We are Sesotec – Insights: Interview with Franz Neubauer
Franz Neubauer, born in 1959, is a true Sesotec veteran. For over 45 years, he has shaped the company with his dedication, expertise, and focus on what truly matters. Whether in his career journey or as a witness to significant changes, Franz has closely observed the evolution of S+S/Sesotec. In this interview, he reflects on dynamic times, defining milestones, and personal moments.
Franz, you've been with Sesotec for over 45 years—do you remember your very first day? What stood out to you back then?
Honestly, I can't recall the specifics of my very first day at work on April 1, 1980—it's been quite some time. However, what remains vividly in my memory is the incredible camaraderie within our small team of about 25 colleagues. We supported each other not just professionally but also personally. Everything was straightforward, direct, and personal—this familial atmosphere has shaped me from the very beginning.
Over the years, a company evolves significantly. From your perspective, what have been the most impactful developments you've witnessed at Sesotec?
With the remarkable growth Sesotec has experienced over the past decades, it's challenging to single out specific milestones—there have been so many exciting developments. When I joined the company in 1980, we were still in the early stages: we had just developed our first metal separator, a true breakthrough. In those early years, I worked in shipping, warehousing, and purchasing—back then, you really did everything yourself.
A significant event was acquiring our first Nixdorf computer, which must have been around 1983. Josef Peter was our first "IT guy"—a major step towards digitalization. And of course, the move in 1986 from Eberhardsreuth to Saunstein was a big moment for all of us.
A technical highlight was the development of a sorting system in 1994 that could separate glass by color—a true innovation for its time. It's gratifying to see how the company has continually evolved—and I'm proud to have witnessed it all.
Apart from technological advancements, which events from our company's history stand out in your memory?
The early '90s marked a pivotal transformation. Several colleagues ventured out, founding new companies like Mesutronic, Sys, and SLE. It was a challenging period for S+S. Yet, I was deeply impressed by how Mr. Frisch and Mr. Eibl took charge, steering the company back to stability with unwavering dedication.
Looking back, this era highlighted the resilience, courage, and adaptability that define our company.
Have you ever considered a career change?
Over the years, I've certainly had moments of considering a change—driven by a desire to explore something new. However, in the 80s and 90s, this wasn't so straightforward, as our region had only a few large companies—besides S+S, there was really only Sedlbauer.
What has kept you with Sesotec all these years, and what does the company mean to you personally?
Over the years, I've had various supervisors—things didn't always go smoothly. But I found my way, made my mark, and secured my place. Today, I'm grateful I stayed. It allowed me not only to witness exciting developments but also to actively contribute to Sesotec's growth and success story. What defines the company for me is this spirit: staying committed, shaping the future, and building something together.
Thank you, Franz, for your candid and honest answers and for providing an exciting glimpse into over four decades of Sesotec history!
