Former Voith Engineer Christian Schiel Honored Posthumously by Paper Industry Hall of Fame for Innovations in Paper Machine Technology

Former Voith Engineer Christian Schiel Honored Posthumously by Paper Industry Hall of Fame for Innovations in Paper Machine Technology

(IN BRIEF) Christian Schiel, a former Voith engineer, was posthumously inducted into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame for his pioneering contributions to paper machine technology. Recognized for innovations like the fabric press and flexible-nip presses, Schiel’s career spanned decades at Voith and included significant roles in North America. His induction ceremony, held during the Wisconsin Paper Council’s annual meeting, celebrated his profound impact on modern paper manufacturing.

(PRESS RELEASE) HEIDENHEIM, 27-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Christian Schiel, a former Voith employee renowned for his pioneering contributions to paper machine technology, was posthumously inducted into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame (PIIHOF) on June 19, 2024. The induction ceremony, held during the Wisconsin Paper Council’s annual meeting in Green Bay, Wisconsin, honored Schiel for his innovative developments that significantly advanced modern paper machine designs. Accepting the award on his behalf was Michael MacGregor, a former colleague and co-sponsor of Schiel’s nomination.

Christian Schiel began his career with Voith in Heidenheim, Germany, after completing a mechanical engineering degree from Oskar von Miller Polytechnikum in Munich in 1954. His career spanned notable positions in North America, including roles at the Powell River Company in British Columbia, Canada, and the Mead Corporation in Ohio. Returning to Voith in 1962, Schiel became pivotal as the Chief Development Engineer for papermaking technology, where he spearheaded groundbreaking advancements.

Throughout his career, Schiel amassed 149 U.S. patents and numerous international patents, highlighting his contributions to innovations such as the fabric press, flexible-nip presses, and various compact press configurations. His work continues to influence paper manufacturing globally.

“We are deeply honored by the recognition of Christian Schiel’s lifelong dedication and innovations in papermaking technology,” remarked Ron Crotogino, a former colleague who nominated Schiel. “His impact on the industry remains profound, and his induction into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame celebrates his enduring legacy.”

Voith Paper expressed gratitude to PIIHOF for commemorating Schiel’s achievements, underscoring his lasting influence on paper machine technologies used worldwide.

About the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame

The Paper Industry International Hall of Fame, Inc., (PIIHOF) is a nonprofit organization that recognizes people who have made preeminent contributions to the paper industry worldwide by inducting them into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame. The PIIHOF is the only one of its kind in the world and was created to foster a greater understanding of the paper industry – its values, heritage, and influence on the public’s quality of life. The PIIHOF is located at the Atlas Science Center in Appleton, Wis. Learn more here: paperhall.org

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 22,000 employees, sales of € 5.5 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

About Voith Paper
The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services, and products on the market, and offers paper manufacturers holistic solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and supports customers in significantly reducing their carbon footprint. With its comprehensive automation products and leading digitization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art, digital technologies to increase the availability and efficiency of their systems in all areas of the production process.

Media Contact:

Julia Schaefer
Manager Global Communications
Voith Paper
Tel:  +49 7321 37-6995

SOURCE: Voith GmbH