How do you assess the economic future of your industry?
"Due to the rapid technical change at our customers' facilities, the tube industry is also facing some challenges. For example, Schoeller Werk generates 50 per cent of its turnover in the automotive industry, primarily with parts for the internal combustion engine. By 2030, however, an estimated 20-50 per cent of all cars will be running on electricity. On the basis of this rough estimate, it is difficult for the tube industry to make a forecast for the future.
One thing is certain, however: Innovative suppliers with customer-oriented development and problem-solving skills, who support their customers in this transition, will be successful. Thanks to the strategic acquisition of the engineering services provider ID Ingenieure & Dienstleistungen, Schoeller Werk is well positioned for this and we are looking to the future with optimism."
Certainly Industry 4.0 is a concept for you. What does it mean to you?
"The digitisation of production is a challenge and at the same time an answer to many open questions for us."
How important is Industry 4.0 in your company?
“Industry 4.0 is of great importance to us. As a technology of the future, it offers us the unique opportunity to optimise our own processes. For example, the higher degree of automation reduces our production times and creates more transparency. With the newly gained flexibility, we can expand our range of services."
Are digital technologies planned or already implemented in your company? If so, which ones?
"Industry 4.0 is a great opportunity, which we are obviously taking advantage of. At the moment, we are introducing a bidirectional machine data collection system to control production. But it will not be the only one, because ID Ingenieure & Dienstleistungen, which has been part of the Schoeller factory since summer, has extensive knowledge in the areas of automation, robotics and networked production ".
Where do you see future trends for your business area? (How do you personally assess the perspectives for mechanical engineering?)
"In my opinion, robot support in manufacturing, handling and logistics holds great potential for the tube industry. The greater transparency of complex internal processes is not least reflected in the higher quality of service provided by digitisation.
I see enormous development potential for mechanical engineering, if we succeed in maintaining the premium standard of our products and machines "Made in Germany" at a high level and in constantly working on innovative solutions. The aim is to combine mechanical engineering with innovative services, for example, through condition-based machine maintenance."
