational management for personal reasons, particularly in connection with his family’s health. In this role, he will be working on new ventures and help shape the company’s strategic direction. Operational management will remain in the hands of the four familiar CEOs: Michael Blass, responsible for the energy chain systems product division, Tobias Vogel, responsible for the plain bearing and linear technology product division, Dr Thilo Schultes, responsible for production (operations) worldwide, and Artur Peplinski, responsible for igus International and the Low Cost Automation product division. Artur Peplinski will also assume the role of management spokesperson and represent igus in overarching company matters in future. As part of the change of legal form, igus is also increasing its liable capital from 5 to €20 million. With this step, igus is emphasising its economic stability and creating additional security for customers and business partners worldwide. In October 2025, igus also acquired a plot of land of around 22,000m2 adjacent to the igus campus. This means that the campus can be expanded and directly connected to the new building with multi-storey car park.

“We believe that the world is facing a historic boom because everything is changing at the same time,” says Frank Blase. “With the new structure and clear responsibilities, I can continue to actively support the company as Chairman with ideas and investments and at the same time fulfil my family responsibilities. igus continues to pursue the goal of creating real customer benefits and promoting sustainable growth by investing in research and development, digitalisation and new factories. The new organisation and distribution of tasks will help us master the current requirements and the future.”