Erich Arnet only seems to be saying goodbye to electroplating technology

At the end of May, Umicore Galvanotechnik GmbH will lose Erich Arnet, a sales representative who was highly valued for his expertise and friendly manner. After more than 40 years of loyal service, this well-known and respected expert in the industry is taking his well-deserved retirement. Born in Switzerland, he has made a significant contribution to Umicore's success during his impressive career. Despite his retirement, he will remain involved in electroplating, which will also benefit Umicore, as his continued commitment as managing director of Z.O.G. (Zentrum für Oberflächentechnik Schwäbisch Gmünd e.V. / Centre for Surface Technology Schwaebisch Gmuend) will help secure the next generation of talent for the industry.

A life dedicated to electroplating

Erich Arnet's professional career began in 1979 with an apprenticeship as a chemical laboratory assistant in Switzerland. Attending the University of Applied Sciences in Schwäbisch Gmünd led him to his future place of work. After qualifying as a state-certified electroplating technician, his first professional position took him to Umicore (then Degussa) in 1984. It was here, if not before, that his profession became his passion and his calling. The company recognised Arnet's potential and promoted him to head of the technical centre the following year. The commercial diploma he subsequently obtained from the Lucerne School of Commerce and Administration and the Business English Certificate Preliminary from the University of Cambridge enabled Arnet to take on product responsibility in the electroforming division in 1995, in addition to his technical qualifications. During this time, the product AURUNA® 568 EF-18 was developed, a gold-silver electrolyte that is free of cadmium and other harmful substances. The process has become a long-term success – it is unique on the market and particularly in demand in times of high gold prices, as is currently the case.

Umicore's leading role in the entire field of decorative precious metal coating is also thanks in no small part to Erich Arnet, who expanded his activities to global sales in this segment in 2007. ‘His expertise and commitment have always guaranteed the highest quality and customer satisfaction, and have thus been an essential part of our success in decorative applications,’ confirms Managing Director Michael Herkommer.

When asked if he will miss anything after leaving Umicore, the electroplating engineer immediately replies with his usual warmth: ‘My customers and travelling to see them.’ Saying goodbye to both will be the hardest thing for him by far. Thanks to his worldwide assignments on almost every continent, he has enjoyed nothing but good customer relationships. He has also gained a wealth of experience in different cultures, which has had a positive influence on him. Arnet can even find something good in the often stressful days spent travelling – the resilience he has acquired in this way benefits both him and his work.

A life dedicated to electroplating

Erich Arnet's professional career began in 1979 with an apprenticeship as a chemical laboratory assistant in Switzerland. Attending the University of Applied Sciences in Schwaebisch Gmuend led him to his future place of work. After qualifying as a state-certified electroplating technician, his first professional position took him to Umicore (then Degussa) in 1984. It was here, if not before, that his profession became his passion and his calling. The company recognised Arnet's potential and promoted him to head of the technical centre the following year. The commercial diploma he subsequently obtained from the Lucerne School of Commerce and Administration and the Business English Certificate Preliminary from the University of Cambridge enabled Arnet to take on product responsibility in the electroforming division in 1995, in addition to his technical qualifications. During this time, the product AURUNA® 568 EF-18 was developed, a gold-silver electrolyte that is free of cadmium and other harmful substances. The process has become a long-term success – it is unique on the market and particularly in demand in times of high gold prices, as is currently the case.

Umicore's leading role in the entire field of decorative precious metal coating is also thanks in no small part to Erich Arnet, who expanded his activities to global sales in this segment in 2007. ‘His expertise and commitment have always guaranteed the highest quality and customer satisfaction, and have thus been an essential part of our success in decorative applications,’ confirms Managing Director Michael Herkommer.

When asked if he will miss anything after leaving Umicore, the electroplating expert immediately replies with his usual warmth: ‘My customers and travelling to see them.’ Saying goodbye to both will be the hardest thing for him by far. Thanks to his worldwide assignments on almost every continent, he has enjoyed nothing but good customer relationships. He has also gained a wealth of experience in different cultures, which has had a positive influence on him. Arnet can even find something good in the often stressful days spent travelling – the resilience he has acquired in this way benefits both him and his work.

Actively shaping the future of surface technology

Even after officially retiring from Umicore, Erich Arnet remains loyal to electroplating technology. The managing director of Z.O.G. e.V., who has been working largely on a voluntary basis for 25 years aaditionally in this position, would like to continue and expand his commitment here: ‘Looking beyond the horizon to challenges in areas such as aerospace and the automotive industry, or to the problems faced by renowned institutes such as Fraunhofer, motivates me. I really enjoy helping others in my field,’ says Arnet, explaining his intention to continue solving specific problems in surface technology in the future.

However, he also wants to pass on his extensive experience and networks to the next generation in the same role. Erich Arnet sees it as his task to actively shape the future of surface technology. By promoting young talent and exchanging knowledge, he wants to create the best conditions for the next generation of skilled workers. His goal is to establish the Centre for Surface Technology as a leading institution in this field and to train the electroplating experts of tomorrow through targeted educational programmes and practical training courses. In the current planning phase, he remains true to his values and focuses on quality and innovation – and, as a fan of the Swiss watch industry, on absolute precision in the interaction of services.

Family and hobbies will get more time

‘Even though I can no longer throw my wife three metres into the air, I'm looking forward to taking her out dancing more often,’ says the seven-time team world champion in rock ‘n’ roll aerobatics dance, father of two and now also a grandfather, who is also looking forward to his free time. Despite his busy schedule with Z.O.G., family and hobbies will once again take up more space in his life. Playing the alphorn and driving his classic cars have always been an important balance to his work. But only as long as it's fun. Both in his private and professional life, he lives by his motto: ‘Do something with joy or don't do it at all! This constant weighing up has enabled me to make good and right decisions throughout my life,’ Arnet sums up with obvious satisfaction.

Umicore Electroplating would like to thank Erich Arnet for his outstanding achievements and his tireless commitment to this day. His expertise, innovative strength and humanity have had a lasting impact on the company and the entire industry – and will fortunately continue to do so.