Dr. Bürkle began his career at the company in 1961 as a tool designer and later as a designer for injection molding machines. He also studied mechanical engineering at Munich University of Applied Sciences and Munich Technical University and worked as a development engineer in the application technology department from 1978. After completing his doctorate at RWTH Aachen University, he headed the Basic Development and New Technologies department at KraussMaffei, where his forward-looking approach paved the way for numerous successes in plasticizing development (e.g. KraussMaffei mixing screw) and technology development (e.g. the SkinForm surface finishing process or the IMC injection molding compounder). Even after his official retirement in 2009, Dr. Bürkle remained associated with KraussMaffei in an advisory capacity. 

Together with his team, Dr. Erwin Bürkle was responsible for numerous patents, making a significant contribution to KraussMaffei's technological leadership. As an author of books and specialist publications, a moderator and speaker at specialist events and an expert in many industry associations, he also made a name for himself across the industry. Dr. Bürkle has also won several scientific awards. He was known throughout the national and international plastics industry not only as a luminary in the field of injection molding technology and cleanroom technology, but also as a pioneer and innovator. 

Dr. Bürkle was highly respected within the company due to his enormous expertise. But his winning and reliable manner will also be remembered by many colleagues for a long time to come. Markus Bauer, Managing Director of KraussMaffei Technologies, says: "I got to know Erwin Bürkle as an extraordinarily clever and empathetic personality who was held in high esteem by all his colleagues. Even as a young engineer in his department, his way of dealing with people and his constant willingness to help left a lasting impression on me. We will always honor his memory." 

KraussMaffei mourns the loss of its highly esteemed former employee and expresses its sincere condolences to the family on behalf of the management and all colleagues.