Thomas Boehme, CEO at Genan Inc., joins the Tire Recycling Foundation Board of Directors.
Foundation led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) names CEO at Genan Inc., Thomas Boehme, to lead tyre circularity and sustainability efforts.
Genan, together with 24 other Danish companies, has signed a groundbreaking agreement to purchase electricity from a new solar park in Mesballe, Djursland. The agreement, a so-called Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), not only ensures electricity supply from renewable energy but also marks an important milestone for the companies’ role in the green transition.
A PPA is an electricity purchase agreement that allows companies to buy electricity directly from new solar and wind farms outside of the market and at a fixed low price over several years. The long-term agreements provide financing for the construction of the new wind and solar parks, thereby reducing the companies’ CO2 emissions while providing cost stability.
The new solar park will be able to produce 14 million kWh annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of more than 3,100 Danish households. The solar park is expected to be ready by the end of the year.
“At Genan, we have high energy consumption, and it is crucial for us that this is covered by renewable energy to achieve our ambitious climate goals,” says Christian Kirkegaard Madsen, Group CFO at Genan, and continues, “We are pleased that we can now help realise this PPA project in collaboration with 24 other climate-ambitious companies and the electricity supplier, Reel. It has proven that the green transition is not always straightforward when it comes to government approvals, so it is a great victory to get this project in place.”
Solar Park with a Focus on Biodiversity
The solar park in Djursland is designed with respect for both the climate and local biodiversity. About 40,000 square meters of the area will be left free of solar panels to promote the growth of wild plants and provide habitats for bats. Additionally, fruit trees will be planted under the transformer lines, and wildflowers will be sown around the solar panels to strengthen the local flora.
Genan’s commitment to the solar project demonstrates the company’s continued focus on sustainable solutions and green transition, both in terms of energy consumption and collaboration with the local community.
To someone with a green heart, this may sound like a pipe dream, but in fact, “forever reusable products” are reality at the BIRN iron foundry in Holstebro in Denmark. Cast iron can be recycled over and over again. And you can even mix in another sustainable resource as well – namely steel from end-of-life tires.
Read the case story here: Forever reusable products
Expanding the team for the second time this year already, Genan, welcomes Michael Christensen as new Application Development Manager as of 1 February 2023.
“As Application Development Manager at Genan, Michael Christensen will be taking on the role as link-builder between our Sales, Innovation and Marketing Teams – and he will be cooperating closely with both our Production and Quality departments. This function requires both experience and product knowledge, and Michael’s many years in the industry make him the ideal candidate for this task. With a lot of innovative projects in the pipeline, his in-depth understanding of both business and products will be essential for the future development of these activities,” says Group CCO Thomas Ballegaard.
Michael Christensen lives in Denmark and will primarily be working from his office at the plant in Viborg. With more than 40 years of experience in tire and rubber recycling, Michael Christensen brings great knowhow and expertise to support the many teams within the Genan organization.
“I am both proud and happy to be given the opportunity to be part of the team at Genan. I have followed Genan since the early 90s and know what Genan stands for. As recycling and sustainability as a part of the green agenda is a passion of mine, the job function as Application Development Manager at Genan fits perfectly,” says Michael Christensen with great enthusiasm.
Michael Christensen has spent the last 25 years of his career in the rubber industry, focusing on the recycling of – and the production of rubber granulate from – worn-out tires across Europe. Through this work, he has built up a strong network in various industries. A network with key knowledge and insight when it comes to developing new applications for recycled rubber.
“My onboarding programme has been great, and I look forward to working with both colleagues and customers in innovation and application development. I hope that I can successfully support the whole Genan team across all the factories, contributing with my knowhow, my network contacts and my experience,” Michael Christensen rounds off.
Genan has expanded its sales team, hiring Key Account Manager Eduard Vogt from 1 January 2023.
“We have been looking for a Key Account Manager for Germany, Austria and Switzerland for a while, and it has been worth the wait. It was very important for us to find the right person to take care of our key accounts – and so we have. With insightful experience and an inquiring mind, Eduard Vogt is the perfect match for our team – and for our customers,” says Thomas Ballegaard, Group CCO.
Eduard Vogt lives in Germany and has years of experience within the automotive industry. Now, he has started a new chapter in his career, keen to nurture current as well as new customer relations, focusing on the needs and interests of Genan’s customers.
“I am extremely happy to have become part of the Genan family. As I am very passionate about building close customer relationships, it is a privilege for me to offer my services to Genan’s customers in Central Europe,” says Eduard Vogt and continues:
“After more than six years of sales experience in the automotive aftermarket, I hope I can create value and bring new business opportunities to Genan – making good use of the knowledge and the valuable network that I gained in the automotive industry.”
And as great relations bring great solutions, joining a company with a green agenda was a decisive parameter for the new Key Account Manager when choosing the next step on his career path.
“It is exciting to see that at Genan, sustainability is not just a buzzword but really at the heart of our business model and can be found in everything we do. We will make a difference in this world – one tire at a time,” Eduard Vogt rounds off with a smile.
