In Memorium: Alfred Schenkmann, Schenkmann & Piel

Alfred H. Schenkmann, founding partner and co-eponym of Schenkmann & Piel Verfahrenstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 87. From its foundation in 1977, until his retirement on Nov. 1, 2001, Schenkmann was managing director of Schenkmann & Piel Verfahrenstechnik for 24 years. Even after the takeover by Dieffenbacher in 2003, he remained closely associated with the company and was always available to provide wise counsel.

Schenkmann traveled to more than 80 countries during his career, becoming a well-respected individual in the global wood-based panels industry. In 1997, he was inducted into the Wood Composites Hall of Fame at Washington State University, an honor he shared with industry giants and wood-based panel pioneers such as Wilhelm Klauditz and Fred Fahrni.

“In addition to his entrepreneurial and inventive spirit, Alfred Schenkmann was particularly valued by his employees for his knowledge and helpfulness as well as his tireless commitment to the company,” recalls Wolfgang Allerödder, head of the Environmental Technology and Gluing Product Group at Dieffenbacher. Allerödder worked under Schenkmann as a student. “To this day, I still benefit from the contacts I made through him.”

“Alfred Schenkmann was a cheerful Rhineland character and instantly popular with everyone. Wherever he went, he was always held in the highest esteem,” says longtime companion and former Dieffenbacher CEO Wolf-Gerd Dieffenbacher. “In Alfred H. Schenkmann, Dieffenbacher has lost a universally respected advisor, and the global wood-based panels industry has lost one of its pioneers. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, to whom I would like to express our deepest sympathy on behalf of the entire company.”