About the founder: Heinz Sepke​ I The Interview

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Heinz Sepke

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Interviewer

How did your professional journey begin?

Heinz Sepke

My journey began at PFAFF Rohrpost GmbH, a company that has shaped many members of our current team. For me, Reinhard Pfaff was a true pioneer and my role model. Although I was originally employed as a service technician, Mr. Pfaff saw me as his mentee and I learned immensely from his creative and often unconventional ideas—ideas that continue to inspire me to this day.

Heinz Sepke

He presented me challenges that seemed unusual at first glance, but this taught me to think outside the box. I quickly developed a keen sense of technical feasibility and the courage to think innovatively.

Heinz Sepke

In 2007, PFAFF Rohrpost was acquired by FLSmidth, and I remained on board as a project manager. However, in 2014, the site was closed in Germany for several reasons. At that time, I felt a deep obligation to keep my promise to Mr. Pfaff: If PFAFF were ever to cease to exist, I would ensure that our philosophy lived on.

Finally, in 2015, the time had come—I founded QCS Rohrpost GmbH, today known as QCS LabAutomation GmbH. I was proud that some of my former colleagues joined me in this mission. Together, we continue the ideas and values that once originated at PFAFF.

Interviewer

What sparked your passion for automating sample preparation systems?

Heinz Sepke

Right from the start of my career as a service technician at PFAFF Rohrpost GmbH, I realized how crucial precision and time are in sample preparation. I was fascinated by how mechanics, electronics, and software must interconnect to improve processes. The ability to minimize errors and accelerate processes through automation has captivated me from the very beginning.

Heinz Sepke

In the metal industry, speed is particularly crucial—every second counts. I have always been inspired by designing a laboratory where processes can run in the shortest possible time, in the smallest possible space, and with the highest precision. This is a technical challenge, as our clients’ needs are highly individual. It requires creativity, adaptability, and outstanding teamwork. Even after 41 years, this passion continues to drive me to develop innovative systems that significantly simplify laboratory work.

Interviewer

What has been one of the most challenging projects you have implemented?

Heinz Sepke

The most challenging project took place in 2014 in China for a major steel manufacturer. Over 30 industrial pneumatic tube lines, 4 sample preparation mills, and the simultaneous sample preparation of slag had to be automated. It was like a perfectly synchronized orchestra where countless if-then rules had to be considered—especially when prioritizing particularly valuable samples.

Heinz Sepke

Another crucial factor for the project’s success was close collaboration with leading manufacturers of XRF, XRD, and OES analytical instruments. We built and nurtured these relationships over the years, allowing us to optimally tailor the systems to analytical requirements.

Heinz Sepke

The complexity of this project and the necessity to seamlessly integrate many technical components shaped my experience and demonstrated that with good planning, precision, and teamwork, even the most difficult tasks can be mastered.

Interviewer

What personal values guide you in your work?

Heinz Sepke

For me, the key values are partnership, individuality, and dynamism.

Partnership means working with clients, partners, and my team at eye level, fostering mutual trust, and maintaining long-term relationships. Only through true collaboration can solutions be created that truly work.

Heinz Sepke

Individuality reflects my curiosity about our clients’ specific challenges. It is important to me to understand their individual needs and always develop tailored systems. Each client and each project is unique—this is what drives me.


Dynamism means staying committed even in the face of difficulties and finding creative ways to solve problems. Challenges are a motivation, not a hurdle. I appreciate the opportunity to constantly getting better and respond flexibly to new requirements.

Heinz Sepke

Another crucial value for me as an owner is a sense of responsibility—towards my clients, my team, and myself. This means standing by my decisions and always striving to deliver high-quality results.

Interviewer

How do you see the future of industrial pneumatic tube systems?

Heinz Sepke

Industrial Pneumatic tube systems may seem like an old technology at first glance, but they remain indispensable, especially in the metal and cement industries. They offer a unique combination of speed, efficiency, and reliability that modern alternatives often cannot provide to the same extent.
Heinz Sepke
Indutrial Pneumatic tube systems can transport samples quickly and safely over long distances within a production plant. In production environments where every second counts, they enable seamless integration into workflows, supporting rapid analysis and quality control.

Heinz Sepke

Personally, I am fascinated by industrial pneumatic tube technology, and there is still room for innovation and progress. For example, our team has achieved speeds of up to 40 m/s for one of our clients—by comparison, the standard is a maximum of 20 m/s. Additionally, we have implemented a project with RFID technology, enabling industrial pneumatic tube systems to be more precise and efficient than ever before through automated control.

Heinz Sepke

For more information on this topic, I am happy to refer to our technical article:

To the Laboratory: State-of-the-Art Industrial Pneumatic Tube Systems

Also check these articles:

QCS LabAutomation > Knowledge

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