Source: Deutsche Nachrichten
Why would a German laser welding manufacturer launch an initiative that has nothing to do with selling machines? Shervin Rahimi, Managing Director of Sigma Laser GmbH, explains the thinking behind SYN – Wertschätzung, why skilled professionals deserve greater recognition, and how the company plans to say thank you to Europe’s laser welding community on 17 November 2026.
In industrial manufacturing, innovation is often measured in technological advances, production efficiency and machine performance. Yet one essential factor rarely receives the same attention: the people who turn technology into reliable results.
For Shervin Rahimi, Managing Director of German laser welding equipment manufacturer Sigma Laser GmbH, this is something he has observed throughout his years in the industry.
His response is SYN – Wertschätzung, an initiative dedicated to recognising the skills, experience and everyday contributions of laser welding professionals.
Rather than introducing another product, Sigma Laser is inviting professionals across Europe to join a free online appreciation event on 17 November 2026.
We spoke with Rahimi about the idea behind SYN, the relationship between people and technology, and why appreciation matters in an industry built on precision.
Mr Rahimi, the laser welding industry usually talks about technology, innovation and productivity. Why did you decide to focus on people instead?
Shervin Rahimi: In our industry, we often talk about machines, technologies and innovation. Ultimately, though, it is the people working with these machines who determine the quality of the results.
Over my many years in laser welding, I have met many users and seen how important their experience and skills are.
A technically advanced machine is important, but it is the knowledge and practical ability of the person operating it that make the difference.
With SYN, we want to put these people in the spotlight and recognise their work.
Do you think the contribution of skilled welding professionals is often overlooked?
Rahimi: I do. The work of skilled professionals in manufacturing often goes largely unnoticed outside the industry.
People see the finished product, but rarely the individuals who worked on it.
In laser welding in particular, experience, precision and craftsmanship are essential. What looks like a routine operation may require years of experience and a great deal of technical knowledge.
I believe that contribution deserves more attention and recognition.
Was there a particular experience that inspired you to create SYN?
Rahimi: It was less a single moment and more something I came to understand over many years.
We regularly work with welding professionals and see how much the demands vary in practice. Time and again, you see just how much experience and skill it takes to handle difficult tasks reliably.
The idea came from a desire to connect more closely with the people in our industry and give something back to them.
We wanted to create something that was not directly linked to selling our machines, but focused on skilled professionals and their daily work.
That is how SYN – Wertschätzung came about.
Sigma Laser develops and manufactures laser welding systems. Why organise an appreciation initiative instead of another product event?
Rahimi: We regularly introduce new technologies and products. With SYN, we deliberately wanted to take a different approach.
This time, we wanted the focus to be on the people working with laser technology.
We also want to encourage dialogue within our industry and make new connections.
For us, the relationship between a manufacturer and its users should go beyond buying and selling machinery.
Long-term cooperation is important, especially in technically demanding applications. Our customers and users contribute their practical experience, while we support them with our technical knowledge.
Both sides benefit from this exchange.
Has working closely with welding professionals influenced the way Sigma Laser develops its technology?
Rahimi: Absolutely.
We have learned that practical requirements are often different from what you imagine when developing a machine.
That is why the experience and feedback of our users are particularly valuable to us.
Many improvements to our laser welding systems have come from direct conversations with skilled professionals.
This cooperation is an important part of how we work. We want to understand not only the technical requirements but also the people who face these challenges every day.
You chose the German word “Wertschätzung”, meaning appreciation. What does that word mean to you personally?
Rahimi: To me, appreciation means noticing and recognising other people’s contributions.
In technical professions, good work is often taken for granted.
A skilled professional may perform a demanding task every day without giving it much thought, because it has become part of their routine. But that does not make the work any less valuable.
Through this initiative, we want to offer a small gesture of appreciation and thank these professionals for their daily efforts.
Is SYN intended only for Sigma Laser customers?
Rahimi: Not at all.
Of course, users of equipment from other manufacturers can take part too.
SYN is open to professionals across the laser welding industry, regardless of which machine they use or which company they work for.
We want to reach beyond our own customers and encourage broad participation.
The aim is to recognise the people working in our industry, not to promote a particular equipment brand.
What can participants expect from SYN on 17 November?
Rahimi: SYN – Wertschätzung is a free online initiative for professionals working in laser welding.
Interested participants register through our website, confirm their email address and provide evidence of their professional activity in laser welding.
Once their participation has been verified and approved, they can join our online event on 17 November and spin a digital wheel of fortune for a chance to win prizes.
We have planned a Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ Enterprise Edition as the main prize, alongside several smaller prizes.
Above all, we want the event to be enjoyable and to offer a small thank-you to the skilled professionals in our industry.
There is no purchase requirement or sales meeting involved.
Beyond the prizes, what do you hope participants will take away from the experience?
Rahimi: The prizes are certainly a nice incentive. But we also want to strengthen the sense of community and encourage dialogue within our industry.
I would be pleased if participants came away feeling that their work is seen and appreciated.
Behind every application are people with experience, expertise and commitment.
Teamwork is especially important in manufacturing. Experienced professionals pass on their knowledge to younger colleagues, and many tasks can only be completed successfully by working together.
I hope SYN also encourages people to recognise their colleagues and the work they do.
Finally, what would you like to say directly to the laser welding professionals reading this interview?
Rahimi: Laser welding is constantly evolving. New technologies are opening up more and more possibilities.
But the people who master these technologies and put them to use remain essential.
Their expertise, experience and commitment are a vital part of our industrial success.
I would like to thank everyone who contributes to the success of our industry every day through their knowledge and craftsmanship.
Your work matters, even when it is not in the spotlight.
And to everyone working professionally in laser welding, I would say:
You weld. We say thank you.
Whether you work with a Sigma Laser machine or one from another manufacturer, you are welcome.
Join SYN – Wertschätzung. Register for free and take part. We look forward to welcoming you.
SYN – Wertschätzung: Event Information
- Event date: 17 November 2026, 00:00–23:59 CET
- Registration deadline: 16 November 2026, 24:00 CET
- Who can participate: Eligible professionals working in laser welding, including welders, machine operators and other industry specialists, regardless of equipment manufacturer.
- How it works: Register online, confirm your email address and submit suitable evidence of your professional involvement in laser welding. Once approved, access the event on 17 November and spin the digital wheel of fortune.
- Main prize: Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ Enterprise Edition
- Participation: Free of charge, with no purchase or sales meeting required.
- Official event website: https://sigma-laser.com/en/thank-you-welders/
Read the Full Interview
In the complete 25-question interview, Shervin Rahimi shares further insights into the origins of SYN, the importance of practical expertise in laser welding, the relationship between equipment manufacturers and skilled professionals, and his vision for recognising the people behind industrial technology.
Read the full interview with Shervin Rahimi on the Sigma Laser website.