SuperSealer Thomas Lüken
This month’s SuperSealer plays a key role in maintaining a cohesive strategy at Trelleborg, and ensuring that our development and sales operations stay ahead of the curve. As Technical Marketing Manager for EMEA, his dedication to bridging gaps in communication and navigating emerging industry trends is paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future.
Who are you?
My name is Thomas Lueken, and I’m the Technical Marketing Manager EMEA for Trelleborg Seals and Profiles. I’m 38 years old and have been with Trelleborg since 2016. I’m proud to represent our company in Lathen, a region in northern Germany on the Dutch border.
How long have you worked in this position, and what are your key duties?
I started in my current role at the end of 2023. Technical Marketing is a multifaceted position, but a lot of my focus is on internal and external communication. Internally, I’m a link between the Sales and Development functions, ensuring alignment and encouraging collaboration. Externally, I’m responsible for anticipating future trends and demands – whether it’s adapting to new regulations, promoting innovative products and services, or delivering technical training to customers and colleagues.
Right now, some of our biggest priorities relate to sustainability initiatives, and preparing for the integration of future technologies, like AI. I also manage bespoke projects, for example developing our new digital product catalogue, and liaise with industry lobbies to help shape future strategies. It’s an exciting and dynamic role that allows me to constantly learn new things and work with new people.
How long have you been with Trelleborg in total, and what do you enjoy about working here?
I initially joined Trelleborg in 2016 as a Product Realization Manager. Looking back, I could never have imagined being in my current position. One of the things I truly appreciate about Trelleborg is its commitment to individual growth. Our focus on personal development provides employees with opportunities to evolve their skills and explore new challenges. This cultural aspect has kept my passion for work alive – it’s so important to be able to keep growing and challenging yourself.
What are the key challenges you face in your job?
One of the biggest challenges in my role is what I like to call “working in the future.” Many of the norms and regulations I deal with are one to three years away from being introduced, which requires me to think ahead and inform my colleagues about concepts that may not yet be relevant in their daily work.
Another challenge is addressing diverse perspectives on complex topics like sustainability. These conversations often reveal a range of interpretations and perspectives, which vary from stakeholder to stakeholder. Balancing this input and shaping it into actionable insights is a critical part of my role.
How do you think the business in your area will evolve in the future?
The future in my area of expertise is shaping up to be both exciting and demanding. The EU is a growing number of regulations, particularly around sustainability and product certifications. These require companies to provide comprehensive documentation and data – a task that demands streamlined, digitized processes.
I believe digitization and AI will play a pivotal role in adapting to these requirements. Automating processes and moving away from analogue methods will not only save time but also improve efficiency across departments. Looking ahead, I’m also focused on the importance of material and tooling development, as well as rapid prototyping. These advancements will enable us to design highly engineered, customer-centric solutions that keep us ahead of the competition.
What do you do in your free time?
Outside of work, my family is my priority. I’m married with two wonderful children – a daughter and a son – and I love spending quality time with them. Music is another big part of my life: I play guitar and enjoy attending concerts and festivals whenever I get the chance.
Recently, I’ve rekindled an old hobby: building, modifying, and driving large-scale R/C cars. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that lets me tap into my creative side. On weekends, I also make time for running through the nearby forest – it helps me stay active and clears my mind.
