The AZL Annual Partner Meeting held on May 10th and 11th, 2023, marked a significant milestone for the AZL (Aachen Center for Lightweight Production) as it celebrated its 10th anniversary. The event, hosted at the iconic Tivoli Stadium, brought together industry leaders, experts, and partners from the lightweight production sector. Over the course of two days, attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions, inspiring keynote presentations, and collaborative networking sessions, fostering an environment of innovation and growth.
Day 1: Knowledge Sharing and Industry Insights
The event kicked off with a captivating keynote presentation by Dr. Andrew Willett, representing Toyota Motor Europe. Dr. Willett’s address provided valuable insights into the future of lightweight production and Toyota’s groundbreaking initiatives in this field. His expertise inspired attendees to think critically about the challenges and opportunities in the industry. Throughout the day, running R&D projects and workgroup activities were reviewed. Additionally, partner companies had the opportunity to showcase their innovations through engaging presentations. These sessions highlighted the diverse range of cutting-edge solutions and advancements being made by AZL’s network.
In the evening, the participants gathered at the skylounge for a networking event accompanied by a delightful buffet. This informal setting allowed attendees to forge new connections, strengthen existing partnerships, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of lightweight production.
Day 2: Exploring Collaborative Opportunities
The second day of the AZL Annual Partner Meeting continued the momentum by featuring keynote presentations from industry experts. Arnt Offringa from Fokker Aerostructures shared valuable insights into the future of aerospace lightweight production. Dr.-Ing. Gerrit von Borries and Fabian Neumann from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) also delivered an enlightening keynote, discussing the latest advancements in lightweight materials and manufacturing technologies.
The event also provided a platform for partners to exchange ideas and explore collaborative opportunities. Attendees participated in interactive sessions focused on partner projects at AZL, fostering a spirit of innovation, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among the participants. After the lunch break, partner companies took the stage once again to deliver presentations highlighting their latest developments. Jakob Goerzen from A+ Composites captivated the audience by showcasing the vast variety of UD Tapes and the innovative approach of A+ Composites within the AZL network. This presentation exemplified the collaborative and forward-thinking spirit that defines the AZL community.
Moving into an innovative future
The AZL Annual Partner Meeting 2023 at the Tivoli Stadium was an exceptional gathering that celebrated a decade of innovation in lightweight production. The event successfully facilitated knowledge-sharing, provided valuable industry insights through keynote presentations, and fostered meaningful connections among partners. With a diverse range of engaging activities and presentations, the event highlighted the AZL network’s commitment to advancing lightweight production technologies. As the AZL looks towards the future, the Annual Partner Meeting serves as a testament to the continued growth, collaboration, and innovation that will shape the industry in the years to come.