(May 13, 2011)
Long-standing cooperation in scientific projects with the Transylvania University of Brasov to be further developed
Dr. Peter Pleus, Member of the Board of Management of Schaeffler GmbH and President of Schaeffler Group Automotive has received an honorary professorship from the University of Brasov.
Prof. Dr. Ion Visa, rector of the university, presented the certificate of appointment and congratulated Dr. Pleus: “In recognition of your contribution to the development of the automotive industry, your successful career, and the Schaeffler Group’s enduring interest in working with the University of Brasov, I am very pleased that you are now professor and member of our scientific family”.
He praised the collaboration project set up in 2005 between the university and the Schaeffler Group and its Brasov plant, which is developing year by year. The project has facilitated a large number of joint research projects as well as degree theses and doctoral theses, the setup of a research laboratory in 2006 and has seen guest lectures being held. Schaeffler has been awarding so-called “Scholarships in Excellence” to the ten best university students since 2008.
From left: Partners Lic. oec. Georg F. W. Schaeffler and Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler, Prof. h. c. Dr. Peter Pleus, Member of the Board of Management of Schaeffler, Prof. Dr. Ion Visa, Rector of the University.
Prof. h. c. Dr. Peter Pleus
Partner Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler, who has been honorary member of the senate of the independent Transylvania University of Brasov since 2005, gave the laudatory speech for Dr. Peter Pleus, who earned his doctorate in mechanical engineering. “In his field of expertise, Professor Dr. Pleus has made a considerable contribution to maintaining and developing the close links between the Schaeffler Group and the Transylvania University of Brasov. With a good eye for recognizing the sustainability of a location and in his role as a mentor, he has used his knowledge of technical developments in internal combustion engines, the global developments in the automotive industry and in global mobility to advocate the strengthening of the relationship with the Transylvania University of Brasov and the further development of Schaeffler Romania. In her speech, Mrs. Schaeffler also emphasized: “As a highly-innovative technology company that permanently seeks improvement in all areas, the close collaboration with the university as a bridge between research and practical applications is particularly important for Schaeffler”.
During the award ceremony, Prof. Dr. Pleus gave a talk about the challenges Schaeffler faces in the future as a global supplier to the automotive industry and opened this semester’s automobile seminar at the Romanian university’s faculty of mechanical engineering.
Prof. Dr. Pleus gave the students some advice: “I have seen a great deal of innovative technologies and changes in prevailing opinions during the last 30 years in the automotive industry, but I was always able to fall back on my solid education and knowledge. And that’s what I would like to wish the next generation of researchers and engineers – may you be able to develop and, if necessary, fall back on a sound education in the fields of mathematics, technical mechanics, thermodynamics and their equivalents in electrical engineering. If you have sound basic knowledge of a subject that withstands the test of time, you’ll have a clear conscience if you decide to develop this knowledge according to your needs and preferences.”
This is set to commence with a seminar on engine technology with a series of presentations supported by employees at the Brasov plant and the automotive sector at headquarters. Two employees from the calculation department in Herzogenaurach are set to receive doctorates in Schaeffler-specific topics from Brasov. In addition, a laboratory for investigating friction, design and simulation of components and systems for vehicles is to be set up at the university.
Schaeffler in Romania
Schaeffler started manufacturing in Brasov in November 2002 in a rented factory with around 100 employees with the intention of setting up a new plant. In October 2004, 652 employees began producing linear guidance systems, connecting rods, brass cages and tripod rollers in the newly-constructed plant, which was later extended. In 2007, Schaeffler was employing 2,500 employees at the location. A new, modern forge was put into operation at the plant in the spring of 2009. Today, more than 3,200 people are employed at Schaeffler Romania, of which nearly 600 employees are academics.
Other News:
Schaeffler Group Automotive President Dr. Peter Pleus Receives Honorary Professorship
NTN Exhibits at the Automotive Engineering Exposition
Schaeffler Group: Good start to 2011
Minebea to Exhibit at the 2011 Paris Air Show
Commercial Announces 22% Growth in Revenues and 42% Growth in EBITDA for Second Quarter
ZKL New Force in Year 2011
King Engine Bearings Introduces New Website
SKF Expands Portable Vibration Monitoring Range
