In the first half of 2014, the German machine tool industry maintained its production output at the previous year’s high level of around 6.5 bn euros. “Thanks to healthy domestic demand, the sector has put up a valiant performance”, reports Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), speaking at the AMB in Stuttgart on 16 September 2014. At the same time, he admits that the association’s forecast for production output, with a plus of 3 (…)

The continuous optimisation of manufacturing processes for mechanical components is one of the key success factors of the Swiss watchmaking industry. While traditional machining and stamping processes will continue to play an important role, emerging technologies such as laser machining, 3D printing and plasma etching are pushing the current limits to new heights of quality and performance. In order to capture this outstanding potential, Richemont and EPFL are creating an academic chair in (…)

In the first quarter of 2014, Swiss machinery companies recorded additional (year-on-year) exports in the value of 89 million Swiss francs to China and Hong Kong – three times the growth generated by the USA. The exports of the Swiss machinery industry to China and Hong Kong are back on track. In the first quarter 2014, Swiss machinery companies sold goods in the value of 650 million CHF to China and Hong Kong – an absolute growth of 89 million CHF (or 13.7%) compared to the year before, (…)

After several conversations with customers, it is apparent that Tornos’ strategy has not been clearly explained or understood and several myths are circulating, for example that SwissNano machines are manufactured in Asia to cut costs. To clarify the situation, a meeting was held with Mr C. Paredes, responsible for development and operations with Tornos. The company strategy is clearly structured around two key areas: 1, developing innovative technological solutions and supplying high-end (…)

Counterfeiting or falsifying products is a global problem that makes many manufacturers suffer. It is not only common for food and non-food, soft drinks, perfumes and pharmaceutical products to the fast moving consumer goods and the automotive industry. Counterfeiting is not just an Asian issue, Europeans can also play this game. It is estimated that more than ten percent of all products are counterfeits, which constitutes a global loss between 200 and 300 billion euro each year. Enough (…)

It is with pleasure that the precision cluster presents a day of interviews for companies: "Individual advice on funding opportunities for your innovative products" that will take place in Bienne on June 4, 2013. Thanks to the encouragement means of the EU and the CTI of the Swiss Confederation (link to CTI), your company can also be supported to develop its products and stimulate innovation. As there are many programs of promotion, Manu-Future-CH experts, the new partner of the Precision (…)

A “Metal meets Medical” conference to discuss potentials in manufacturing operations will take place on April 11, 2013 in Frankfurt am Main. "Innovative medical products help doctors to respond more effectively to their patients’ wishes; modern-day production technology ensures that patients’ individual requirements are both reliably and affordably met" says Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the VDW, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Added value event How in future in this balancing (…)

Following two years of substantial growth, the German machine tool industry expects a modest increase in production output of 1 per cent during 2013. “This means the sector will be back to its previous high from 2008”, reports Martin Kapp, Chairman of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), speaking at the organisation’s annual press conference in Frankfurt am Main. Last year went better than expected: the good starting position with the order books full and capacity (…)

During the General Assembly that took place in Ghent on 12 June 2012, CECIMO’s Economic Committee asserted a few important facts (See below) and claimed for a European vision for the manufacturing industry. The output of the European machine tool industry increased in 2011 by 26% against 2010 to nearly 21 bn Euros; stabilisation of production is forecasted for 2012 Whereas CECIMO exports reach almost the 2008 level, domestic demand remains weak in Europe Difficulties in accessing to finance (…)

In the first quarter of 2012, order bookings in Germany’s machine tool industry fell by 7 per cent. Domestic orders were 1 per cent down on the preceding year’s equivalent figure. Orders from abroad fell by 9 per cent compared to the historical highs of the previous year. German Machine Tool Industry - Moderate fall in demand during the first quarter of 2012. “Capacity utilisation is still holding up well in Germany’s industrial sector, which is investing in additional capacities for (…)