INTERVIEW WITH ROLF LEHMANN,
TOOLMAKER

HOW TOOLS FOR NEW PRODUCTS ARE CREATED

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT KUHN RIKON?
I first joined Kuhn Rikon as a toolmaker on 1 July 1992 (almost 30 years ago).


WHAT DOES YOUR TOOLMAKING TEAM DO?
We manufacture new tools and jigs and repair drawing and punching tools after product manufacture. We also produce samples and carry out construction and quality tests for our industrial design department. And we also solve mechanical problems.


WHAT WAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW LIFE® PRO PRODUCTS?
 We made samples for the NEW LIFE® Pro products. We also carried out tests with the new material and adapted the tools.


WHAT WERE THE TOOLMAKING CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE NEW LIFE® PRO BAKING DISH?
The first challenge was to become acquainted with the new material through testing. Together with the design department, we planned, built and tested the tool. It was also a big challenge to deep draw something that is not round.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MEAL TO COOK IN A BAKING DISH?
I like to make alpine macaroni as well as vegetable casseroles and potato gratin. I really appreciate the fact that food no longer encrusts on the baking dish (I prefer to eat it rather than have to remove later by soaking).