A Day in the Life: Michael Rudd, Aftersales Director at KraussMaffei Group UK

At KraussMaffei Group UK, support doesn’t stop once a machine is installed. The aftersales team is on hand throughout the equipment’s lifecycle, offering service, training, upgrades, and technical expertise to keep performance high and downtime low. And heading up the team is Michael Rudd, the UK Aftersales Director.

With a 29-year background in the plastics industry and a career that spans engineering, customer service, and leadership, Michael has built a reputation for being practical, methodical, and genuinely hands-on.

He joined KraussMaffei in 2020 and, after building a solid reputation in the service team, he stepped into the role of Aftersales Director in 2024. Since then, he has relocated to Manchester to be closer to the company’s UK office – a decision that reflects his commitment to the company and to the customer.

PlastikMedia caught up with Michael to hear more about what his average day looks like, how his team operates, and what makes aftersales such a vital part of the KraussMaffei offering.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background with KraussMaffei.

I joined KraussMaffei in February 2020 as Sales4Service Manager, where I looked after customer retrofits, service contracts, training, and support for new machine sales. Before that, I’d spent many years in technical roles within the injection moulding industry, which gave me a strong practical base and a solution-focused mindset.

In March 2024, I took on the role of Aftersales Director and relocated to Manchester. Being office based has made it easier to lead the team, stay involved in day-to-day operations, and strengthen collaboration. My role covers everything from customer support and field service to training, retrofits, and strategic planning. The goal is always to deliver exceptional service and long-term value for our customers.

What kind of customers do you typically support?

Our customer base is very diverse – we work across sectors including medical, automotive, and logistical packaging. One of the many things I’m proud of is the long-standing relationships we’ve built. It doesn’t matter if a company is large or small, every customer gets the same level of dedication and respect.

Even as a director, I still enjoy getting hands-on with retrofit installations or supporting product setups and training. A good example is APCplus, our Adaptive Process Control system. It’s gaining traction in sectors like automotive and packaging because of the operational benefits, it brings up to 80% reduction in start-up scrap, better machine utilisation and removes human error during restarts.

We often say APCplus earns you money, and it really does!

What does an average day look like for you?

I usually start around 07:00 so I can connect with our colleagues in Germany, taking the time difference into account. In those early hours, I’ll typically deal with technical or software queries, follow up on retrofit deliveries, or support machine sales.

We have a team call every morning to discuss engineer schedules, priorities, ongoing issues, and planned work. It’s all about clear communication and making sure the whole team is aligned.

The rest of the day tends to involve a mix of internal meetings, performance reviews, and customer site visits. I also support Sales4Service activities and spare parts discussions. Being visible and responsive with customers is important as it helps us build stronger partnerships and provide better service.

You must be on the road a lot. Got a favourite service station snack?

I do a fair bit of travelling, yes. If I’m stopping off, I’d have to go with a Subway – footlong, of course!

Why is your role so important to KraussMaffei UK?

Aftersales plays a crucial role in our industry, yet it’s often overlooked. When I took on this role, my aim was to bring more structure, consistency, and visibility to the function. We’ve created a dedicated aftersales team, delivering reliable and high-quality support throughout the entire machine lifecycle. That builds trust, strengthens relationships, and keeps customers informed every step of the way.

I work closely with the wider team to improve planning, reduce downtime, and ensure we’re delivering both technical value and commercial performance.

A key part of my role is acting as the link between the technical and commercial sides of the business, bringing customer feedback to the table, driving improvements, and ensuring that innovations like APCplus are implemented in ways that deliver real, measurable benefits.

At its core, the job of our aftersales team is to maximise our customers’ production.

Can you tell us about a project you’re particularly proud of?

One that stands out was with a medical customer during my time as Sales4Service Manager. It involved a turnkey solution for a medical filter mask application – two machines, full automation, and a lot of technical challenges.

It pushed us as a team, but the outcome was a success. We delivered on time, worked through the complex integration, and the customer was genuinely impressed. That kind of result really shows what’s possible with the right people and a collaborative approach.

What are some of the challenges your team helps customers overcome?

Retrofit installations can sometimes hit snags, but we’ve made huge progress here by strengthening collaboration between our UK team and our colleagues in Germany. That close working relationship allows us to get quick support and better outcomes for customers.

What’s your favourite KraussMaffei machine and why?

For me, it’s got to be the MX series. It’s a hydraulic, direct-lock machine with clamping forces from 10,000 to 650,000 kN. It’s robust, accurate, and perfect for demanding production environments.

On the product side, APCplus is definitely my top pick. I’m really passionate about the value it brings to customers. It helps reduce waste, improve process stability, and drive efficiency. I even helped with the internal training video.

Sales4Service – what are the benefits for customers?

Sales4Service gives customers access to upgrades, retrofits, training, and tailored service packages. Ash Jenkins, who now leads that area, brings a lot of practical experience. He’s been with us since 2014 and knows exactly what customers need to keep their equipment running at its best.

What’s the best thing about working for KraussMaffei Group UK?

Without a doubt, it’s the team. Behind every successful service experience is a group of committed people working hard to make things happen.

We’ve got field engineers, technical specialists, schedulers, and support staff who all pull together. We’ve built a strong culture around adaptability, collaboration, and customer focus. We don’t just support machines – we support the people who rely on them every day, and I’m proud to be part of it.

To find out more about Sales4Service, APCplus or to arrange a meeting with the UK team, please contact KraussMaffei UK at KM.UK.Info@kraussmaffei.com.

Read more news from KraussMaffei here.

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