Meet Patrick Eckenbrecht

At Stahl, our journey is shaped not only by the products we create but by the talented individuals who bring them to life and the dedicated teams that drive our organization towards success. In this edition of ‘People of Stahl,’ we have the pleasure of speaking with Patrick Eckenbrecht, who became part of our team through the acquisition of Weilburger Graphics in 2024.  

1. How long have you been with Stahl? What first attracted you to the company?  

I’ve been working at Stahl since my return on April 1, 2025, following the acquisition of Weilburger Graphics in 2024. It’s actually a bit of a full-circle moment, as I had previously worked at Weilburger Graphics. My journey began there in 2011 when I started my training as a Laboratory Technician specializing in coatings. In 2022, I decided to leave the company to explore new opportunities and broaden my experience. 

With the acquisition by Stahl, a range of exciting new opportunities emerged. I was offered a role that aligns perfectly with both my professional background and personal interests. Always open to change and new challenges, I decided to seize the opportunity and join Stahl on this new and promising path. 

2. What is your role? Can you share an interesting fact about the work you do?  

I’m working at Stahl as the Team Leader of the Research and Development (R&D) department for the Packaging Coatings Division, based in Gerhardshofen, Germany. 

Like most R&D teams, we focus on developing innovative coatings tailored to our customers’ needs. I particularly enjoy the customer-driven projects, as they offer direct and immediate feedback, which makes the work especially rewarding. 

Another key aspect of our work involves reevaluating standard coatings and raw materials in response to evolving regulatory requirements. This not only ensures compliance but also opens opportunities to improve our coatings in terms of environmental impact, and cost efficiency. 

We also take on more exploratory projects, often inspired by new and promising raw materials. These aren't always tied to a specific customer request; instead, they’re driven by the curiosity and initiative of our R&D team. Once we’ve developed a promising formulation, we hand it over to our sales colleagues, who take on the challenge of finding the right application. Admittedly, it’s not always easy for them, but some raw materials are simply too exciting not to explore further. 

As team leader, my role is more behind the scenes when it comes to individual projects. I focus on providing the team with the freedom, tools, and support they need to carry out their work effectively. I am also there as a sounding board, someone they can talk to, brainstorm with, and (hopefully) gain helpful input from. 

3. What do you like most about working at Stahl, and what are the biggest challenges?  

What truly defines Stahl is the people who contribute to its success every day. Everyone I’ve met so far has been courteous, open to knowledge sharing, friendly, and supportive, which has made it much easier to settle into this new organization. 

One of the biggest challenges for me personally has been adapting to the size of the company. With Research and Development (R&D) laboratories spread across multiple global sites, there is a tremendous amount of expertise within the organization. However, this also makes it more difficult to align efforts and focus on forward-looking innovations that can have a meaningful impact and drive the company's success. 

My current personal goal is to connect with as many colleagues as possible, foster collaboration, and build mutual understanding. I believe this is the foundation for effective innovation and long-term success at Stahl. 

4. How does your work support Stahl’s purpose: Touching lives, for a better world?  

In the Research and Development (R&D) department, our daily goal is to develop new, innovative, and sustainable solutions for our customers. This is why the phrase “Touching lives, for a better world” is more than just a slogan for us. It reflects our purpose and serves as a daily motivation. It is what drives us forward and gives meaning to the work we do each day. 

5. If you were CEO of Stahl for the day, what would you do?  

As a CEO, countless decisions need to be made each day. These decisions shouldn't be based solely on authority, but rather on their relevance and impact on the company and its employees. If I were in that position, I would probably give everyone a day off to enjoy some extra time with family and friends. A well-deserved break can boost motivation and energy for the days ahead. 

6. How do you spend your free time outside of work?  

I love swimming. Being in the cool water is incredibly calming and relaxing for me. It's the perfect way to unwind after a busy day, clear my mind, and take a moment to reconnect with myself. 
 
Thanks for sharing your story, Patrick! We take pride in our team, whose dedication and commitment make a difference every day as we work together toward excellence. 
Stay tuned for more 'People of Stahl' features!