Michael S. Garde, newly appointed CEO of Labotek

Labotek has named Michael S. Garde as its new CEO, as the company continues to position itself as a plastics industry leader.

Garde described the Danish company -  which was founded in 1943 and is headquartered in Frederikssund, Denmark - as having "lots of potential globally" in a statement following his appointment.

The plastics industry is growing worldwide; in Germany, the market is worth over €90 billion (£66 billion) per year, and new potential markets are opening up in the emerging markets of South America and Asia Pacific.

Labotek is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of plastic industry ancillary equipment and has subsidiaries in Scandinavia, Germany and India, and distributes through more than 50 distributors and agents worldwide. The new CEO recognises opportunity for growth for the business.

“It's a great company with products of high quality. Labotek has a unique knowledge in the field, built up over many decades, whom we will build on into the future," said Garde.

New talent plucked from the plastics industry

Labotek is owned by Mr Peter Jessen Jürgensen, who himself has worked as CEO during a transitional period.

He has now handed the steering wheel to Garde, who comes from a position as Director of Sales in the plastics industry.

"We are ready to revitalise the company globally. Labotek has a good reputation in the industry. I see lots of potential and opportunities, and a team of highly skilled and specialised employees. It's an incredibly exciting journey we are on with our suppliers and customers. I really look forward to it,” added Garde.

Coming from an engineering background, Garde has worked extensivey with sales and management over the past 25 years.