How Freudenberg Sealing Technologies merges expertise, competencies and perspectives on an international level – creating the “Essential Difference”
A product is created in Asia, refined in North America and brought to series production maturity in Europe. At Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST), workflows like these are not the exception, but part of how we operate. They are backed by a global network that connects company locations, skills and teams – and enables structured collaborations across continents.
The mission statement “Together, We Make an Essential Difference in Sealing Excellence and Beyond” describes exactly this approach. It becomes evident wherever expertise is combined on an international level and solutions are created together.
Structures instead of chance
The teams address requirements, coordinate developments and make decisions jointly through a networked approach. These work practices become especially clear and valuable in new business segments. The hydrogen market, for example, comes with demanding technical requirements and calls for complex development processes. Development, production, quality and procurement are interlinked – often across several continents. Results that are technically viable and economically sound are possible only through this interaction.
The incubators for cell caps and thermal barriers also show how FST systematically drives growth beyond traditional sealing solutions. The innovative battery components are jointly developed, industrialized and brought to series production maturity in customer projects at sites in the United States, Germany and Italy – for automotive applications as well as stationary battery storage systems.
The knowledge circulates systematically within the company in both traditional and new business. Established solutions at one plant are adopted, adjusted and further developed at other company locations. Regular exchange formats, communities and cross-functional teams make sure that this knowledge stays available – and is utilized.
Partnership across continents
The joint venture between Freudenberg and the Japanese NOK Corporation is another example of how this intercontinental collaboration takes shape. The two companies have worked together for over 60 years and now serve markets in the United States, India and China.
Proximity to the customer is a key factor. Local teams and production sites enable close coordination along with precise understanding of regional requirements. Global experience and technological expertise are also incorporated into the solutions. This creates a system that combines local presence with international knowledge.
Diversity as a strength
Another factor is the diversity within the company. A variety of perspectives leads to reliable and realistic solutions while facilitating collaboration with international customers.
The network itself is not a rigid system. It also continues to evolve – with new technologies, markets and challenges. Precisely this is its strength. It links knowledge, experience and competencies so that collaboration generates tangible added value – and exactly what the mission statement describes: the “Essential Difference”.
