Welcoming New JM Nonwovens Tech Leaders: New Minds, Same Mission

On July 1st, Ralph Berkemann and Peter Bechtel started their new journey with Johns Manville Engineered Products. Both bring decades of experience in nonwovens and process technology and the curiosity to keep asking the right questions. Their goal isn’t to reinvent for the sake of change, but to challenge the “as-is,” explore new possibilities, and help both our teams and our customers move forward. 

For Ralph, stepping in as our new Nonwovens Technology Leader Europe, and Peter as Process Technology Leader Glass Nonwovens Europe, one thing is clear: real innovation always starts where the customer’s challenge begins. 

After their first weeks at JM, we sat down with them to hear how things are going, and what’s ahead.  

Two Journeys, One Mission 

Ralph is a true nonwovens veteran, more than 30 years deep in the field, with a career that’s taken him across every major technology, bonding method and product innovation challenge you can think of. He’s developed processes from the ground up, piloted new materials and scaled complex systems into production realities. 

“I was fortunate enough to have worked with nonwoven technologies utilizing everything from staple fibers, nanofibers, endless filaments and everything in between,” he said. “The same is true for bonding and lamination technologies. But in the end, it's always about the same thing: How do we create value for the customer? What helps them solve their real problems?”  

Peter, on the other hand, brings a slightly different lens. His background is in the paper industry, but don’t let that fool you. The wet-laid technology he’s mastered is almost identical to the wet-laid nonwovens process and after nearly 20 years in specialty paper production and plant leadership, he’s eager to go deep into process technology again.  

“It’s exciting to merge my own experience with the local people and their know-how into a new context,” he said. “For me, this role is both a return to hands-on technology and a step into new territory. I see a lot of potential to connect what I’ve done in paper with what we’re building in glass nonwovens.”  

Different Strengths, Same Direction 

What makes this duo click is how seamlessly their different backgrounds complement one another, a strength that became clear from day one at JM. 

Ralph leads product and technology development for glass and synthetic nonwovens in Europe. Peter focuses on process technology for glass nonwovens in Europe. They’re working in tandem, building the future, while supporting the present. 

“It became clear quickly why both of us were hired,” Ralph laughed. “Different paths, different tools, but the same goal.” 

“What matters is what the customer needs and what value we can create together,” Peter added.  

And that value goes beyond product specs. As a supplier with manufacturing locations in Europe and North America, we’re close enough to support many of our customers quickly - offering advice, yes, but also being present on-site when it matters most. Whether it’s qualifying a new product, adapting it to fit the customer’s process, or solving issues in ongoing production, JM’s technical experts are ready to be on-site fast and hands-on. 

“JM doesn’t just ship material and hope it works,” Ralph said. “If a customer runs into challenges or needs support integrating our product into their process, we’re right there with them. That kind of service is simply part of who we are at JM - being close, responsive and there when our customers need us.” 

From Trend Watching to Trailblazing 

What do they see as the big shifts in the industry? 

Ralph points to automation and sustainability as key themes. These are more than buzzwords, they’re strategic priorities shaping JM’s work in Western Europe and beyond.

“Recycling production waste is a massive opportunity,” Peter explained. “Both from an efficiency point of view and because our customers are demanding it. JM is already undertaking great initiatives here and I think we can achieve even more.” 

These aren’t abstract topics for them. They see trends as starting points. A challenge to find the right solution, not just follow the crowd. 

Innovation Means Connection 

Yes, innovation is about big launches and breakthrough patents. But for Peter and Ralph, it’s just as much about relationships, listening, and getting close to real-world problems. 

“Sometimes a customer doesn’t even know what they’ll need next,” Ralph said. “That’s not a flaw, that’s reality. Great innovation means we see around the corner and create something that moves the whole market forward.” 

He compared it to the era of portable CD players in the 1990s:  

“If you'd asked what the market needed back then, most people would've said more energy efficient e-motors for CD drives. No one would’ve predicted the iPod. For us, innovation means looking ahead and creating solutions customers may not have imagined yet, but will soon find indispensable.”

Peter agreed and brought it back to the customer experience.  

“What clients experience with us - the way we communicate, the way we show up, how fast we respond and support - that’s just as important as the product itself.” 

It’s Personal 

Outside of the lab or production floor, both Peter and Ralph lead with heart. 

Peter is active in the Lions Club, where he supports local fundraising and social projects. 

“It’s simple,” he said. “We serve. That’s the Lions’ motto and honestly, it applies to this role too.”  

Ralph, married, a father of three with three dogs, currently travels 1,300 kilometers / 810 mi every weekend to be with his family.  

“It’s a lot of time on the road,” he said. “But it matters. That’s where I refuel.” 

Looking Forward 

Whether it’s exploring new materials, rethinking production systems, or diving deep into technical support, both Ralph and Peter are ready to connect, create, and collaborate. 

“We want people to reach out,” said Ralph. “We want to hear from you, your challenges, your projects, your ideas.” 

“Our doors are open,” Peter added. “We’re here to listen. And to serve.”