SHW Werkzeugmaschinen informed customers about new products at its Innovation Days. What’s new and how the company is doing.
Even before the Corona lockdown, the Wasseralfingen-based machine manufacturer SHW WM welcomed around 100 guests over five days in compliance with the Corona regulations and with the use of a hygiene concept – and presented exhibits and innovations at a trade fair stand in its own production halls.
This also includes the latest machine in the “PowerSpeed” series, a “PS Cube”. “The demand for enclosed moving column machines that can be operated like machining centers is increasing,” explains Managing Director Martin Greis. As a result of the many discussions with customers, his company has developed this machine concept and is using the time during the pandemic to meet the needs and wishes of its customers. “The feedback from our customers during the Innovation Days was very promising and encourages us in what we are doing. The consistently positive reactions make us optimistic for the future,” emphasizes the Managing Director.
However, the development activities were not limited to the development of a new machine, according to Greis, but had also moved into many areas of SHW WM. With a new Head of Electrical Development on board and a motivated team, innovations have been developed, including a new diagonal milling head.
“We are on the right track. After the takeover of the company by the Munich-based family office SFO a good two years ago, we have already achieved a lot,” explains the SHW WM Managing Director. Although the machines remain individually equipped, the company is trying to modularize assemblies and deepen value creation. “We used to buy in more. We want to develop and produce more ourselves, especially when it comes to new technologies such as augmented reality or in the area of mechanical assemblies,” says the Managing Director.
This can already be seen in the milling head assembly, which in the classic sense is a manufactory. The heart of the machines, the milling head, is built by hand by just one milling head fitter. Digitalization is also changing the service and operation of the machines. The machine control system is also constantly evolving. “Close contacts with Aalen University support us in solving tasks that have arisen due to the rapid development of digitalization. Our focus here is on even closer cooperation,” explains Greis.
The close connection to the sister company, SHW Bearbeitungstechnik, in which around three million euros have been invested over the past two years, also offers many advantages. For example, new machines are tested here under the real conditions of classic contract manufacturing in daily use. SHW Bearbeitungstechnik also serves as a showcase for customers and interested parties of SHW WM.
Aalen’s business promoter Felix Unseld was impressed by the company’s innovative strength. “Aalen offers a business-friendly environment in combination with the university and medium-sized companies. By promoting the start-up scene in the INNO-Z innovation center and the AAccelerator, we want to lay the foundations for future economic success. SHW WM proves that innovations can develop well in medium-sized companies,” says Unseld. “We are very satisfied with the business environment and the contacts with the city administration,” explains Greis.
