Mr. Wolfgang Studener German friend of Indian Plastics Extrusion Industry Mr. Wolfgang Studener is quite a familiar name to the global plastics extrusion industry. He has been at the helm of the Battenfeld Extrusion Group for 18 years. The Group includes Battenfeld Extrusionstechnik (BEX), American Maplan Corp. (AMC), B+C Extrusion Systems (Foshan) Ltd., Kempen, and a Joint Venture with KET in India. Together, the Group claims a 25% share of the plastic pipe extruder market and a 15% share of the plastic profile extruder market. Mr. Studener is an ultimate word in pipe and profile. India has emerged as a potential market for PVC/PE pipes in last two decades. Market researchers estimate that the annual growth rate in Asia will be about 6%, with India showing a growth of 15-20%. Mr. Studener recognized this  potential of Indian extrusion equipment market at an early stage. In 1982 BEX entered into a technical collaboration with KET. This partnership showed a highly positive development benefiting both sides from the very beginning. KET's first Twin Screw Pipe Plant was delivered in 1985 by Mr. Studener who had at that time come to India for formally inaugurating KET's factory at Vapi. He was heading the Kempen unit of BEX then. It has been a strong and rewarding relationship spanning over 25 years with Mr. Studener and BEX. The focus of BEX towards India grew further resulting into a strategic joint venture of BEX and AMC with KET in 2006. Mr. Studener says, “With Kabra we've about a 60% market share in India, with a total of almost 1300 lines sold and just under 100 granulators that have been installed, we expect enormous growth. It's a win-win situation for both of us. More and more pipes are needed for agricultural irrigation systems, drinking water, waste water and gas transport, plumbing and cable conduits.” Mr. Studener has been visiting India regularly and frequently. With his vast knowledge of plastics extrusion he has significantly contributed to Indian plastics industry by addressing seminars, presenting technical papers and participating in various plastic exhibitions. Battenfeld as we all know is a leader in plastics extrusion machinery and has always been on the forefront of providing cutting edge technology to global plastics. A leader in the true sense of the word, Mr. Studener has been endeavoring continuously in this initiative. KET under his able guidance has offered India numerous unique extrusion technology innovations over last two decades. Mr. Studener has achieved another milestone. Battenfeld and Cincinnati Extrusion have been acquired by equity investor Triton in 2007. The management of both these companies is now under Mr. Studener's single leadership. This significant achievement speaks volumes about him. He is a friend, philosopher and guide to plastics extrusion industry. We wish Mr. Wolfgang Studener many more laurels in days to come