Portrait of Ozan Devlen, Chair of the ESA

The sealing industry is entering a pivotal era – where advances in material science are now intersecting with the accelerating power of digital intelligence. Technologies like generative AI and smart automation are no longer visions of the future; they are here, actively transforming how we design, produce, and deliver value.

From virtual prototyping and predictive maintenance to autonomous quality control and dynamic production planning, AI-driven systems are enabling us to move faster, improve reliability, and operate with greater agility. These tools do not replace human expertise – they amplify it, helping engineers and technicians tackle complex challenges with sharper insight and more creativity.

As Chairman of the European Sealing Association, I believe we share a collective responsibility to lead this transformation with purpose and intent. By investing in digital capabilities and fostering collaboration across our member companies, we can ensure that the European sealing industry continues to lead, not follow, on the global stage.

Ozan Devlen,
ESA Chair