Wieland names Uwe Schmidt to lead Global Metals Management department

 

• New Senior Vice President and Wieland Group Executive Committee member
• An expert with in-depth knowledge and years of industry experience
• The nomination supports the company's global, sustainable decarbonization strategy

Uwe Schmidt, a renowned industry expert in metal sourcing, sustainability, and copper recycling, joins the Wieland Group. As Senior Vice President and Wieland Group Executive Committee member, he will lead Global Metals Management starting August 1, 2024. This central department is responsible for procuring metals such as scrap, cathodes, and formats for the copper supplier's business units and production sites worldwide. Schmidt and his team will also oversee the sale of recycled metals to third parties.

Uwe Schmidt earned his reputation and proficiency over roughly thirty years of professional experience leading metal trading, recycling, and metal processing companies. Among other things, Uwe Schmidt was Head of Metal Management at Diehl Metall and Managing Director of SMH Süddeutsche Metallhandelsgesellschaft for twelve years. From 2018 until 2024, he worked as a Board Member and Chief Commercial Officer at Montanwerke Brixlegg, a leading European secondary copper smelter using 100 percent recycled raw materials. "With Uwe Schmidt, I am delighted to have gained an absolute expert in sustainable metal procurement for Wieland. Uwe is known within the copper industry as a visionary thought leader in recycling and sustainability and aligns perfectly with our ambition to set the benchmark in these areas of the global copper industry," says Dr. Erwin Mayr, CEO of the Wieland Group.

Wieland's long-term decarbonization strategy

The Wieland Group aims to manufacture its products in a greenhouse gas-neutral manner by 2045 at the latest. Avoiding fossil fuels through electrifying all production facilities, using renewable energies through green power supply contracts, and in-house power generation with photovoltaic and wind power plants are crucial aspects of the decarbonization strategy. For Wieland, however, the most significant lever for reducing CO₂ emissions is the sustainable closure of the copper cycle and the complete use of recycled material. By 2030, Wieland Group products will contain 90 percent recycled material. Therefore, the global procurement of sustainable and emission-free metals is paramount to ensure the supply and support of all business areas.

 

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[Image] As Senior Vice President and Wieland Group Executive Committee member, Uwe Schmidt will assume responsibility for Wieland's central Global Metals Management department.

 

For further information, please contact 

Wieland Group 
Dr. Wolfgang Albeck | Director Corporate Communications
Graf-Arco-Straße 36 | 89079 Ulm | Germany 
P +49 152 59719639 | press@wieland.com