Situation
A downward trend in demand
was already noted in 2019. This was predominantly due to the shift in the
automotive industry and a weaker global economy. In 2020, the situation was
further aggravated by the direct and indirect affects of the coronavirus
pandemic. A further decline is even expected in the core market of aviation. In
addition, the markets as a whole are fluctuating greatly. While the forecasts
for the German machine tool industry are less dire than predicted, they are not
very encouraging either.
The CHIRON Group does not
anticipate a speedy market recovery and is making adjustments for reduced and
unpredictable levels of turnover. In light of this outlook, a restructuring of
the Group is vital.
Targeted measures to be stronger in the medium term
In 2019, the CHIRON Group
already started working on strategies for mitigating the aforementioned market
fluctuations. These focused on pooling expertise and processes at individual
sites. Here is an overview of the measures which have been initiated, some of
which have already been implemented:
Strengthening our core competencies of milling and milling-turning
Concentrating manufacturing at the Precision Factory (Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany)
Focusing on e-mobility and future combustion engines
Completing the product ranges for medical and precision technology
Changing focus in the automotive industry
The automotive industry
will remain an extremely important market for us, but our focus will
increasingly shift towards e-mobility and future combustion engines. The CHIRON
and STAMA vertical machining centers – particularly the new series – are ideal for manufacturing workpieces with
the highest degree of precision. These workpieces include vehicular and
structural components for electric vehicles and combustion engine components.
As a turnkey specialist, the CHIRON Group also has the necessary expertise in
processes to implement increasingly complex requirements in tailor-made,
automated manufacturing processes.
Focus on core competencies
Milling and milling-turning are the technology
competencies that we, at the CHIRON Group, have deepened and honed to
perfection over decades. For this reason, SCHERER, which specializes in
vertical turning centers, will become a member of another strong group. This
group will add to SCHERER's range of lathes and provide SCHERER will the
necessary space for further positive growth.
Manufacturing at the best site
With its Precision Factory, the CHIRON Group has one of
the most state-of-the-art machine tool factories in Europe. This site offers
customers the best production environment. All of our production and assembly
capacity will be brought together at Neuhausen ob Eck and – as with the Taicang
Innovation Factory in China – the Precision Factory will become the CHIRON
Group's production facility.
The Schlierbach site will
concentrate on STAMA sales and service; production, assembly and application
will be relocated to Tuttlingen and Neuhausen. STAMA customers will continue to
be supported by their usual contacts in Schlierbach. Even in the new structure,
the STAMA brand will continue to embody advanced expertise in heavy-duty
machining and turnkey solutions.
Completing the product ranges in precision and medical technology
To broaden the Group's
base in medical and precision technology and to complete our portfolio of
machines for smaller components, the CHIRON Group acquired a new brand, FACTORY5, for its portfolio on August 1, 2020. In
addition, with CHIRON Swiss SA the Group now has its own company in
Switzerland. FACTORY5 offers a range of compact, high-precision machines for
manufacturing micro technical components which can be incorporated into an
innovative digital platform for networked production. The CHIRON Group is also
intensifying its activities in the growth market of additive manufacturing. A
prime example of this is the new AM Cube, a 3D metal printer with innovative,
patented technology for a wide range of tasks.
Any questions?
Would you like to know how
these changes will affect your day-to-day work? They won't! Your usual contacts
will still provide you with support, answer your questions about the
restructuring and look forward to continuing to work together in a spirit of
trust.
