Neuenhauser Vorwald Wickeltechnik, a division of Neuenhauser Maschinenbau GmbH, has been renowned for decades for its tensioning shafts, tensioning heads and other components used in winding processes. Oliver Funk joined the team at the end of 2025 as a technical adviser and in sales. In an interview with PRO Flexconvert, he explains the company’s strategic direction, the new partnership with the Italian specialist RENOVA and current developments in the converting market.
Mr Funk, you have been with Neuenhauser Vorwald since the end of last year. What has your experience of the company been like during this period – and what are your key priorities in your work?
Oliver Funk: I have been part of the Neuenhauser Vorwald Wickeltechnik division within Neuenhauser Maschinenbau GmbH since the end of 2025. From day one, I have found myself in an environment where trust, teamwork and technological advancement play a central role. Neuenhauser Vorwald sees itself as a partner for sophisticated winding processes. Our commitment goes beyond simply supplying individual components. We develop solutions tailored to the specific application – from tension shafts and tension heads, through brakes and swivel bearings, to complete handling systems. In my role as a technical consultant and in sales, I bring around 15 years’ experience in winding technology to the table. I oversee projects from the initial analysis through to technical design and implementation, and work closely with our customers to develop cost-effective and process-reliable solutions.
Please give us an overview of Neuenhauser Vorwald’s portfolio. Which target groups do you cater to?
O. Funk: The Neuenhauser Vorwald division looks back on a long tradition – its roots date back to 1920. Today, our focus is clearly on winding technology, particularly tension shafts and tension heads. The portfolio is complemented by brakes, swivel bearings, handling equipment and bespoke mechanical engineering solutions. Thanks to our extensive range of machinery, we are able to produce both standard products and complex bespoke solutions – for example, for heavy-duty applications or technically demanding projects.
Our customers include machine and plant manufacturers as well as industrial users from various sectors. Geographically,we operate on an international scale. In addition to Europe, we supply customers in Asia, India and the USA in particular. A key advantage is our integrated value creation within the group: engineering, production and assembly are carried out entirely in-house at Neuenhauser. This enables us to ensure high quality standards whilst responding flexibly to customer requirements. Service and the supply of spare parts are also guaranteed in the long term.
A topical issue is your new partnership with the Italian company RENOVA. What is the story behind this?
O. Funk: The partnership with RENOVA represents a significant milestone for us and is a key building block in the strategic development of our portfolio. Since the early 1980s, RENOVA has been one of the leading technological specialists in the fields of braking, web control and winding technology, and enjoys an excellent global reputation for innovative, reliable and practical solutions. Particularly impressive is the holistic approach to synergy. Whilst many suppliers merely provide individual components, VORWALD, in collaboration with RENOVA, develops complete, coordinated systems for braking and control processes. The portfolio ranges from pneumatic and magnetic brakes and clutches, through high-precision web tension control systems and force measurement systems, to intelligent solutions for roll handling and moisture control.
It is precisely this philosophy that is a perfect fit for Neuenhauser Vorwald. Our aim has always been to offer our customers not just individual products, but well-thought-out complete solutions for their winding processes. Through our collaboration with RENOVA, we are consistently expanding this concept and creating genuine added value for machine builders and end users.
For our customers, this will mean significantly shorter project cycles and much simpler project management in future. Winding technology, tension shafts, tension heads, braking and web control technology, as well as the complete technical design, can be planned and coordinated from a single source. We take care of the project planning, system integration and technical consultancy, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly.
This combination opens up entirely new possibilities, particularly in modern production facilities where high web speeds, precise web tension and maximum process stability are crucial. By combining RENOVA’s many years of experience in control technology with our expertise in winding technology, we create solutions that are not only technically impressive but also offer our customers greater efficiency, higher process reliability and long-term investment security.
How are you currently experiencing the converting market?
O. Funk: The market is currently very project-driven and diverse. On the one hand, the demand for bespoke solutions is rising significantly. On the other hand, the business with standard components remains an important part of our operations. Many customers approach us with very specific queries – for example, when existing plants need to be optimised or when materials and production speeds pose particular challenges. Issues such as stable web tension, precise control behaviour or the integration of new components into existing machines are often at the heart of these projects. Such projects require close technical coordination with the customer to ensure long-term process reliability.
At the same time, does the standard business still play a role?
O. Funk: Absolutely. Alongside complex projects, there continues to be a steady demand for tried-and-tested standard products – for example, tensioning shafts for hinged bearings or components for traditional applications. Here, the main priorities are availability, reliability and good value for money. Many customers need these products at short notice to safeguard their ongoing production or to procure spare parts quickly.
Where do you currently see the greatest opportunities?
O. Funk: In our view, the greatest opportunities lie in the combination of standard solutions and bespoke project work. Customers value partners who can supply straightforward standard products whilst also possessing the technical expertise to develop sophisticated bespoke solutions. Today’s market demands a high degree of flexibility – both in terms of the product range and technical design. Those who successfully combine these two worlds can build long-term partnerships and create genuine added value for customers.
Caption: From left: Oliver Funk (Neuenhauser Vorwald), Alessandro Arosio (Renova), Gerd Bouwer (Neuenhauser Vorwald), Andrea Fantasia (Renova) and Artur Breitkreuz (Neuenhauser Vorwald).