In February 2025, Rüdiger Brockmann was appointed to the management board of Blackbird and takes over the business from Karl Christian Messer, who has led the company since 2017 and has driven the international growth of the company, with its own branch in Shanghai, China, and the technological development of the products.

For almost two decades, Blackbird has established itself as a reliable partner and proven expert in remote laser welding for the automotive industry and other sectors. The change in management is intended to strengthen the company's market position, increase its innovative capacity and open up new growth opportunities.

Dr Rüdiger Brockmann has more than thirty years of experience in the industry and laser sector. He studied applied physics and mechanical engineering and earned his PhD in the field of laser microwelding. He has held various top management positions in large groups as well as mid-sized companies. As one of the pioneers of remote laser welding in the automotive industry, Brockmann has extensive expertise and an in-deepth understanding of the technology.

“I’m delighted that we were able to bring Dr Brockmann on board as my successor. He is not only an experienced manager but also a skilled practitioner with a track record of excellence,” says Messer, Blackbird’s previous managing director. “With his experience, methodological knowledge and leadership skills, Blackbird is ideally equipped for the forefront of technological developments in the field of laser welding and complementary OCT applications,” Messer continues.

“A joint transitional period allows me to benefit from my predecessor’s experience, paving the way for me to integrate smoothly and efficiently into Blackbird and existing customer relationships. Thank you, Karl Christian Messer, for the constructive cooperation, great commitment, and dedication. Under his leadership, Blackbird has made significant progress and created a solid basis for future growth,” comments Brockmann on his new role.

Reference: Ralf Nürnberg (Blackbird Robotics) & Holger Schlüter (Scanlab): High precision laser welding for the electric vehicles of tomorrow: How to maximize output in bipolar plates and battery manufacturing, PhotonicsViews 21(2), April 2024; DOI: 10.1002/phvs.202400007