10th issue, October 2012 Sustainable investment by Meusburger Page 12

The newspaper for customers, partners and staff

Focus on apprentices Top training in a future-oriented company from page 3

Friendly service at the exhibition stand Over 35 exhibitions in 18 countries Page 21

More than 1,000 customers from the punching tool sector rely on Meusburger Page 29 Focus on apprentices 3–11 Meusburger wins „met“ competition 4–5 A team for our future 6–7 Everything started with training 8 Arnold Sohm – longest serving member of staff 9 Apprentices on an outing 10–11 Now online: www.lehre-bei-meusburger.com 11 Dear customers and partners, Sustainable investment by Meusburger 12 dear members of staff Stress-relieving heat treatment 13 The annual publication of our Meusburger company newspaper More than 10,000 standard bars available 14 is always a highlight for me. Tools for surface finishing 15 Qualified and highly trained staff are an essential prerequisite for New products from Meusburger 16–17 the competitiveness of any company. If, in addition, members of Consumables: Lubricating, cleaning, protecting 18 staff have been trained in the company they work in, the benefit For Meusburger, the family-owned is immeasurable. Cutting tools for tool and mould making 18 company from Wolfurt, the year For this reason, the training of apprentices is an important topic Complete range of erosion accessories 19 2012 is fully dedicated to the trai- for Meusburger to which we have dedicated much space in this ning of apprentices. The compa- Air-cushioned assembly table 19 edition. In order to be able to provide top training for even more ny specialises in tool and mould committed youngsters we are investing over EUR 1.2 million in User meetings 2012 20 making and, with its worldwide further equipment for our training workshop. In addition to more expansion policy, is set for further highly sophisticated machines and new training rooms we have Friendly service at the exhibition stand 21 growth in the future. To support also increased the number of trainers to six. I am very much A visit to Meusburger 22 this expansion, another 24 training looking forward to meeting our 24 new apprentices and wish positions have now been created. them a successful start. Sales office in Istanbul (TR) 23 Meusburger now in the US 23 Our new apprentice website has recently gone online in the form of a blog (www.lehre-bei-meusburger.com). Field service and in-house customer service 24–27 You can find all reports and information on the subject of Customer reports from 28 Focus on apprentices Meusburger’s apprentice training in the following pages. More than 1,000 customers from the Top training in a future-oriented company Our workforce is of course not our only concern – we focus just punching tool sector rely on Meusburger 29 as much on you, our customer and partner. In order to be able Always up to date with digital media 37 to offer you top product quality and the best possible service, we continue to invest in our production and the expansion of our How to produce a set of grill cutlery 41 Meusburger offers apprentices top training with career bonuses for good performance at work and in training, a opportunities in an international company with a future. modern and well-equipped teaching workshop and excel- product range. Our recently introduced products are excellent A visit to Dillinger Hütte GTS metal works 41 examples. The entire product range is available immediately lent career opportunities as well as the company’s extensive from stock in the usual high Meusburger quality, with very short Vorarlberg: between Career with learning social benefits. These include the option of using the works delivery times. Lake Constance and the Alps 42 The “Career with learning” motto is now well established transport, free bus and rail passes for transport throughout Kerstin Hämmerle reports from China 43 in Meusburger’s company philosophy. The company offers Vorarlberg, subsidised meals in the canteen, extra tuition Why not visit us at one of the over 35 trade exhibitions in 18 apprentices the opportunity to achieve qualifications in in school subjects, internal and external further education countries worldwide and find out what service we provide. In An example of work and study 43 the following trades: programmes as well as the chance to take addition, we organise about ten user meetings every year which Sports activities 44 metal technician (machin­ part in numerous leisure activities, such as “We are in the fortunate position are an ideal platform for exchanging topical information and ing), ­metal technician cycling tours, skiing and rambling outings, Vorarlberg cycling competition 45 that ll our apprentices want catching the latest industry news. (mechanical enginee­r­ ice hockey and football competitions, and to stay on at the company after Events, long-serving staff, the new generation 46–47 ing), production techni- rock climbing excursions, to name but a few. I am particularly pleased that some of our customers and having completed their appren­ cian, metal worker and IT partners have again been happy to contribute actively to the ticeship in order to continue technician. ­Meusburger’s “We are in the fortunate content of our company newspaper. In the current business their vocational carrer“ apprentice trainers are position that all our appren- year, for the first time in our history, we will be servicing more Roman Giesinger, Head of Human Resources than 10,000 active customers. Many thanks for placing your not only very competent tices want to stay on at confidence in us. Editorial information – Owner, editor and publisher: Meusburger ­Georg in terms of their subject the company after having GmbH & Co KG, A-6960 Wolfurt, Kesselstr. 42, T 00 43 (0) 55 74 / 67 06-0, knowledge but are also highly skilled in student education completed their apprenticeship in order to F 12, [email protected], www.meusburger.com, Editors: Jasmine I hope you enjoy the read. Kind regards, Heßler-Luger, Eveline Steurer, Andreas Sutter, Roman Giesinger, Design: and teaching methods. The quality of this training has been continue their vocational carrer“, explains Jasmine Heßler-Luger, Photos: Heidegger­ Fotografie, illT Hückels, Vorarlberg confirmed by the State of Vorarlberg on several occasions Head of Human Resources, Roman Gies- Tourismus, Roman Horner, Thorbecke Luftbild, panograf.at,­ ­Meusburger, by awarding the company the title “Training Company of inger, adding with obvious pride: “To Print: ­Vorarlberger Verlagsanstalt GmbH, Circulation: 60,000 copies, editorial policy in accordance with § 25 Media Act: current information Excellence”. achieve that we did not have to do a lot of persuading for Meusburger customers, partners and staff, Publication: The medium is – not least because the good working environment and Guntram Meusburger distributed free of charge to Meusburger customers, partners and members Meusburger’s apprentices benefit from the prospect of the in-house career opportunities at Meusburger speak for of staff. Reprint only permitted when the source is quoted. Managing Director a secure job after completing their apprenticeship, from themselves.”

10th issue, October 2012 3 Apprentices

Vorarlberg’s best apprentices Meusburger wins “met“ competition

From left to right: Roland Rädler, Ulrich Patscheider, Wolfgang Hopfner, Daniel Bals, Fabio König, Markus Kohler, Christoph Schelling, David Steinacher The high quality of Meusburger’s training programme has been confirmed by this year’s results in the apprentice competition. In WIFI Dornbirn our apprentices again New seminar room demonstrated­ their skills. In the countrywide “met” Although we were suprised about the APPRENTICES REPORT competition by the “metall elektro technik Gewerbe” high placements achieved by our appren- Training facility now on two levels Christoph Schelling and Markus Kohler achieved first and tices, we knew they were going to do well ­second place respectively. Daniel Bals, Wolfgang Hopfner, because of their very good performances at What I like best is the varied nature Over the course of the next three years, Meusburger David Steinacher, Ulrich Patscheider and Fabio König was school. of the work. Because we work to a rota- will expand the training workshop to accommodate up ­awarded “excellent success”; and Roland Rädler presented Peter Nussbaumer, tion schedule we have the opportunity to 100 apprentices. For this reason, the company has with “very good success”. Head of Training and Further Education to work in different departments. In this recently invested another EUR 45,000 in the construc- way we get to know the entire company tion of a new training room directly above the existing Daniel Bals (6th place), Wolfgang Hopfner (8th place), David and can then decide in which depart- training workshop. From September, this provides our Steinacher (9th place), Ulrich Patscheider and Fabio König ment we would like to work after our future experts with a 70 sqm large seminar room with (both 13th place), and Roland Rädler (26th place) all contrib- apprenticeship.­ modern equipment. This facility on the first floor will uted to the first-class success, which was one of the best results Lukas Kohler, apprentice primarily be used for teaching theory content of the achieved by Meusburger in this competition. Seven of the respective trades and computer-aided machine pro- eight participating apprentices achieved an excellent success. gramming, as well as to give extra tuition.

Reward for the achievement I am impressed by Meusburger’s In recognition of their achievement the apprentices are given range of modern machinery and tools. bonuses and offered permanent employment as skilled work- We work on state-of-the-art machines ers by Meusburger: “We hare happy to reward the excellent and learn how to operate the latest cut- The proud winners: Christoph Schelling and Markus Kohler achievements of our young workers in order to motivate them ting tools. and to accelerate their personal development”, explaines Michael Egger, apprentice At the beginning of the year, Meusburger’s apprentices proved Head of Human Resources, their mettle in this year’s “met” competition. From now on, Roman Giesinger. 19-year-old Christoph Schelling can call himself “best in his RESULTS field” – he came first in the competition. “We were given lim- ited time in which to produce workpieces, master various cal- culation examples and answer questions relating to our work. “met” competition 2012 There is a very relaxed and That was not easy, but this trade comes naturally to me”, says Christoph Schelling 1st place friendly atmosphere between us at the the winner, who is now one of the instructors in Meusburger’s Markus Kohler 2nd place workshop. Our apprentice trainers are training team. Markus Kohler won second place and thereby Daniel Bals 6th place very easy to talk to and help us when Wolfgang Hopfner 8th place secured double victory for Meusburger. “The competition we have a problem. Apprentice trainer Peter Nussbaumer and his apprentices are pleased David Steinacher 9th place was hard but taking part was definitely worth it“, reflects the Yolanda Wegrzyn, apprentice about the new seminar room with its excellent equipment. Ulrich Patscheider 13th place runner-up. Fabio König 13th place Roland Rädler 26th place

4 10th issue, October 2012 5 Apprentices THE MOST Member of

Peter Nussbaumer (35) Head of Training and Further IMPORTANT Education

PERSON IS Simon Alber (20) For me it is important Apprentice trainer that our apprentice trainers are Turning free to develop themselves in Our five production apprentice trainers (from the respective departments. left to right): Dominik Köb, Stefan Kohler, Peter I have now been working in In order to ensure good all- Nussbaumer, Simon Alber, Christoph Schelling the training workshop for three years round training, everyone must I have been a member of the and look after our apprentices when be able to apply his own ideas Meusburger training workshop team they learn milling. I am also in charge and notions. Our instructors fre- since September 2011 and have also of safety in our training workshop. In quently attend further educa- completed my apprenticeship here. I addition, I support our apprentices tion events and seminars so that am currently looking after 14 appren- when they have issues at school. What they keep abreast of the latest tices who learn to work with the lathe; I especially like about Meusburger is trends in technology. In addi- every month they will move on to that I am free to develop within my tion, we place great emphasis different departments in accordance field of responsibility and have on the development of social with the rotation schedule. What I like A team for our future a lot of say in what goes on. competence in our company. best in my work is the friendly working We are a young team of train- atmosphere in the team and of course More tutors for more apprentices ers who are open to new ideas the varied tasks. Stefan Kohler (22) OUR NEW ARRIVALS Apprentice trainer and changes. Every day, I enjoy To acquire knowledge and pass it on to others is a challeng- Milling being part of this fantastic team. ing task that requires considerable input but also brings We extend a warm welcome to the 24 new much joy. At Meusburger there are five young dynamic apprentices joining our team and wish them apprentice trainers who have taken up the challenge. In much success in their training: order to be able to cope with the steadily increasing num- ber of applications and to provide appropriate guidance Metal technology (machining): and tuition for the apprentices, Meusburger continues to Pascal Diem, Lauterach Christoph Schelling (19) increase the number of instructors. Tim Feichtinger, Langen Apprentice trainer Pascal Fend, Möggers Milling In addition to the training in the respective skills of the trade, the Markus Ischepp, Krumbach instructors place great emphasis on the personal development Julian Keick, Lustenau After completing my final of each individual apprentice. They focus not only on techno- Nico Luger, Krumbach Dominik Köb (25) apprentice exam with excellent ­success logically subject-specific knowledge but also provide overall Patrick Moosbrugger, Wolfurt Apprentice trainer I was given the opportunity to join coaching to the young people to help them grow into skilled Stellios Penoglou, Wolfurt Basic training and turning ­Meusburger’s team of instructors. What and responsible members of the workforce. Jan Rettenbacher, Lauterach I like best is the state-of-the-art machinery in the training Dominik Stadelmann, Lauterach A short while ago I joined ­Meusburger workshop and the daily challenges we have to cope with. Training Company of Excellence Lukas Staudacher, Hörbranz as an apprentice trainer: I look after our apprentices in I am also impressed by the further education courses open The quality of Meusburger’s training pro- Fabio Steurer, Langenegg basic training and when they learn to work with a lathe. to us apprentice trainers on an on-going basis. gramme and apprentice trainers has been Christian Stockklauser, Riefensberg Following my apprenticeship at Zumtobel, I worked for confirmed by the State of Vorarlberg on Florian Wucher, Möggers five years with CNC milling machines at Doppelmayr and several occasions by awarding the company Z-Werkzeugbau. As a trainer I really enjoy passing on the title “Training Company of Excellence”. Metal technology (mechanical engineering): my knowledge and experience to our lads and girls and Patrick Moosbrugger, Hohenweiler witnessing how they develop, step by step, into properly “Many of our tutors have themselves completed their train- Mathias Sohler, Eichenberg skilled workers. ing at Meusburger and all take part in a rolling programme of Patrick Theisl, Lustenau special training and further education. We are not just inter- Daniel Tratter, Hörbranz ested in the skills of the trade but also put great emphasis on the instructors’ coaching and methodical teaching abilities”, Metal working: explains Roman Giesinger, Head of Human Resources. Martin Berchtold, Andelsbuch Now, Meusburger is the third-largest training company in Resul Demirkir, Dornbirn Our apprentice trainers tell us Vorarlberg’s metal industry and has recently become a member Sebastian Feuerstein, Reuthe of V.E.M. (Vorarlberg Electrical and Metal Industry) whose Michael Moser, Möggers what they do at Meusburger’s trainingworkshop members cooperate in all matters concerning apprentice Ricardo Vigl, Hörbranz YOU training. Jenny Gagern, Langen

www.lehre-bei-meusburger.com 6 Longest-serving member Careers of staff

“The varied work, the contact with Interview with Arnold Sohm international suppliers, being part of an outstanding team and the friendly Meusburger is a family- atmosphere in the company” – these owned company with a his- are the things Daniel Fink (35), Head tory of almost 50 years. of Purchasing, appreciates most What started as a one-man about Meusburger. business is now a company “As a matter of fact, I always wanted a job with respon- with over 570 members of sibility”, says Daniel Fink who started his career in 1992 staff. Arnold Sohm (57) is the as an apprentice in the wholesale department. longest-serving member of staff gives us an insight into his job at Meusburger:

Following a successfully completed apprenticeship as machine mechanic and toolmaker Hubert Weber (45) How did it all start? I have been working for Meusburger joined Meusburger in 1987. Hubert Weber is an out- for 42 years. I started as an apprentice at the former loca- standing example of an admirable career development; tion in Dornbirn and did all the work that came my way as a he started as an operative in the Milling/Special Produc- toolmaker. In 1989 I passed my Master exam. In those days, tion department, became shift foreman, changed over automation was far less advanced than it is today. There to the Programming department and finally advanced to were many things we produced manually using processes Head of Production and Technology such as filing, sawing, milling, turning or grinding. About in 2010. 35 years ago I specialised in tool grinding, first on a manual Everything started with training S1 machine and now on several CNC controlled machines. “What I like especially in my job as Meusburger staff talk about their careers Head of Production and Technology is When I compare those days with today I can see some the feeling that I can move something differences. In those days you had to be more versatile, you in the company.” had to cope with all work that had to be done. We all knew each other and helped each other out. Today everybody is Once they have completed their mandatory schooling, Peter Heinzle (56) started his career specialised in a certain field, the tasks are better allocated. many young people face the same question: Enter into 41 years ago with an apprenticeship in That is possible because of the large number of employees. employment or further education? The real life examples mechanical engineering at Meusburger: I no longer know everybody who works for the company. below vividly illustrate various career paths adopted by “The training today bears no resemblance Stefan Muxel (24) does not hesi- Despite that, the working environment is still very good, also Meusburger employees who started their professional life to that in those days. Since the establish- tate when asked why he opted for the relationship with the supervisors. with an apprenticeship. ment of the training workshop in 2002, an apprenticeship with Meusburger: every apprentice has the chance to choose “I thought the taster day was great; What is special about Meusburger? Meusburger is a the department he wants to work in. That’s I was particularly impressed by the ­modern family-owned enterprise with many different pro­ an investment for the future, not just for the apprentices but large training workshop right in the duct divisions. I particularly appreciate the good working also for the company.” From the production workshop to the middle of the works! It was exactly environment in our department, the tool store. office – Peter Heinzle has now been working in the Process the right decision to complete an Something that I like remembering is an excursion to Planning department for 35 years. Producing drawings and apprenticeship with Meusburger.” Stefan Muxel Hungary that lasted several days. On the occasion of designs is part of his daily work. In 1978 he produced the first has been with Meusburger for nine years and is now ­Meusburger’s 25-year anniversary, all members of staff were Meusburger catalogue. Head of the Special Processing department. invited on this trip. That was a really nice experience.

What I do to balance my work? I like being with my family “If I had to choose again, I would certainly and also enjoy hiking and playing football. This is what I look opt for vocational training – I can really “For me it was important to be able to stand on my own forward to when thinking of my retirement: outings, cycling, recommend that option. Because with a two feet after leaving school. For that reason I opted working in the garden or forest. successfully completed apprenticeship and for a tool mechanic apprenticeship”, explains Ramona a lot of commitment everything is pos- Schwinger (21) regarding her motiva- My motto? I enjoy passing on my knowledge and experi- sible”, says Armin ­Chiesola (50), whose tion. “Since the beginning of the year ence to my colleagues. career started as tool maker and technical I have been working in in-house sales draughtsman. In 1988, Armin Chiesola joined Meusburger as and appreciate the high degree of “Arnold has been an appreciated member of staff for many Head of Area Sales. Three years ago he seized the opportunity personal responsibility and the direct years. In addition, he is one of the most reliable drivers of offered to him and is now Head of Sales for Austria, Switzerland contact with customers. What I like the Meusburger company buses. Every day, he takes his and Southern Germany. especially is that I can use the technical colleagues to work and home again and has done that for

Stefan Muxel, who started his working life with an apprenticeship at Meusburger, knowledge I have acquired in my job decades”, praises Hubert Weber, Head of Production and is now – together with his brother Andreas Muxel – in charge of the Special and training.” Technology. Processing department.

8 10th issue, October 2012 9 Apprentices NEW

Social days The social days for apprentices are an annual highlight: the Now online! idea of these two days is to make it easier for new appren- www.lehre-bei-meusburger.com tices to start their working life at Meusburger by introducing them to colleagues and trainers in a relaxed atmosphere. This event is packed with action and fun – for example Finally, at the beginning of September – after an extensive archery, rock climbing, summer sledging and a barbecue. planning and implementation phase – the time had come: And in between events, the technical knowledge is brought our newly designed apprentice website went online! up to date in training sessions. What is special about it: its content and functionality have Visit to a steel works been implemented in the form of a blog. A blog is compar­ It has now become a tradition that during their training, able to an online diary that everybody can see; it is used each Meusburger apprentice is given the opportunity to by a company and/or its staff to post news and events of see, at least once, where steel comes from and how it is daily life. It’s all go! produced. For this reason a visit to a steel mill is organised every four years. The last excursion was to Voestalpine in In our case, entries and articles are posted by the appren- Apprentices on an outing Linz where the apprentices had the chance to spend two tices and trainers. The point is not to produce perfectly exciting days, including informative tours through the entire written copy and pretty content, but to convey a realistic works. For the spring of 2013, a visit to Dillinger steel works insight into daily life in our training workshop. in the Saarland has been planned. Visitors to our blog can find all the important information Fakuma trade exhibition regarding training, but they also have the option of posting Meusburger not only focuses on train- Once a year, Friedrichshafen is host to the Fakuma trade comments and to take part in discussions. With this form ing and learning but also on team spirit exhibition at which Meusburger and many customers from of communication we intend to establish a dialogue with and having fun. The company organ- the industry have a stand. After an interesting tour of interested pupils, parents and teachers, and offer an ideal ises many events and excursions where the exhibition, the whole crew meets up at the popular platform for open questions, requests and suggestions people have the chance to get to know ­Meusburger exhibition stand. To round off the day tasty relating to apprenticeships at Meusburger. each other. A convivial atmosphere in giant pizzas are served. a team also helps one to enjoy one’s In short – we are looking forward to many visits, plenty of work and thus underpins the moti- Sledging outing comments and lively discussions in our new blog. vation of staff. Programmes include One of Meusburger’s numerous fun events is the traditional sporting outings, such as cycling and sledging outing which takes place in February on an illu- rock climbing tours, running events, minated sledging piste in Sibratsgfäll (Bregenzerwald). All skiing and rambling days, ice hockey Meusburger apprentices, trainers and those responsible for and football competitions, through to apprentices in the departments take part. The sledges and social days, visits to other works and the transport to the start of the piste are taken care of, and to exhibitions. after the run, there are drinks and music.

THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IS WE OFFER TOP APPRENTICESHIPS IN METAL PROCESSING (MACHINING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING), MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING AND METAL WORKING!

www.lehre-bei-meusburger.com

YOUwww.lehre-bei-meusburger.com 11 Company

Then as now Your benefits 1964 Foundation of the one-man company by Georg Meusburger 1978 Production of standard moulds » 1980 New building and move to Wolfurt (Austria); 35 employees Low-deformation processing 1992 Construction of first high-bay warehouse » Shorter processing times due to smaller size allowance 2003 Construction of new office building – Wing A » Longer service life of tools 2007 Management of the company handed to Guntram Meusburger » Avoiding quenching cracks in subsequent heat 260 employees treatment 2010 Punching tools are added to the portfolio » Advantages in automated processing, particularly 2011 Leading manufacturer of standard parts, turnover: EUR 129 million when using clamping systems 2012 New office building – Wing B Over 10,000 prestigious customers, 570 employees

With a view to the future Stress-relieving heat treatment Sustainable investment by Meusburger Prerequisite for top quality

The year 2011 was, in many ways, a at the company headquarters in Wolfurt successful one for Meusburger. The has five floors and can accommodate All steel grades are heat-treated for stress relief to The material is heat-treated for stress relief in our own three company is pleased to announce a 32 200 additional members of staff who ­create best conditions for low-deformation processing of furnaces with a total daily capacity of 240 tonnes. The success percent increase in turnover and puts can offer a comprehensive service to parts. With the acquisition of another annealing furnace, of this process is largely determined by the long cooling down this positive result down to its consis­ Meusburger customers. Architecturally ­Meusburger’s heat treatment capacity has been more than period of 14 hours (35 °C/hour). tently high product quality and the fact speaking, the new building mirrors wing doubled. In this way the company is well placed to continue that it offers very short delivery times. A of the main building and appeals with to meet the increased demand for standard moulds that are For more information visit In order to maintain this position also its generous interior design. heat-treated for stress relief. www.meusburger.com in the future, Meusburger continues its policy of ­sustainable investment. “Because the in-house sales team grew significantly within a few months °C In addition to an expansion of the it became necessary to separate the Optimum heat curve The storage capacity of the high-bay storage facility 700°C has been increased to 1,700 cassettes. machinery, the extension of the steel groups dealing with foreign language storage and the high-bay storage facil- markets. Thanks to the new building, all 700600 ity, and the construction of a new pro- sales staff are now back 500600 duction building for processing steel in the same office so 500 plate, the company has also invested in that they can exchange 400 ­another annealing furnace. information without dif- 300400 ficulty”, explains Nicola 200300 More capacity for customer concerns Pibal, head of the depart- 200 Meusburger endeavours to always adjust ment for sales in foreign 100 its services to the wishes and needs of languages, with obvious 10020 h its customers. This inevitably involves a satisfaction. 20 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 h steady increase in qualified staff. It is the 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 only way to guarantee a fast and straight- Anwärmzeit Haltezeit Abkühlzeit Continuing investments at its Vorarlberg location heating4 Stunden up maintain6 Stunden 14 Stundencooling = 35°C period / Stunde make it possible for Meusburger to remain competi- forward response to customer concerns. tive in the international markets. The new, state-of-the-art office building 4 hours 6 hours 14 hours= 35°C / hour

12 12 10th issue, October 2012 13 Products

Over 10,000 standard bars available Expansion of the product range Advantages due to shorter production time Meusburger tools for surface finishing

As a supplier of standard moulds Meusburger knows In order to be able to supply customers at the shortest pos- In time for Fakuma 2012, Meusburger is expanding its all about semi-finished products. The Austrian company sible notice, Meusburger maintains large storage facilities for product range with accessories for surface finishing for ­recognised the drive towards improved economic efficiency finished and primary material. many applications in tool and mould making. In the future, at an early stage and produces plates and bars in all com- customers will also benefit in this sector from Meusburger’s mon material specifications and sizes. Product range is constantly expanding competence and excellent service. The expanded product range in the material grades 1.2316, In line with the idea of providing optimum service, steel is 1.2344 and 1.2714 is particularly suitable for extrusion pro- The new product range of tools for surface finishing includes NEW supplied heat-treated for stress relief in order make it easier cesses. selected milling, grinding and polishing tools that perfectly for customers to mill and grind the material. The 16 different match the requirements in tool and mould making. The new materials supplied by Meusburger are available in different range only contains products with the best price/performance versions – as standard bars (N), round bars (NR), precision bars Information ratio, which have been tested and selected to strict criteria. (NP) and square-cut bars (NV). They can be used in almost any Rotary burrs, mounted points, files, abrasive belts, application in tool and mould making. You have not found the size you need or need special polishing stones, brushes, felt sticks and polishing dimensions? Please do not hesitate to contact us – we agents are available immediately from stock in Your benefits are happy to help you. the customary high Meusburger product quality. » Fast and easy procurement of primary material » Dimensions in 10 mm increments You are just a few clicks away from your order Order your catalogue at » High-grade, low-deformation steel with heat-treatment for Ordering made easy – the Meusburger CD and online www.meusburger.com stress relief catalogue. » Ground thickness www.meusburger.com/online-catalogue » Shorter production times reduce costs

N – standard bar length: 500 and 800 mm NR – round bar length: 20; 25; ...500; 800

» Width & length sawn with allowance tolerance: +6 / +4 » Diameter peeled tolerance: +3 / 0 » Thickness ground tolerance: +0.45 / +0.4 » Length sawn with allowance tolerance: +6 / +4

NP – precision bar length: 500 mm NV – square-cut bar length: 100; ...800

» Width milled tolerance: +0.5 / +0.4 » Outside bright tolerance: h11 » Length sawn with allowance tolerance: +6 / +4 » Length sawn with allowance tolerance: +6 / +4 » Thickness ground tolerance: +0.45 / +0.4 The new tools appeal due to their high quality and good price/performance ratio. Meusburger’s new surface finishing tools will be available in time for the autumn exhibitions and can then be supplied directly from stock.

14 10th issue, October 2012 15 Products

E 2141 and E 2142 deflection unit NE – hardened block for eroding New products by Meusburger The new deflection units make it pos- The NE – blocks for eroding are available sible to deflect channels for tempera- in material grade 1.2379 in numerous Can be ordered from the CD and the online catalogue ture regulation within cavity plates and dimensions directly from stock, now also also through plate joints. They can be in hardened version (vacuum hardened attached outside of the mould or in a to 62 – 2 HRC and tempered three FW 1000 Tray for change inserts E 5010 guide pillar h4 with collar Lifting elements with CE marking recess. Due to the two oblong holes, the times). The guaranteed vertical rolling The trays ensure that the FW change In combination with the gliding slide E 1276 lifting hook E 2142 deflection unit allows for variable direction is clearly marked. inserts are stored safely and securely, bushes E 5120, E 5122 and E 5124 the E 1280 lifting bolt VDI 3366 cooling coordinates. The housing con- especially during transport within the guide pillar is an economic alternative. E 1282 lifting stud VDI 3366 sists of corrosion-resistant steel 1.2085 Electrical connectors and housings company. Label plates are integrated to The E5010 guide pillar is used when E 1284 lifting stud with cable securing and the deflection unit itself of brass Since mid-2012, Meusburger’s exten- allow clear identification of parts. processing thicker sheet metal. In the device and Viton. Diameters 6, 8 and 10 are all sive product range also includes top Numerous standard parts available same dimensions as E 5000 immediately The new CE-compliant lifting elements available in three lengths. quality electrical connectors and hous- in special dimensions E 1702 and E 1712 Ejectors with anti- available from stock. for top safety when transporting tools. ings. Meusburger supplies highly tem- Meusburger supplies standard com- twist lock Your benefits: Slide construction kit perature-resistant cable housings made ponents for any application. However­ , Ejector pins with precise anti-twist lock » Directly available from stock in many The Meusburger slide construction kit of die-cast aluminium which are fully if special dimensions are required, ensure exact positioning. The shape of versions range has been extended so that it can finished on the connector side. These ­Meusburger can offer these too for many the pin’s head ensures that the installa- » With CE marking for maximum safety be used for even the smallest installation high-quality connector housings can be standard items. Since the last update of tion position is maintained. The exten- spaces; it contains ready-to-use slides supplied in numerous versions, and are our digital media, all boxes with modi- sive range includes numerous dimen- E 1514 Threaded bolt for ejector sets made from 1.2343 (~54 HRC) and 1.2311 available with male and female inserts fiable dimensions have a white back- sions which are available directly from The threaded bolt can be used for easy (~ 1.080 N/mm²). Now also with shoul- with different poles immediately from ground. This means that the customer stock. and fast coupling of the ejector set with- dered gliding plate for precise position- stock. can clearly see in which sizes custom E 5010 out threaded pin. Its length is designed ing of the guiding rails. Can be replaced dimensions can be supplied. This func- to match the Meusburger ejector base easily and quickly from the separating tion can be found in “Edit article“. plates and the compact design ensures plane using standardised components. that only minimal space is required for installation. NEW

E 1284 E 2142

NE E 1282

E 2710 FW 1000 E 2141

E 3027 E 1280 E 30110 E 1276

E 1712

E 3162 E 2714 E 1514

E 2712

E 3016

E 1702 Order now from our online catalogue www.meusburger.com

16 10th issue, October 2012 17 Products Lubricating, cleaning, protecting Complete range of erosion accessories Meusburger consumables are now available from stock Following customer requests now also electrolytic copper & graphite

In the autum of 2011, Meusburger expanded its product agents for effective and fast cleaning of moulds and tools and Everything from a single source – under this motto What are the advantages of graphite? range with high-quality consumables for many applications. preservers for reliable corrosion protection. The use of these ­Meusburger has substantially expanded its erosion accesso- » Graphite results in a time saving of up to 70 percent when These high-performance lubricants, cleaning agents and quality products increases tool productivity and thereby con- ries range. Following customer requests, the rod electrodes milling the electrode on an HSC milling machine. And in the preservers are now immediately available from stock in tributes to preventing costly breakdowns. with 15x15 and 25x25 chamfers and the tried-and-tested design it makes it possible to combine several mould ele- various container sizes. head electrodes have been expanded to include more ments on one electrode. This reduces costs considerably. Your benefits: sizes in electrolytic copper. It is also » With graphite it is possible to produce very fine contours and Meusburger is the name for top- » Extensive range of high-performance lubri- now possible to cut electrode there is no risk of burrs forming. This means that quality products and uses the cants for many applications graphite. there is no expensive rework. best raw materials and suppliers, » Cleaning agents for cleaning your tools fast » Due to its low thermal combined with systematic qua­ and effectively Now, electrolytic copper is expansion, graphite lity assurance covering the entire » Preservers for reliable corrosion protection also available as a primary is much more dimen- production process. Thanks to its material in round, square sionally stable than many years of experience in tool “With this expansion of our range we want to and rectangular form. Sizes copper, which makes and mould making, ­Meusburger offer our customers even better service range from 6 mm to 80 mm the EDM process more has launched specially developed and also ensure that the service life of in diameter and from 20 x 6 mm reliable. products which are specifically their moulds and tools is maximised”, says to 100 x 50 mm in section and are avail- » When using graphite in the r­oughing designed for the high require- Managing Director Guntram Meusburger. able from stock up to lengths of 500 mm. process, the amount of material removed ments presented by injection With respect to electrode graphite, customers can order plane- is doubled while also causing less tool wear. moulding and punching tool To download a brochure visit parallel special graphite plates in customised sizes cut from ­construction. www.meusburger.com standard plate thicknesses of between 20 and 50 mm from To download a brochure visit Meusburger. www.meusburger.com The range comprises high-performance lubri- cants for all applications in tool and mould making, cleaning

Cutting tools Air-cushioned assembly table Designed for tool and mould making Obvious advantages for tool and mould makers

At the beginning of 2012, Meusburger started with a are especially adapted to the demanding requirements pre- The air-cushioned assembly table by Meusburger makes re-setting, which means more efficient working and an increase new range of products: high-quality cutting tools. Now sented by injection moulding and punching tool construction. assembly and repair work on injection moulding, die in productivity. The easy handling and reduced setting- customers can also benefit from the company’s many years The cutting guide values match the steel grades used by cast and punching tools significantly up time saves further time and expenditure. of experience when buying cutting tools. The extensive pro­ Meusburger. easier. The table was developed duct range of milling cutters, drill bits, threading tools and ­specifically for this task and was fur- Another important advantage for customers is ­reamers is perfectly adapted for many applications Positive customer feedback ther improved and CE certified the fact that the table can carry up to 3,000 kg in tool and mould making. All cutting tools are “The machining of the cavity plates worked out very well, the last year. and is rugged enough to withstand the impact available ­immediately from stock in the customary milling cutters are really good. One can see that by just from items being deposited abruptly. The high ­Meusburger quality. looking at the chips!” says Rainer The air-cushioned assembly air-cushioned H 4062 assembly table Dangel, head of the techno­ table is ideal for repair and is supplied with stand and tool cabi- “We see ourselves as your reliable partner logy centre at Heller. This assembly work on moulds net, as well as extensive accessories. for tool and mould making. For that rea- statement confirms, most and tools because both mould son we continually adjust our range and impressively, the consis­tent halves can be moved in any In summary, this innovative in-house service to our customers’ needs”, says high quality of products from direction without the exertion development by Meusburger is not only Guntram Meusburger, Managing Director. Meusburger for both the of force. an efficient aid for repair and assembly “We aim to offer our customers a growing cutting tools and the steel The underside of the movable ­pallets work but it also increases the safety of choice of products and ultimately every- grades it uses. is fitted with multiple air nozzles; with personnel and protects the valuable tools thing from a single source.“ the help of these an air cushion against damage. For product information visit is created which forms the base For this reason, at the beginning of 2012, www.meusburger.com for moving the tool halves with- For more information visit the company launched cutting tools which out effort. Both mould surfaces www.meusburger.com can be accessed without turning or

18 10th issue, October 2012 19 Events

A resounding success Friendly service at the exhibition Meusburger user meetings 2012 Over 35 exhibitions in 18 countries brings Meusburger closer to you

As in the previous year, the event were followed by open discussions in company. And the evening entertain- With over 35 exhibitions in 18 countries Meusburger is on in the “Technology/Knowledge User the presence of production, application ment programme was a fitting end to the road for its customers throughout the year. Customers In conversation Meetings” series was a resounding technology and distribution specialists, an exciting event”, comments Andreas at Meusburger’s exhibition stand are personally and exten- success in 2012. More than 700 inter- and by fruitful exchanges of experience. Otto, deputy Head of Toolmaking at sively advised on the new and tried-and-tested solutions We interviewed the two exhibition and event ested dele­gates from the tool and DODUCO GmbH. available on the market. organisers Sabrina Heuberger and Jennifer mould making industry accepted the Gathering of punching tool makers Rögle on their duties at Meusburger. invitation by the standard mould spe- A special highlight this year was the user The positive feedback from many par- Meusburger’s exhibition stand is well known for the fact that cialist from Vorarlberg and attend- meeting entitled “Gathering of punch- ticipants confirmed the successful for- customers and interested visitors receive a warm welcome. : How many times have you Sabrina Heuberger ed one of the nine events held in ing tool makers” to which Meusburger mat of the event and has encouraged Visitors can count on expert advice on products and technical been involved in organising the company’s Germany, Austria and Switzerland. invited delegates to its offices in Wolfurt. ­Meusburger to continue the series in information. There are information terminals where the exhibition stand? The event was well attended and visitors the years to come. Further events – also Meusburger CD and online catalogue can be tested. Sabrina: It’s difficult to say – in the last five years there The half-day events focused on top- appreciated the exclusive information in non-German-speaking locations – are In addition to trade exhibitions, Meusburger also participates were about 80 exhibitions, as well as numerous congress- ics such as the potential for cost sav- from the industry, a suitable entertain- already being planned for the spring of in technology events, conferences and in-house exhibitions. es, in-house exhibitions and conferences. ings through standardisation, trends in ment programme and a visit of the works 2013. The many visitors, valuable discussions and new contacts plastics production and processing, and – to see what happens behind the scenes prove time and again that participation in trade exhibitions : What matters most when maximising added value through opti- at Meusburger. Dates will be published soon; to find out is worth the effort. Therefore the calendar for 2013 is again organising such an event? mised production processes. In addi- and for more pictures visit choc-a-bloc with exhibition dates. Jennifer: I try not to get stressed. To keep tion, participants were informed of the “The gathering was well organised, the www.meusburger.com on top of things you need good planning. benefits of CAD/CAM in design and programme interesting and the subjects Pay us a visit! We are looking forward to meeting you. It is important not to forget small things production. well chosen. The works visit was par- Order your exhibition ticket now – free of charge! Simply go and especially deadlines. There were over 30 lectures by specialist ticularly impressive as it provided an to www.meusburger.com, register or log in, and request your ticket. speakers during these nine events, which insight into the size and structure of the Jennifer Rögle : How often do you personally attend exhibitions? Sabrina: About four to five exhibitions per year.

: When you go to an exhibition, is there time for a stroll through the town? Jennifer: Unfortunately not. During the day you are needed at the stand and in the evening we usually have a meal together at the hotel.

: How do you recharge your batteries during stressful preparations? Sabrina: I relax best when I do sports and when I am out with family or friends.

Popular with visitors: The Meusburger exhibition stand at the Wfb in Relaxing with colleagues at the end of the day. Over 700 interested industry professionals accepted the invitation to the 2012 user meetings. Augsburg (Germany) in June 2012.

20 10th issue, October 2012 21 Company Close to the customer Sales office in Istanbul (TR)

Since the autumn of 2011, Meusburger market with a high growth potential. has been represented in the Turkish Now that the company is represented metropolis Istanbul with a sales office on the ground, customers can benefit in order to be able to provide its even more. local customers with personal contact and an even better service. At this Outstanding service and extremely stage, the local team includes two field short delivery times sales representatives and one in-house Meusburger’s comprehensive service sales person. and the short delivery times have quickly made the round in the industry. A visit to Meusburger “On 15 November 2011 we had the It goes without saying that Meusburger first customer order delivered. Since had a stand at the Mould Eurasia exhibi- Meusburger has established a sales office in Istanbul (TR) in order to be able to provide optimum service A tour of the works gives an overview of the production then we have received regular orders tion in Bursa from 10 to 13 May 2012. to its local customers. and storage facilities with increasing volumes”, comments Many potential customers used the Guntram Meusburger, Managing Direc- opportunity to get to know the Turkish tor of Meusburger GmbH & Co KG, sales team in person at the Meusburger on the start-up phase in Istanbul. He exhibition stand and to obtain informa- For contacts please visit Meusburger customers can expect a lot: from an expertly considers Turkey to be a very important tion about new products. www.meusburger.com guided tour through the outstanding production and the largest centralised standard parts storage facility in Europe through to the view of a breathtaking panorama from the roof terrace of the office building. This year, about 170 Meusburger now in the US companies and over 600 delegates used the opportunity to gain an insight into the company. Experienced member of staff supports office in Charlotte

The visitors are always impressed by the large stock of raw In order to be able to support its Ameri- by HGV because all locations in the east the goods quickly without having trouble material and standard parts, the state-of-the-art production can customers locally, Meusburger also of the US can be reached within a day. with customs ­formalities.” facilities and the structured processes. During the visit, custom- set up a sales office in Charlotte, North ers can get a first-hand impression of the precise production A guided tour at Meusburger – a perfect opportunity for customers to get to Carolina (USA), in the spring of 2012. : This year, know the company in greater detail. “IT IS OUR AIM TO ESTABLISH and final quality control, which is another guarantee for preci- Iris Winkelbauer-Hölzl, an experienced Meusburger was re- THE MEUSBURGER BRAND IN sion and correct dimensions. In addition, customers have the member of staff, supports the initial presented at the NPE THE US MARKET AND POSITION chance to meet their in-house sales contact in person. stages of setting up the office with in Orlando – the largest OURSELVES­ CLEARLY AS her expert knowledge and experience plastics industry exhibi- S­UPPLIER OF HIGH-QUALITY Over 130 customer visits during Fakuma 2011 from six years in in-house sales at tion worldwide – and at Pupils pay Meusburger a visit METRIC ­STANDARD PARTS.“ During the Fakuma exhibition in Friedrichshafen, Meusburger, Meusburger. A report from her before the Amerimold in Novi. Iris Winkelbauer-Hölzl, in-house sales twice a day, offers its business partners the opportunity of visit- Part of Meusburger’s policy for attracting young recruits her big step across the ocean: What has been achieved ing the company in Wolfurt. As the distance is short and the is the close contact to schools and other educational as a result of taking part transport connection good, many people take this opportunity institutions. For this reason, Meusburger is host to over : What does Meusburger in these exhibitions? For contacts please visit to round off their visit to the exhibition. 500 pupils from about 25 schools every year. When want to achieve by setting up this We were able to forge valuable con- www.meusburger.com they take a tour of the works they are given detailed sales office? tacts and generate a lively interest in Many guests combine their visit with a short holiday in Vorar- information about the company, its history and the We have already been supplying cus- ­Meusburger. Visitors were particularly lberg with its many and varied tourist attractions. There is product range. tomers in the US. Customers can now excited about our change moulds. something to suit every taste – from skiing and hiking to a visit reach us better locally, there is no longer to the Bregenz Festival, or just some time off to re-energise. “The important contact to future employers is cultivated a time delay. We are now in a position to : What else has been with excursions, teaching outings and cooperation on provide an optimum service. planned? We are happy to help you organise your stay with us. projects and dissertations. The instructive tour through Robert Butcher, who has introduced If you are interested in a guided tour of our facility, please the Meusburger facility in Wolfurt was very interesting for : Why Charlotte, North Meusburger in the US and has been work- contact: us. We were particularly impressed with the high level of ­Carolina? ing in the field as a freelancer for a year, [email protected] automation, the depth of production, the large storage We chose Charlotte because it is cen- will continue to look after customers and facility for steel and standard parts, and the resulting short trally located near the eastern coast. It drive the acquisition of new customers. delivery times. Many thanks for your kind hospitality.” boasts an international airport with very The recruitment of a further field service Prof. DI Josef Staflinger, Head of Workshops at HTL good connections to and from Europe employee has already been planned. We Vöcklabruck and is not far from one the largest sea want to ensure that, just as in Europe, the From left to right: Andreas Vogel (Business ports in the US (Charleston). In addition, ordering process is fast and easy for cus- Development Manager), Iris Winkelbauer-Hölzl (in-house sales), Robert Butcher (field sales) at the it is an ideal starting point for deliveries tomers. And of course that they receive NPE in Orlando (USA).

22 10th issue, October 2012 23 Service

Meusburger field service for Bulgaria, Croatia, Holland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and in-house sales for China and the US.

Meusburger’s field sales force is divided into five sales regions. Regular training events are organised for field staff to be comprehensively familiarised with new products in mould and punching tool mak- Personal advice in the field ing, cutting tools, consumables and erosion acces- sories. The training programme is rounded off with Meusburger’s field service practical application training and a CD catalogue workshop in order to ensure that staff can continue to give customers first-class advice.

Meusburger field service for China, Denmark, Great Britain, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Serbia, Spain, Turkey, USA and the head of our branch in Meusburger has a total of 86 field sales representatives in knowledge of the subject matter was further deepened and China. 33 countries who look after customers in the field. They applied in simulated customer dialogues. communicate with customers in the local language and live directly in their respective sales area. In close cooperation In addition to the annual field service seminars at the company with the in-house sales department at Vorarlberg they offer headquarters in Wolfurt, two regional training events are held outstanding service and swift and competent support. every year. This means that all field sales staff take part in at least three training events per year and are therefore very They are not only in charge of customer well prepared for looking after their care and maintaining contacts but also customers competently and with of providing technical advice and new “WHAT I LIKE ABOUT MEUSBURGER IS confidence. customer acquisition. New products are THAT THE COMPANY CONTINUES TO presented to customers immediately INVEST IN MACHINES AS WELL AS IN Taking part in trade exhibitions after their launch so that they can benefit ADDITIONAL STAFF. THIS IS IT WHAT THE It goes without saying that field staff from their advantages in their business FAMILY-OWNED COMPANY STANDS FOR take part in all regional and inter- straightaway. AND ENSURES THAT CUSTOMERS ARE national trade exhibitions where COMPREHENSIVELY LOOKED AFTER.” Meusburger maintains a presence.

Regular training takes place as a matter Armin Chiesola, Head of Regional Sales Sales staff establish contact with Meusburger field service for Germany. Meusburger field service for France and Italy. of course customers. This ensures that the All of Meusburger’s field staff have sales Meusburger stand becomes the experience and are technically competent. Training in the field meeting point for professionals from all areas of the tool and of metal working is a prerequisite when applying for a position mould making industry. with Meusburger. Regular training ensures that this compe- tence is continually expanded and refined, also regarding new Over 10,000 prestigious customers products and product fields such as punching tool making. The importance of sales for the company, and its con- tribution to achieving the leading position in the market is For example, during the field service seminars in the early borne out by the increasing turnover and constantly growing ­summer of 2012 at the company headquarters in Wolfurt, list of customers. Currently Meusburger looks after over 10,000 training events took place on the subjects of cutting tools, well-known customers. Long-term customers have been rely- consumables and erosion accessories. These were attended by ing on ­Meusburger and the high quality of its products for all of Meusburger’s field sales force. Following these sessions, over 20 years.

24 Meusburger field service for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Service

Some of Meusburger’s sales staff operate four or more lan- More customers guages at a high level and thereby reflect the Trans-European “Meusburger’s standard mould storage facility, which is the principle in an impressive way. Seven highly experienced largest in Europe, has helped to massively improve the com- members of staff with excellent language skills are available pany’s performance in recent years. That Meusburger is on the for customers in France and Italy. This ensures that customers right path is borne out by the fact that the number of custom- can always count on a contact in the company who speaks ers and turnover is increasing”, says René Dobler, Head of their language. In-house Customer Service. Ordered today - delivered tomor- row: In Central Europe, orders Meusburger’s service policy received before midday will be One of our strengths lies in finding the best-possible solution dispatched on the same day. Due in urgent situations. If necessary, the respective staff member to our long-term cooperation will also try to find a non-standard solution; for Meusburger the with competent logistics partners customers’ needs have top priority. All sales staff will always try it is often possible that standard to respond to each incoming enquiry quickly and competently. moulds are delivered to the cus- Information tomer on the next day. Friendly and swift processing. In the autumn of 2011, the telephone manner of the sales staff Perfect service does not stop for holidays was tested by an independent external telephone marketing Our in-house sales team is happy to take your orders dur- company. This confirmed an excellent result for Meusburger’s ing the Christmas period (except 24 and 31 December); in-house sales: Calls are answered exceptionally quickly, and the opening hours are Monday to Friday 07.30 to 17.00 the response to customer enquiries is above average in terms hours. Likewise, Meusburger will not close for the holiday Competent service in every respect of competence, friendlyness and speed. All callers will directly period in the summer months. receive personal attention. Even on most public holidays a specially established in- Friendly and prompt processing in many languages house standby service is available to provide a personal response to customer calls.

When people at Meusburger talk for almost 30 years, the number of sales Likewise, the Telephone Marketing For detailed information please visit about sales they don’t only mean the staff, both in-house and in the field, is department makes an invaluable con- www.meusburger.com almost 90 field staff who keep up the continually being increased. One reason tribution in terms of managing custom- daily contact with the now over 10,000 for this is that the number of customers er accounts. This department has five customers worldwide, but also refer keeps growing and the other reason is employees who support Sales by keeping to the 67 in-house sales staff who, that Meusburger endeavours to improve personal contact with customers and also together with the field sales force, its management of customer accounts. carry out important tasks by managing perform a number of sales duties. customer data. This growth A total of 49 in-house sales staff handle dynamic is partic- “The fact that the number We speak your more than 1,000 conversations with cus- ularly apparent in of customers and turnover language tomers each day. Organisationally, the the department is increasing shows clearly For a long time in-house sales service is divided into five NORM-FREMD that Meusburger is on the now, Meusburger right path” departments. 20 NORM-DACH staff are which now has 25 has insisted on

responsible for looking after the mar- members of staff René Dobler, Manager of In-House Customer Service having in-house kets Germany, Austria and Switzerland. who cover all native speakers Despite the fact that Meusburger has foreign language to deal with the been actively selling in these markets markets in Europe. But Meusburger’s business in and enquiries from foreign- activities extend far beyond Europe: with language markets. It started with the its sales offices in Turkey, China and the French market 20 years ago and now has United States, Meusburger is determined proven to be successful in all European to gain a foothold in these important markets. In Eastern Europe this trend is markets as well. particularly dynamic. The company has succeeded, within a short space of time, An important part of in-house sales is the to manage all customer accounts in East- Processing department. This is where ern Europe with native speakers. Wheth- very experienced and technically highly er you phone from the Czech Repub- Portraits (from left to right): NORM-DACH in-house customer service: Emine Kurtulus; NORM-FREMD: Tommaso Gruosso, Isadora Amann, Barbara Capri, Gabriele trained staff deal with “customer-specific lic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Huber, Klara Buryskova, Radmila Lakic, Jana Renggli, Martina Steiger-Ravnik, Sabine Violand; Processing: Klaus Stadelmann; Administration: Anita Albrecht, Sabine Sturn, Sigrid Schwerzler; Telephone Marketing: Susann Lorenz, Evelyn von Gunten. Photo: In-house customer service NORM-DACH: 1st row, from left to right: Helmut special processing”. The Administration Romania, Bulgaria or Serbia – there is Natter, Kerstin Bentele, Claudia Willi, Beate Wuggenig, Stephanie Kitzberger, Madeleine Kitzberger, Magdalena Feßler, Andreas Hammerer, Nicole Raid; 2nd row, department, which includes six members somebody at Meusburger who speaks from left to right: Tobias Fuchs, Martin Baur, Irene Bechter, Tanja Peter, Melissa Endres, Ramona Schwinger, Daniela Nußbaumer, Sabrina Schmitt, René Schedler; of staff, performs many important tasks, your language! Customers in Western NORM-FREMD: 3rd row, from left to right: Paolo Vignati, Cosmina Chirchner, Sandra Flatschacher, Brigitte Poggioli, Fátima Almeida, Siyka Sönkens, Iveta Garajova, Marzanna Kontny, Iwona Heller, Nicola Pibal; 4th row, from left to right: Primož Železnik, Irene Kurz, Sylvia Uccellieri-Hirtz, Marika Kröll-Kooijman, Maria Cs. Tothné- At Meusburger competent and friendly service is a such as recording orders, invoicing, dis- Europe too can count on speaking to Palkó, Natascha Ölz, Doris Violand, Rebecca Cottey, Károly Nyulas, Christian Fischer; 5th row, from left to right: Processing: Anton Kruijen, Christian Feurle, Otmar matter of course. patch of catalogues etc. somebody who speaks their language. Meusburger, Dietmar Selter, Erhard Korunka; Administration: Sandra Eberle, Nicole Ratt, Ramona Aelzenberger, Martina Preuß; Telephone Marketing: Christine Moser, Bernadette Kaufmann, Manuela Mennel; Manager of In-House Customer Service: René Dobler

26 10th issue, October 2012 27 Customer reports Success for both partners Over 1,000 customers Mutual support means a win-win situation in the punching tool sector are relying on Meusburger Stanzwerkzeugbau 2013 CD-Katalog Online-Katalog

Mit einer erneuten Produkterweiterung reagieren wir auf Ihre Wünsche und Anregungen. Wir als System- Stanzwerkzeugbaulieferant bieten2013 Ihnen damit eine noch größere Auswahl an In 2008, Meusburger made the strategic decision to deve­ sofort ab Lager lieferbaren Produkten. Wir standardisierenWettbe - mit Erfolg – nutzen auch Sie den entscheidenden CD-Katalog werbsvorteil für den Werkzeugbau. Online-Katalog erneuten Produkterweiterung reagieren wir Mit einer auf Ihre Wünsche und Anregungen. Wir als System- Wettbe- lop innovative products for punching tool construction lieferant bieten Ihnen damit eine noch größere Auswahl an sofort ab Lager lieferbaren Produkten. Wir standardisieren mit Erfolg – nutzen auch Sie denMeusburger entscheidenden Georg GmbH & Co KG | Formaufbauten | Kesselstr. 42 | A-6960 Wolfurt and thereby covering the entire tool and mould making werbsvorteil für den Werkzeugbau.T 00 43 (0) 55 74 / 67 06-0 | F -11 | [email protected] | www.meusburger.com

Meusburger Georg GmbH & Co KG | Formaufbauten | Kesselstr. 42 | A-6960 Wolfurt industry with its reliable supplies. The primary aim was Normgestelle jetzt in AluminiumT 00 43 (0) 553.4365 74 / 67 06-0 | (ENF -11 | [email protected] 7075) | www.meusburger.com

to offer customers numerous advantages by introducing a Normgestelle jetzt in Aluminium 3.4365 (EN 7075) » Die bewährten SV – Standardgestelle und SP – Präzisionsgestelle jetzt auch in hochfestem Aluminium lieferbar

» Ideal zur Reduzierung der Massenträgheit im Stanzprozess

» Einfaches und kraftsparendes Handling bei der Wartung higher degree of standardisation for their punching tools. von Stanzwerkzeugen

» Die bewährten SV – Standardgestelle und SP – Präzisionsgestelle jetzt auch in hochfestem Aluminium lieferbar

» Ideal zur Reduzierung der Massenträgheit im Stanzprozess Facts » Einfaches und kraftsparendesFedervorspanneinheit Handling bei der Wartung E 1566 und Distanzeinheit E 1568 von Stanzwerkzeugen After a development phase during which customer require- Federvorspanneinheit E 1566 und Distanzeinheit E 1568 » Federvorspannheit E 1566 zur komfortablen Vorspannung von Systemdruckfedern Bittner Werkzeugbau GmbH ments were the main focus, Meusburger celebrated the » Anwendbar für alle 6 Belastungsklassen der Meusburger Systemdruckfedern

» Distanzeinheit E 1568 zur einfachen Montage von Werkzeugoberteilen D » Federvorspannheit E 1566 zur komfortablen Dörfles-Esbach (D) extremely successful market launch on the occasion of Vorspannung von Systemdruckfedern » Anwendbar für alle 6 Belastungsklassen der Meusburger 16.08.2012 13:09:39 Systemdruckfedern D » Distanzeinheit E 1568 zur einfachen Montage von WerkzeugoberteilenSonderbeilage_Stanzwekzeugflyer_D.indd 1 Euroblech 2010. By now, more than 1,000 customers rely 16.08.2012 13:09:39

Established: 1980 on the excellent and highly competent service provided by Sonderbeilage_Stanzwekzeugflyer_D.indd 1 No. of employees: 24 Meusburger in the production of standard punching parts. Customers: automotive, utility services, electrical and com­ : What are the company’s Customers love the Meusburger quality and short delivery Meusburger is continuing with its product development pressor technology, solar energy, success factors? times. In view of the excellent success, the 2012 product programme. Further new and innovative products will be mechanical and plant engineering We are a family-owned enterprise, which portfolio was extended to 30,000 articles for punching presented at Euroblech 2012. Customers benefit from for our customers means long-term reli- tool construction. standardisation – the essential competitive edge in punch- www.bittner-werkzeugbau.de ability, flexibility and a quick response. ing tool construction. Our technical abilities are particularly New articles added to the product range include additional helpful when it comes to complicated die set sizes, hardened blocks for eroding and support ele- For more information visit : Mr Bertges, can you please tools or punching large series, but also ments for punching tool construction. www.meusburger.com introduce your company to us. for small and medium-sized batches. Thorsten Schmidt (field service, Meusburger), Bittner Werkzeugbau GmbH was found- Most of our designs are carried out in- Dr. Florian Bertges (Managing Director, Bittner), ed as a three-man operation in 1980. house but when capacity is tight we also Gerhard Krammel (Product Developer, Meusburger) Now we have 24 employees working in use external designers, for example the the toolmaking and punching shop. company EasyMold GmbH in Waldsas- to the customer. The trend is towards sen. high-strength materials which require a : What is the company’s core punching process. This means that the competence? : How do you select your tool requirements are quite complex. Our strengths are tool design and tool- suppliers? Starting from the design through to the making, matching tools and the produc- As far as suppliers are concerned we standard parts used they have to comply tion of serial parts. Bittner components have a policy of establishing long-term with top quality requirements regarding are primarily sold to the automotive relationships. In those situations the stability under load. industry; they are used in many – mostly cooperation is based on trust and that is German – types of vehicles. beneficial for both sides. : What is Meusburger’s con- tribution in this process? Departments work together during product development Visitors flock to the stand at the Stanztec 2012 exhibition in Pforzheim (D) : Regarding your products The standardised and modular die sets - what do your customers appreciate help us to complete tool constructions about them? very quickly. The modules inside the tool In spite of our modest size we are a contribute to easier repair, faster servic- certified company and meet top quality ing and adaptation of the tools. We use requirements. In the automotive field we the Meusburger CD catalogue to check are approved as an A series supplier for for and use available standard parts dur- vehicle components that are safety-rele- ing the design. This means that we vant and require documentation. In other can concentrate on the most important words crash-relevant parts for which we aspects, i.e. the inside of the modules. have to provide evidence of when and We also appreciate the fast delivery of of which material they were manufac- these standard parts. tured and when they were supplied

Gathering of punching tool makers at Meusburger in Wolfurt (A) Meusburger stand at the 4th Punching Technology Conference 2012 in Dortmund (D)

28 29 Customer reports

“Long-term mutual cooperation between customers and suppliers makes it possible to produce competitive and innovative products and services”, is Pöppelmann’s philosophy. Facts

Albert Polenz GmbH & Co. KG Döbeln (D)

Established: 1900 1992 reprivatised A leader in plastics processing An expert mould maker Turnover: EUR 3 million Workforce: 33 + 3 trainees Top quality supplied by Pöppelmann GmbH & Co. KG Polenz relies on Meusburger Tools made per annum: 50 Customers: Automotive, medical

Established in 1949, Pöppelmann is today one of the lead- Meusburger – a reliable partner Since its formation in 1900, Albert Its key to success – www.polenz-doebeln.de ing manufacturers in the plastics processing industry; the The reasons why the company chose Meusburger as its sup- Polenz GmbH & Co. KG has acquired qualified members of staff company operates from five production facilities, has 450 plier are the extensive capacity to supply from stock, punctual a deep pool of experience, particularly The company now has 33 members injection moulding machines, deep drawing plants and deliveries, the high quality of the standard parts and the good in the field of cutting and bending of staff who are very experienced and extruders and employs about 1,600 members of staff. The account management and project advice. The two partners tools. Today, the company is one of the extremely skilled in all areas of tool group of companies supplies customers in over 70 coun- have been cooperating since 2005. ten longest-established mould makers and mould making. In response to a tries. Meusburger is an important partner for them. in Germany. customer enquiry they produce an initial concept, the design and finally the fin- In addition to its headquarters in Lohne, the corporation Facts As plastics began to be developed, the ished product. has facilities in France, the USA, the Czech Republic, Spain, company started to produce tools for Denmark and Great Britain, and today is structured into four Pöppelmann GmbH & Co. KG, Lohne (D) thermosetting plastics and later plas- The company uses state-of-the-art business divisions: tomers in 1928. Its production includes machines for milling and erosion pro- Locations: 5 production facilities tools for mould making up to a size of cesses as well as others needed for Albert Polenz GmbH & Co. KG in Döbeln »  KAPSTO®: Development and production of plastic protec- Formation: 1949 1,000 mm x 1,400 mm (5,000 kg). tool and mould making. The partners tion elements Workforce: 1,600 of Albert Polenz GmbH & Co. KG, such »  K-TECH®: Development and production of high-precision Plastic processing machines: 450 as Pöppelmann GmbH & Co. KG in technical injection moulding parts ­Lohne, appreciate the company’s preci- »  FAMAC®: Development and production of technical parts www.poeppelmann.com sion, quality, reliability and innovation. and packaging for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as well as for medical technology Successful cooperation »  TEKU®: European market leader for flower pots and seed- for 20 years ling trays for market gardening The cooperation with Meusburger has been going since 1992. “Our excel- Polenz employs 4 designers Top precision in its own tool production lent cooperation is based on the highly A significant advantage for customers is the fact that projects consistent quality, ability to deliver and can be turned round very quickly as the company has its punctual deliveries, as well as the excel- own toolmaking facility. In this way, Pöppelmann ensures fast lent service provided by Meusburger’s response and a high degree of flexibility in tool modifications in-house and field sales staff”, says and repairs and the production of new tools. Andreas Voigt, Managing Director of Albert Polenz GmbH & Co. KG. The company has two distinct new tool construction divisions: one focuses on stack moulds for thin-walled articles, the other on modular tools for technical injection mould parts with up to 64 cavities. Pöppelmann has its own tool making facility with over 100 highly qualified mould Tool making to high precision standards makers and designers.

30 10th issue, October 2012 31 KundenCustomer berichten reports

Facts

Schwan Cosmetics Kunststofftechnik GmbH & Co KG Weißenburg (D)

Formation: 2009 Workforce: approx. 100 Tools made per annum: 25 Customers: Cosmetics industry

www.schwancosmetics.com

State-of-the-art machines Meusburger as long-term partner The Häupler team accepts any challenge Exacting requirements of Schwan Cosmetics Plastics Technology

Providing solutions to tasks and offer- In order to avoid capacity bottlenecks Schwan Cosmetics Kunststofftechnik moulding tools with a long service life. ing customers something special – that and benefit from external technologies, GmbH & Co. KG with its workforce of As partner of a worlwide active company, is the philosophy of Konrad Häupler Häupler also cooperates with external about 100 is a subsidiary of the inter- Schwan produces high-quality injection Werkzeug- & Formenbau, which dates partners. One of these partner compa- national Schwan – Stabilo Cosmetics­ moulding tools in single and multiple back to 1938. The tool and mould nies is Meusburger. The close and very GmbH & Co. KG and has been a component technology. The precisely maker offers injection moulding tools, successful cooperation between the two Meusburger customer for many years. manufactured parts involve a number punching tools as well as devices and companies has been in operation for The company works to order and pro- of different manufacturing technologies non-standard productions, in designs more than ten years. Häupler appreci- duces injection moulding components and guarantee top quality and reliability, ranging from simple to highly com- ates Meusburger’s high-quality standard for the cosmetics production of well plex, both for the production of indi- parts and relies on the prompt deliveries. known international cosmetics com- “The high quality of our vidual parts and small series. panies. products forces us to apply equally high standards in the The company is located at Nuremberg, At Weißenburg in Bavaria a new produc- selection of our suppliers.” works with state-of-the-art equipment tion facility was commissioned at the and employs about 30 members of staff. Facts beginning of 2009. In recent years, the Günter Lurz, Managing Director Schwan Cosmetics Kunststofftechnik It is therefore well placed to fulfil cus- company has developed into a compe- tomer requirements on time and in top Häupler Konrad Werkzeug- & tence centre for injection moulding of

The design and manufacture of injection mould- quality. Its central position and optimum Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG highly precise plastic components. also for the most difficult geometries. ing and punching tools is one of the strengths of logistics arrangements guarantees fast Nuremberg (D) The company produces both one-off Häupler. and prompt delivery. Formation: 1938 The production facility also includes a tools for sample production and tools for Turnover: about EUR 3 million capable mould making arm, a colour series of up to 64. Customers appreciate high quality and Workforce: 30 laboratory for plastics and a process on-time deliveries Tools made per annum: 30 technology group which provides world- Many years of good cooperation The strength of the company lies in the Customers: Electrical engineering wide services for the Schwan-STABILO Quality, flexibility and reliability – these design and manufacture of high-preci- for industrial and automotive appli­ group. are characteristics Schwan Cosmetics­ sion injection moulding and punching cations, automotive components, Kunststofftechnik appreciates in its tools for complicated parts as well as the medical technology, telecommunica­ Strict requirements regarding homo- co­operation with Meusburger; these are design and production of non-standard tions, writing utensils, cosmetics geneity and precision also the reasons why the company con- solutions for specific customer require- The mould making department of tinues to favour Meusburger with its Schwan Cosmetics produces injection moulding www.haeupler.de components for the cosmetics production of well The company is a reliable supplier of tools for indi- ments. Schwan Cosmetics Kunststofftechnik is custom. known international cosmetics companies. vidual parts and small series. specialised in high-precision injection

32 10th issue, October 2012 33 Customer reports » Extensive range of high-performance lubricants for all applications

» Cleaning agents for cleaning your tools fast and effectively

» Preservers for reliable corrosion protection

Consumables

» High-quality milling cutters, drills, threading tools and reamers

» Range of cutting tools especially adapted to your requirements

» Now available from stock A report from Manchester (GB) Kavia Tooling – successful with the H 1000 clamping system Cutting tools

Kavia Tooling Ltd. from Manchester which can occur through incorrect align- » Numerous versions of high-quality connector housings (GB) has been using Meusburger’s ment. In addition, it is possible to simpli- Information H 1000 clamping system for years. The fy programming because the machine’s » Numerous combination options for fast and easy tool installation company is specialised in the manufac- zero position always remains the same. The solution is simple and efficient ture of injection moulding tools and The H 1000 clamping system makes » Prefabricated cable housings made of die-cast aluminium, manages a wide range of customer Chris Cole continues with his explana- it possible to clamp steel plates with temperature resistant up to 130° C accounts in the industry. tion: “The H 1000 system optimises all repeat precision in the µ range. How machining processes and increases our it works is quickly explained: The Electrical connectors and housings With the help of Meusburger’s high- productivity with each order due to the plates are set using the guiding bores quality standard moulds and the H 1000 time we save in setting up the machines. of the H 1000 and thereby positioned clamping systems the company was able If needed, we can transport every job and aligned in the middle. There is to significantly increase its productivity. directly from the milling process to the no longer a need for regularly align- » Electrode blanks in copper and graphite electric discharge machining station. ing the plates, so the machinist’s A total of eleven H 1000 clamping This is a competitive market and the work is easier and the process is more » Numerous dimensions for the most widely sold clamping systems H 1000 plates help us to remain competi- efficient. When clamping standard system (EROWA clamping system) Managing Director Chris Cole explains: tive in this sector. F parts with expanding rings the “It is about ten years ago that we intro- interfering contour is reduced to the » Head electrodes and square-cut bars made of high-quality duced Meusburger moulding equipment contours of the workpiece. That sig- EDM graphite in various grain sizes and plates as standard. We use a total of nificantly simplifies the programming Erosion accessories eleven H 1000 clamping systems for the of the work and minimises the risk of processing of our cavities. The five Hurco a collision. The entire surface of the CNC vertical machining centres in our split line faces of the cavity plates is workshop, which work with speeds of up accessible for processing. » For repair and installation work on die casting, injection moulding to 15,000 rpm, are each fitted with two Facts plates and we use one on the die sinking Quick modifications are possible and punching tools EDM machine.” Kavia Tooling Ltd. The H 1000 clamping system is used Todmorden, Lancashire (GB) to clamp the plate quickly and then » Unrestricted mobility of both mould halves without any need to With the help of the H 1000 clamping rework can be carried out. Mark- exert force 2006 system it is possible to clamp cavity Formation: ing the reference side is superflu- Workforce: 8 plates measuring from 96 x 96 mm up ous because all plates are always » Rugged construction with high load carrying capacity Tools made per annum: 100 to 596 x 796 mm. The plates are aligned aligned and clamped using the guid- Customers: Electronics, electrical » Safety and protection for personnel and tools and clamped where it is important for the ing bores. and medical technology, packaging, Air-cushioned assembly table tool - i.e. in the guiding bores. This saves household products, automotive time and the machinist can be sure that For more information visit: products the cavity plates are clamped with repeat www.meusburger.com/H1000 accuracy and are correctly machined. www.kaviatooling.com This makes it possible to avoid errors,

Order now from Meusburger Georg GmbH & Co KG | Standard moulds | Kesselstr. 42 | A-6960 Wolfurt online catalogue T 00 43 (0) 55 74 / 67 06-0 | F -11 | [email protected] | www.meusburger.com 34 our Customer reports CD catalogue Ordering made easy Online catalogue Always up to date with digital media

Four times a year, customers receive free updates of the Ordering made easy Meusburger CD catalogue to introduce new products and with the Meusburger CD and online catalogue functions. The automatic update function ensures that users always have the latest software and do not miss out » CAD export of all 58,000 catalogue articles on new products. Customers can also refer to the online catalogue, which is always up » Fully automatic calculation of ancilla- to date. ries

Regular updates » Standard mould wizard With the latest updates, numerous new important features offering » Parts list import using Facts many advantages to customers Microsoft Excel were included: » Lercher Werkzeugbau GmbH Shopping basket with price » Another standard mould wiz- display Klaus (A) ard helps to make sliding core moulds in a fast and easy way, » Established: 1979 Convenient full-text search Workforce: 70 similar to the process used in » Capacity: standard moulds. Automatic update function (tools per annum): approx. 52 » With all wizards, marked plates Customers: Automotive, medical, are highlighted in the visualisation, renewable energy, Technically sophisticated which helps with identification and … and all that in 16 languages sports articles, textiles, allocation. fittings, light fittings Precision tools made by Lercher » It is also now possible to calculate ready- www.lercher.at drilled thermal insulation boards and NF inserts automatically, as with other inserts. Since 1979, Lercher Werkzeugbau : What is the effect of » A new confirmation prompt ensures that an order is not sent Install now and benefit GmbH is one of the leading companies ­Meusburger’s standardised products twice by mistake. in tool and mould making with plas- on your entire process chain? » In addition, it is now possible to edit the number of items from the numerous tic injection moulding. The company We primarily use the standard parts and directly in the shopping basket. advantages produces precision tools for plastic P-plates. The reliably short delivery times injection moulded parts for customers make it possible for us to make savings in a wide range of industries working from start to finish of the work and thus from CAD design through to in-house to keep the costs down as far as pos- production of the plastic parts on its sible. The Meusburger CD and online catalogue speaks your own injection moulding machines. ­language. : You use Meusburger’s slid- Two more European languages, Dutch and Bulgarian, have “Only highly qualified staff with an interest in their : Mr Lercher, what are your ing core moulds. What are the advan- field of work can guarantee a healthy and sustainable been added to the 14 existing catalogue languages, i.e. Ger- development of our company”, explains Dominik requirements for standard moulds and tages for you? man, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Lercher. what is the average service life of a Sliding core moulds that are fully func- Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Slovenian, Russian, Turkish and mould? tional reduce the throughput time. With Chinese. The tools we produce are mostly for prototype tools especially it is important technically demanding parts for high- to produce a tool fast and with low costs. tech mass production. Furthermore, We fully rely on our partnership with these injection moulding tools may be Meusburger, which has existed for over used for up to 20 years. That means that 30 years. For this reason and because of they are exposed to very high wear. In the good price/performance ratio and order to be able to guarantee the pro­ the outstanding quality we purchase our duct’s long service life we have to choose fully finished sliding core moulds from the best possible materials. Meusburger. Meusburger’s automatic update function of the CD catalogue ensures that users Lercher continues to invest in the training of its Order now from our online catalogue always have the latest software and do not miss out on new products. skilled workforce and in modern facilities. www.meusburger.com

36 10th issue, October 2012 37 Customer reports

“In spite of its size, Meusburger has, unlike many of its competi­ tors, retained the values of a family-owned company”

Peter Buxbaum, Managing Director, MMS

Innovative solutions for hybrid parts Meeting exacting requirements MMS obtains both components from one supplier Geiger Group relies on Meusburger

Modular Molding Systems – MMS in short – was founded New since 2012: round-table injection moulding modules Geiger Group has been enjoying an parts are fitted together during the injec- by Peter Buxbaum in 2008. Based on SBT Stanzbiege­ From this year, MMS is offering special round-table injection excellent reputation with its interna- tion moulding process. This assembly technik’s modular machine systems it is possible, with the moulding modules (RT modules). With these modules, metal tional customers as supplier of high- method saves an additional process step patented MMS injection moulding modules, to produce parts can be bent in punching and bending modules directly precision injection moulds and plastic and, above all, time and money. hybrid components made of metal and plastic in just one at the station and can also be inserted and moulded as indi- parts for sectors such as the auto- process cycle. vidual parts. motive, medical technology and elec- The market and customers have exact- trical engineering industries for over ing requirements which have to be met MMS offers customers expertise from all fields of punching Requirements for standard parts 50 years. by Geiger Group. This means that the technology, injection moulding, and assembly and welding MMS has standardised the technologies in modules and there- group also needs suppliers which can technology, all from one supplier. fore uses standard parts also for components. This ensures that As international industry partner the meet these requirements. What matters The special advantage of the MMS hybrid system is that all parts are 100% replaceable. MMS has developed a specific company develops and produces high- most is consistently high quality, compe- Example from the area of transfer injection technologies are precisely matched to work together. The standard for these tools which is made up of Meusburger precision injection moulding tools, tech- tent advice and reliability. It is now many different technologies, such as punching, bending, welding, mould plates and standard parts. Furthermore, MMS also uses nical plastic parts and high-quality com- years ago that Geiger Group found insert moulding and assembling are clearly assigned to the Meusburger standard parts and P-plates for its modules. ponents. Meusburger to be a capable partner. Facts respective modules. This means that machines can be assem- “We appreciate the vast range and high quality of bled using the required modules, providing maximum flexibil- Meusburger’s standard moulds and punching tool compo- Comprehensive services Geiger Group ity for future products. nents, as well as the friendly cooperation and competent In 1961, Geiger Group was formed in Nuremberg and Hilpoltstein (D) advice”, says Managing Director Peter Buxbaum. Nuremberg as a mould making com- Established: 1961 The special feature of the MMS pany. Today, the group covers the entire Workforce: approx. 190 injection moulding modules for process chain from design optimisation Turnover: EUR 20 million (2011) reel-to-reel moulding is the Facts to mould making and injection mould- Tools made per annum: double closing movement, ing through to component assembly and MMS Modular Molding Systems GmbH & Co KG approx. 60 new tools which means that the mate- final testing of the finished product. Customers: automotive, electronics, rial is transported through Wöllersdorf (A) medical technology, the system in one plane. 2008 Advantages of using Inmold assembly Formation: audiological 90% This increases output and Export share: In the last 50 years, Geiger Group has applications reduces the risk of parts deforming Customers: electrical/electronics industry, automotive managed to find many new solutions during transport to a minimum. for this industry. One example is the www.mms-technology.com www.geiger-gruppe.de Inmold assembly process in which two

38 10th issue, October 2012 39 Customer reports Partners Facts

Hörl Kunststofftechnik GmbH & Co. KG Laufen (D) How to produce a set of grill cutlery A project by Biedenkopf Vocational Training College Formation: 1991 Turnover: approx. EUR 15 million Workforce: 115 The product designers at Biedenkopf the design, the set, which is made of Tools made per annum: approx. 50 Vocational Training College were given dishwasher-proof PC (polycarbonate), Customers: automotive industry, tele­ the task to develop a set of plastic was named “ficelle” (French for a type communications, medical cutlery – consisting of knife, fork and of bread). technology and packaging spoon – and to design the tools for industry making it. The client was Formenbau In the next step, the students designed Krug GmbH in Breidenbach, Germany. the injection mould, based on a stand- www.hoerl.de ard mould by Meusburger. When the In this project, the five groups of students design had been completed, the data The positive upshot of this was that the set is had to work to very detailed instruc- was handed over to Formenbau Krug now produced in series and can be purchased at www.ficelle.de­ tions. The client’s requirements docu- GmbH and the material and standard Relying on FW change moulds ment specified that production costs and parts were ordered from Meusburger as cycle times had to be taken into account. sponsor for this project. Hörl Kunststofftechnik confirms efficiency It also defined the injection moulding The trainee tool makers at Formenbau process and included the applicable Krug GmbH were asked to produce the components for plug connectors in the automotive and tele­ regulations for the prevention of acci- production plan. They produced the tool communications industry. dents. But in spite of all these restricting themselves and managed the project parameters, the students were allowed through to serial production readiness, : What, in your opinion, makes a good standard to use their creativity. With the help of including the time schedule and produc- part supplier? a 3D printer it was possible to produce tion planning. Good availability, top quality and fast delivery. What matters sample models and present them to the After the first production series, the stu- most for designers is a large selection of standard parts, clear Krug jury in November 2010. It was the dents were invited to witness the injection presentation in the catalogue and the possibility of download- winning team’s sensational design that moulding process on location. Everyone ing data into a CAD system without problems. appealed most to the jury. To match was given a prototype of his invention. Hörl Kunststofftechnik GmbH & Co. KG produces high-pre- cision plastic parts for technical applications and complex : What persuaded you to opt for change moulds injection moulding tools with a high number of cavities. from Meusburger? Hörl has been relying on Meusburger since 1999, and since Because we work with tight tolerances in our products, we April 2011 the company also successfully uses Meusburger need an uncomplicated and yet highly precise and repeat- Fascinating insights FW change moulds for fast production of small series and able change-over mechanism. Due to its closed mould frame, prototypes. Hörl particularly appreciates the fast delivery Meusburger’s change mould is extremely rugged and stable. Visit at Dillinger Hütte GTS metal works and high quality of the products. The change mould is made of corrosion-resistant steel and the positioning wedges make it possible to change inserts in 25 Meusburger members of staff made The heart of production of semi-finished and finished products. : Mr. Heinl, please tell us about Hörl Kunst­ a very straightforward manner. With the Meusburger ejector the trip to Dillinger Hütte GTS in Ger- On the second day the eagerly antici- They obtained a very good overview of stofftechnik and its main focus. set coupling it is possible to change inserts in the injection many in mid-April. They were warmly pated works tour took place. The tour the steel plate production process. What As a specialist for plastics technology we offer a wide range of machine, which signifantly reduces downtimes. With the help welcomed by the local team and given went from the raw iron production at the was particularly impressive was the enor- services: from advice on component geometry to the selection of the CAD data provided, a new design can be produced very fascinating insights into the works. blast furnace to the steelworks. There mous size of the blast furnaces, continu- of the plastic material through to quickly. Another advantage is the exchangeability of all plates. the liquid raw iron passes through sev- ous casting and rolling plant. the design and in-house To start with, the visitors were given an eral steps to produce top quality steel. production of tools : What are the special features of products made overview of the company’s history. Then In the rolling mills the visitors were given All in all, it was a very interesting and with subsequent injec- by Meusburger? the range of steels for tool and mould the opportunity to watch the production informative excursion. tion moulding produc- We particularly appreciate the consistent quality of making was introduced. The company tion, from small series Meusburger’s products, which is achieved through the in-house provided information on the manufactur- through to large-series production of many products and through the use of quality ing processes and properties of mould production. We specialise steel that has been heat-treated for stress relief. Furthermore steel as well as the current market situa- in the manufacture of pre- the expert advice we receive from well qualified in-house and tion for steel plate. cision housings and plastic field staff is very helpful. The day ended with an invitation to din- ner and many interesting conversations on the day’s topics at Dillinger Hütte GTS’s guesthouse.

25 members of staff from the departments Sales, Cost Calculation, Process Planning, Telephone Marketing, Support and Purchasing were invited to Dillinger Hütte GTS.

40 10th issue, October 2012 41 Region Staff For Meusburger in China Kerstin Hämmerle enjoying life there

Since November 2011, Kerstin Hämmerle between expats. I really enjoy going out with has been seconded by Meusburger for two my international friends as well as travelling years to China where she helps to forge and doing sports. the link between the production facility at Wolfurt and the local sales office. : Your partner still lives in Vorarl- berg – how does it work out with you both : Kerstin, what is your main task being so far apart? in China? I was waiting for that question (laughs). I I support the six members of the local team recently read a beautiful saying: “Distance is with all my knowledge and experience from of no significance. Being close to each other my time in In-house customer service at is a matter of the heart.” And then there is Wolfurt. An important part of that is network- also Skype and WhatsApp. ing, i.e. finding out and making contacts and relationships between European and Chinese : What about your daily routine companies. I visit customers and also repre- in China? sent Meusburger at trade exhibitions here Daily routine? Here in China there is no in China. daily routine for me. Each day is different and brings new challenges and learning. I am Vorarlberg : What motivated you to take on often just occupied with reports and control- this task? ling tasks. On other days I may be speaking Between Lake Constance and the Alps I enjoy travelling and am interested in other with my European contacts to exchange countries and cultures. And I had always news and customer information. And then I wanted to spend some time working abroad. may spend the whole day on a guided tour of some customer’s works and try to help them In the far west of Austria, between Stuben and Klösterle on the Vorarlberg Perfect infrastructure also in winter : What do you appreciate most? with their concerns. Lake Constance and the Alps, lies the side, is legendary. The Bodensee-Vorarl­ Vorarlberg also offers excellent facilities Above all the mutual support and openness Federal State of Vorarlberg. The State berg region is ideally placed for excur- for skiers and snowboarders. Many of is well known for the stimulating com- sions to the Lake Constance area and is the skiing regions have areas located at bination of top-drawer cultural events a popular location for conferences. The 1,400 to 2,400 metres above sea level and impressive natural scenery. About Bregenzerwald is famous for its mountain where snow is guaranteed. There are two thirds of Vorarlberg is higher than cheese and the mixture of traditional and many places where one can enjoy beauti- Work and study 1,000 m above sea level. With its area modern architecture. Walkers often head ful views over the distant mountains. The of 2,600 km² it is four times the size for the Kleinwalsertal valley, which – if you ski resorts around Lech/Zürs am Arlberg An example of learning while also working of Vienna and about the same size want to go by road – can be accessed via and in the Montafon valley have attracted as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Germany only. In the south of Vorarlberg international attention. But winter sports It is often the case that further educa- within the company. The degree course in However, in the perception of Vorar- lies the Montafon valley with the State’s enthusiasts can also find excellently pre- tion cannot be embarked on unless the Business Economics at Liechtenstein Univer- lberg’s residents, the area open to highest peak, the Piz Buin (3,312 m). pared pistes, cross-country ski runs and employer provides comprehensive sup- sity is exactly right for me. them for their livelihood and leisure winter footpaths away from these centres port. ­Meusburger explains the situation activities is much larger and extends Vorarlberg’s culture – and encounter picturesque villages and citing the example of René Schedler. He : How can you combine that with into the neighbouring countries of Ger- The culturally-minded atmosphere in a warm welcome from their hosts as well. works in the In-house Sales Department keeping up your work? many, Switzerland and the Principality Vorarlberg is tangible. Numerous top and tells us about work and study: To do the studies I have to be very flexible of Liechtenstein. Lake Constance in ­cultural events prove the point time and www.vorarlberg.travel with my time. I can only manage that with particular, which is bordered by numer- again. : René, what motivated you to the support from Meusburger; the company ous interesting towns and villages, is Particularly prominent is the Bregenz Why not pay us a visit in this wonder- undertake your studies? allows me to work part-time and be flexible seen as a shared asset for everybody Festival which has been in exis- ful landscape – either in summer or in I started as a trainee at Meusburger in in my hours. to enjoy and benefit from. tence since 1946. It is not only the spec- ­winter. It is worth a journey! Wolfurt in March 2008. I finally ended up in tacular stage set design and the music that the In-house Sales department. After three : What advantages do you see in Six holiday regions impress during the Lake ­Performances: intensive working years I decided to opt a work and study qualification? Two impressive alpine valleys, Brandnertal every night Lake Constance provides a for further education. For me this was only On the one hand, the practical experience I and Klostertal, and the alpine town of very special and changeable backdrop possible in the form of studying while also have gained helps me to better understand Bludenz form the alpine region of Bludenz as the mood of the weather changes. In keeping my job. the theory. On the other hand, the theoreti-

which is particularly popular with families the last two years, Umberto Giordano’s To complete his degree course in What makes Meusburger special is the nice cal models support my understanding of the and golfers. “Using nature without dam- opera “André Chénier” was on show at Business Economics, René Schedler will working atmosphere. I did not want to forego processes in the company and economy have to do a Bachelor thesis, which he aging it” is the philosophy in the Großes the Stage on the Lake. In 2013 and 2014, hopes to focus on a subject relating to that. And I appreciate the chance to grow generally. For that reason I would strongly Walsertal biosphere park. The Arlberg The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus his work at Meusburger. with new challenges and to develop further recommend the work and study route. mountain’s reputation, with Lech, Zürs, Mozart will be performed. Breathtaking view of Lech am Arlberg (A).

42 10th issue, October 2012 43 Staff

round. All runners took part in support of the following good Feurle (running) and Roman Giesinger (cycling) did well in cause: the money raised was for Edwin Violand from Wolfurt, a achieving places 10 and 11. The spectator crowd cheered and father of two children who is wheelchair-bound as the result of applauded the competitors. an accident at work. There were 148 runners from Meusburger who together clocked up respectable 1,186 rounds. We would Bregenzerwald Run “vo Mello bis ge Schoppornou”! like to express our heartfelt thanks to all participants. For the first time in its history, the Meusburger training work- shop fielded a running team in the traditional Bregenzerwald Jannersee Triathlon in Vorarlberg Run from Mellau to Schoppernau. A total of about 1,500 run- The 19th Jannersee Triathlon took place in Lauterach, Vorar- ners reported for the event which took place on 14 July 2012. lberg on 19 August 2012. Again this competition was very The course covers 13.2 km along the beautifully maintained popular, with participants coming from inside and outside the cycle track from the Mellau village centre to Franz-Michael- region. A total of over 400 competitors from several countries Feldersaal in Schoppernau. The line-up included six appren- took part, including numerous club and corporate teams. As tices and six trainers from Meusburger. Unfortunately, one in previous years, Meusburger also took part and fielded four apprentice injured himself and had to abandon the race, but teams. Each competitor completed part of the course (400 m all others finished with sensational times and achieved second swimming, 16 km cycling or 4 km running). The overall time place in the team trial behind the Doppelmayr team. determined the winning team. After an exciting relay run, Meusburger’s men’s teams achieved places 15, 16 and 29, the We congratulate all runners on their exceptional achieve- ladies’ team place 11. In the individual placements, Christian ment.

Sports activities Vorarlberg cycling competition Meusburger staff keep on running Cycling employees are healthy employees

Lake Constance women’s run team of eleven. The fastest runner of the 7th Wolfurt ‘Hour Run’ Over 10,000 participants and nearly 6.8 million (!) cycled The 2012 running season started with team, Evi Steurer, took 23:39 minutes 1,200 runners took part in this year’s kilometres are the impressive result of this year’s cycling the women’s run in Bregenz which has for the five kilometres long distance Wolfurt ‘Hour Run’ on 24 June which was competition in Vorarlberg. Anybody who had covered at developed into a major event within a which meant that she came 14th in her watched by nearly 4,000 spectators. The least 100 km by bicycle between 24 March and 10 Sep- short space of time. The weather was age group and 104th overall. “The chal- objective of each participant was to run tember 2012 was entered into a draw for attractive prizes. great and there were about 3,500 wom- lenge appealed to me and the training as many rounds as possible within one en runners – more than ever before. was just a lot of fun”, commented the hour. There was a reward by a private or The aim of this sporty competition was to motivate Vorarlberg’s Meusburger was also part of it – with a team winner. corporate sponsor for each completed residents to use the bicycle rather than the car, especially for shorter distances. Participants had to record their cycled kilo- metres. All trips counted, whether they were journeys to work or leisure activities.

24 Meusburger employees took part in the competition. Many of them also used the bicycle for their journeys to and from work. Meusburger’s cyclists achieved an average of 1,000 kilo- Did you know that... metres. However, the emphasis was more on personal health and quality of life rather than on top sports performances. ...47 % of all car journeys in Vorarlberg are shorter than 5 km? ...the risk of being caught by rain is less than 4 %? “I have been an enthusiastic bicycle commuter for over 25 ...the bicycle is often the fastest and cheapest means of years. A bicycle is the ideal means of trans- transport in built-up areas? ...regular cycling reduces the risk port for medium distances: you can’t beat of a heart attack by 50 %? ...Cycling is one more step towards achieving national energy autonomy? it on price, it is good for your health, you are closer to nature and it’s simply fun. Even Daily cycling strengthens: the employer benefits from the better perfor- 10 min: muscles, blood circulation, joints mance of staff as well as the fact that they are 20 min: the immune system never late because they are in a traffic jam”, 30 min: the heart function muses Dietmar Selter, Processing department, 40 min: endurance who uses his bicycle for the journey to work 50 min: (fat) metabolism (46 kilometres) almost every day. 60 min: body weight, physical appearance from 60 min: well-being, stress relief

44 10th issue, October 2012 45 supported by the fans. At the “Käsknöpfle” party in the Congratulations Staff club house afterwards there was plenty of time to discuss the losers and the winners. Births Lisa, born 15.08.2011, daughter of Football matches in 2012 Christof Angerer and Conny Schuchter Meusburger’s football team made sure that the football Florina, born 29.09.2011, daughter of Guntram Meusburger and Julia Rogger season was yet again exciting. For several years now, Nora Katharina, born 21.10.2011, daughter of football teams from some nearby companies have been Kai Schöll and Sonja Wilfling meeeting for matches, which are organised by Thomas Lukas, born 12.11.2011, son of Klocker and Thomas Natter. Meusburger’s team “Vorschub Petra and Alexander Günther Meusburger” was at his best. Against the Haberkorn team Tobias, born 16.11.2011, son of they were able to secure victory with a convincing score of Norman and Simone Jussel Livia, born 15.12.2011, daughter of 5:2. In the Vorarlberg Companies Cup the team achieved Daniel and Anita Fink Georg Meusburger with his a sensational 2nd place out of 28. grandchildren Florina and Theo, born 17.01.2012, son of Marius Gerd Vögel and Marianne Schmidler-Vögel Meusburger Inside Mountainbike weekend in Liguria, 2012 Chiara & Sebastian, born 27.02.2012, twins of In June, 22 Meusburger mountainbikers started their out- Patrick Prehofer and Manuela Prehofer-Washington Events, long-serving staff, the new generation ing at the Ligurian coast. Every participant managed a total Mia, born 13.03.2012, daughter of Manuel and Sabrina Dorner of 2,850 vertical metres and about 150 kilometres in three Sarah Marie, born 16.03.2012, daughter of tours around Finale Ligure (IT). The weather was perfect Christoph Fink and Kathrin Zehentner so that the riders could enjoy the wonderful views on their Lennard, born 16.03.2012, son of Tennis Open, 2011 Christmas party, 2011 snow fall and icy winds. descents and could even relax at the beach afterwards. The Daniel Kessler and Beate Eppler Every autumn, Meusburger organises a As every year, the Christmas party Fortunately, the weather was much bet- Italian cuisine and excellent wine meant that the evenings Maximilian, born 25.04.2012, son of tennis tournament. Partners and oppo- started with a look back over the last ter at the ski race in Sibrats­gfäll which were a fitting end to the great days. Daniel and Manuela Fuchs nents in the singles and doubles are business year in a speech by Guntram attracted 54 skiers and snowboarders. Clemens, born 09.05.2012, son of Dietmar and Marina Troy drawn by lot. 16 tennis buffs and many Meusburger. Once tributes had been The first ones to cross the finishing line Summer cycling outing, 2012 Leon, born 19.05.2012, son of spectators came together at Club Rie- paid to the long-serving members were Sandra Eberle for the ladies and In June, Meusburger’s 40 km cycling outing started in Markus and Melanie Heim fensberg where Meusburger’s eldest of staff, the retirees, those that had Alexander Hammerer for the men. Paolo Wolfurt and went via Lustenau, Höchst and Gaißau to Hard Jakob, born 23.06.2012, son of retiree, Norbert Geiger, and his wife pro- completed their apprenticeship and Vignati won the snowboarder’s race. and the Fischerheim at the Schleienlöcher lakes. After a Daniel and Daniela Geiger vided hospitality through to the evening. the master candidates, the buffet was At the skiing day in Warth the weather short break, the 33-rider-strong troupe went on to the Amelie Zoé, born 27.06.2012, daughter of opened. With excellent food and well conditions for the 72 participants were Möcklebur inn where they refreshed themselves with some Markus Albrecht and Sylvia König Anna Maria, born 10.07.2012, daughter of “Preisjassen”, 2011 chosen music the evening was a great fantastic. With beautiful sunshine and hearty cold meat platter. Marcin Kupidura and Anna Jasinska “Jassen”, a popular card game in Vorarl­ success. exquisite snow conditions, everybody Tina, born 14.07.2012, daughter of berg, has many fans at Meusburger and stayed on the piste until the last possible Motorbike excursion to South Tyrol, 2012 Ewald and Marina Heidegger 136 of them took part in this year’s Winter sports, 2012 ride up the mountain. The first weekend in July was again the date when the Marie, born 09.08.2012, daughter of competition. After two rounds and a At the beginning of the year, 34 cross- Meusburger bikers came out in force. The first tour (190 Mario and Michaela Kitzmantel maximum number of 968 tricks, the three country fans took part in air rifle and Ice hockey match, 2012 km) led via Bregenzerwald, the Lechtal valley, the Ötztal Johanna, born 13.08.2012, daughter of Christian and Elisabeth Kempf winners Manuel Dorner, Fredi Wagner coordination exercises led by two 23 Meusburger employees came togeth- valley and the Timmelsjoch to Leifers. On the second day, Dennis Philipp, born 15.08.2012, son of and Friedl Staudacher were able to claim biathlon trainers at the Nordic sports er for an ice hockey match at the Alber- the 230 km-long tour led up and down, over about ten Cleidir and Etiene Maria Krack their prize hampers. park in Sulzberg. They braved extreme schwende ice rink. They were noisily picturesque passes in the Dolomites. Ida, born 27.08.2012, daughter of Marcus Türk and Wiebke Wesemann Delila, born 29.08.2012, daughter of Miroslav and Marija Radosavljevic

Weddings Andreas Sutter and Elvira Oswald, March 2012 Ewald and Marina Heidegger, March 2012 Mario Amann and Sabine Bereuter, April 2012 Christian Ludwig and Mirijam Rinn, May 2012 Jana Kasparova and Mark Renggli, June 2012 Gilles Rueff and Charlotte Pescheux, June 2012 Benjamin Nagel and Sandra Mattle, July 2012

Length of service celebrations 08/2011–08/2012 Reinhard Mäser, Work Preparation 40 years Peter Dorner, Milling 25 years Gerhard Lenz, Control 25 years Christoph Fink, Maintenance 10 years René Dobler, Head of In-house customer service 10 years Frank Steurer, Cutting Workshop 10 years Gertrude Krenn, Navision 10 years Hermann Muxel, Cutting Workshop 10 years Matthias Salzger, Cutting Workshop 10 years Markus Beer, Milling 10 years Andreas Muxel, Milling 10 years Thomas Heidegger, Grinding 10 years

Retirement Ernest Zapf, Field Service Walter Metzler, Control 46 10th issue, October 2012 47 Your reliable partner

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