Andreas Schäfert: Driving Innovation at Wilhelm Weber GmbH & Co. KG

Andreas Schäfert, Head of Business Development and Sales Medical Device at Wilhelm Weber GmbH & Co. KG, exemplifies the importance of having a leadership team with deep technical understanding of product development. With a background in applied physics, MBA, and a career spanning high-tech sectors from VUV disinfection to advanced LSR surface technologies, Schäfert has not only helped grow the company’s global footprint he’s reshaped how it brings value to its customers.

A Foundation in Science and Strategy   

Andreas’s journey began with a diploma (equivalent to a master’s degree) in Applied Physics from the Technical University of Munich. Recognizing the importance of bridging science with business, he went on to earn an MBA from the Collège des Ingénieurs—a multinational program with coursework in Paris, Turin, and Munich. This academic combination would later become a cornerstone of his professional style: data-driven, technologically apt, and market-focused.

Early in his career, Andreas had a pivotal decision to make—enter a prestigious strategy consulting firm or join the tech industry directly. He chose the latter, taking on a role at USHIO as Sales and Technical Development Manager for VUV (vacuum ultraviolet) and special projects. There, he successfully built a new European market from scratch, gaining hands-on experience in both customer strategy and the technical performance of VUV on a variety of materials, from semiconductors to thermoplastics.

Building a New Sector from the Ground Up 

After six years at USHIO, Andreas accepted a new challenge: to lead business development and sales for Wilhelm Weber GmbH’s newly formed medical branch. “I had the chance to co-develop products with our customers—products that made a difference and added real value,” he recalls. More than a sales role, this was an opportunity to shape the future of a nearly 100-year-old company.

Andreas didn’t stop at growing a new sector—he initiated and managed large, state-funded research projects, particularly in the area of LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) surface modification. Partnering with Fraunhofer IFAM, he led a two-year innovation project under Germany’s ZIM program, helping to develop a unique VUV surface treatment device. His leadership included aligning research goals with market applications, organizing internal and external testing, and presenting results at global conferences to generate industry traction.

Unlocking the Potential of LSR 

LSR is a unique material: flexible, optically brilliant, and capable of being molded into complex, undercut geometries. However, its naturally sticky surface has historically attracted dust and proved difficult to clean—limiting its use in certain applications, which is where Andreas came in.

Recognizing this challenge as an opportunity, Andreas drew from his past experience at USHIO to identify VUV surface modification as a transformative solution. Under his leadership, Wilhelm Weber developed a process that significantly reduces dust attraction, enhances cleanability, and improves long-term usability in critical sectors like automotive optics and healthcare.

“The modification allowed us to remove one of the biggest limitations of LSR,” says Andreas. “It’s opened up new markets—especially in the U.S., where customers tend to adopt new technologies more quickly.”

The Power of Technical Fluency in Sales 

What sets Andreas apart in the sales world is his ability to speak the language of engineers. “Many designers think of LSR like a thermoplastic, which leads to limitations in their designs,” he explains. “With a deep understanding of the material’s properties, we’re able to help them rethink possibilities—like demolding undercuts or integrating micro-structures—which leads to truly innovative products.”

This ability to translate technical knowledge into real-world customer value has made a tangible impact on Wilhelm Weber’s growth. By working closely with R&D teams, Andreas creates trust and co-creation, often leading to new applications and better pricing in competitive markets.

Looking Ahead

As Wilhelm Weber GmbH continues to grow across global markets, Schäfert’s combined technical fluency, and commercial leadership stands at the core of its innovation strategy. With a focus on emerging technologies and evolving applications, his work continues to reinforce Wilhelm Weber’s position as a leader in complex, high-value LSR applications and beyond.

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