After nearly five decades with the company, Dipl.-Ing. Rudolf Supe-Dienes, managing partner in the third generation, will retire at the end of the year. With his inventive spirit, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial foresight, he has played a key role in shaping the DIENES Group and driving its development into an internationally leading provider of industrial slitting and knife holder technology – a process that continues today.
Rudolf Supe-Dienes began his professional career at DIENES at the age of 16, completing vocational training as a toolmaker. Early on, he worked closely alongside his father and later jointly managed the family business with his brother Bernd Supe-Dienes (†25.09.2021). Together, they expanded the product portfolio, opened up international markets, and steered DIENES with foresight – always keeping the family succession in mind.
Generational change initiated early and proactively
The brothers planned and initiated the generational change early and proactively, ensuring that DIENES will continue to operate as a family-owned company and grow steadily, guided by long-term vision and family values. In 2021, Rudolf’s son Julian Supe-Dienes joined the company as Head of Sales, and two years later, the group was pleased to welcome him as an additional family member in the management team. His sister, Maja Supe-Dienes, started in 2023 as Project Manager in Corporate Development and is now part of the management of Messerfabrik Neuenkamp, a 100% subsidiary of the DIENES Group.
Together, the siblings – initially with their uncle (†25.09.2021) and their father – have in recent years set the course for the company’s future, creating a solid foundation on which they will continue to build. Both siblings are eager to follow in the large footsteps of the previous generations and actively shape the company’s future together with their international team. They rely on the employees’ extensive know-how, dedication, and expertise while simultaneously driving key changes: In economically challenging times, they are advancing the development of the company’s sites, investing in modern machinery, and realigning personnel structures – measures that are already showing positive effects today.
About the company
The DIENES Group is a market-leading provider of knives, knife holders, and slitting systems for industrial applications, with a history spanning 112 years. Today, DIENES employs around 500 people across 9 locations. Around 100 national and international patents continue to set global standards in slitting across various industries. The company is regularly listed in the “Encyclopedia of Global Market Leaders” (Lexikon der Weltmarktführer) and recognised by the F.A.Z. Institute as “Germany’s Innovation Leader.”