Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 1 Kurtz Ersa Magazine For Customers and Business Partners of Kurtz Ersa Corporation 38June 2014

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Kurtz Ersa Corporation Jubilee: 235 years of living technology ...... 4

Electronics Production Equipment Ersa Reflow System wins NPI Award ...... 15

Moulding Machines Lightweight construction: Think bigger, faster, global – and act local! . . .18

Metal Components New foundry: Ideally equipped for the future ...... 22 2 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 3

Vision, Mission, Leadership Excellence

In the medium-term, the Kurtz Ersa Leadership Guidelines of the Senior management as a role model

Editorial Group is aiming for a turnover volume of Kurtz Ersa Corporation The Kurtz Ersa senior management members over € 250 million. With the investments define tasks clearly – even at the interface already made, and our ongoing Social Behaviour to other areas – and employ professional investment, we have created a solid • I actively live our values and management techniques . Similarly they basis. And our markets offer sufficient ensure that they are applied . appreciate staff acting on their own Kurtz Ersa Corporation potential. But we can only achieve this • I am humane, fair and loyal . responsibility . They know that the Kurtz Ersa 235 years of living technology growth by providing our customer with • I am open and honest . Values are best imparted by living them . With optimum service – which is why we have • I create a positive climate and clear organisational procedures and a realigned our vision, mission and promote cohesion . cooperative style of management, they For Kurtz Ersa, the outstanding feature of 2014 is the 235-year jubilee . leadership guidelines. • I respect my staff and business continue to permanently promote the Our company was established in Hasloch am Main in 1779 with the partners without distinguishing development of the group . And very im- construction of the hammer mill . The vision now simply states: between persons . portant: We celebrate successes together! Our competitive lead in technology opti- • I am sympathetic, ready to help We want to retain this industrial monument and, by adding a museum mizes our customers’ production process. and open to criticism . and a conference centre, expand our history centre . We thoroughly The central focus: the benefit to the customer . • I seek personal contact to my staff . enjoyed relocating our company archive to new premises and Our aim is to offer our industrial customers reappraising the history of the company with the chronicle entitled the best possible preconditions for realising Leadership Qualities “From the Iron Hammer Works in Hasloch to Kurtz Ersa” . We are very their business objectives with innovative and • I am reliable and consistent . grateful to the author Dr . Robert Meier for his extensive research . The technologically leading products . • I communicate openly, fact that the chronicle also deals with such delicate topics as forced professionally and promptly . labour and the Nazi period reflects our open approach to failings . The new Kurtz Ersa Mission • I set clear, prioritized goals and Mistakes were made in the past and will also be made in the future . • We produce components, systems and monitor their consistent But, by confronting our past, we learn to minimise failings in the future equipment for the optimization compliance . and ensure that under no circumstances can they recur . of manufacturing processes . • I immediately initiate corrective • We want to understand the processes measures if deviation from a set Rainer Kurtz, Chief Executive Officer of Ersa GmbH and the Kurtz But never fear! The Kurtz Ersa Team is by no means focussed solely used by our customers . goal becomes apparent . Ersa Corporation (right), Thomas Mühleck, CFO (left), and on the past . This edition of the Kurtz Ersa Magazine shows that we • We are a strongly diversified global player . • I make timely decisions, Uwe Rothaug, CTO of the Kurtz Ersa Corporation (in the middle). also take up the challenges of the present and relish the prospects • We aim for the top position in all communicate these clearly and of the future . We continue to consistently develop new products, markets we participate in . unambiguously and implement adjust our corporate culture, streamline our processes and improve • We are a family based enterprise with them targeted towards the goal . our internal communication and training system . tradition and values . • I actively involve my staff and • We include our employees in the decision those departments affected in This Kurtz Ersa Magazine also contains further contributions on making processes . the decision making process . interesting customer projects . We very much appreciate the work of • We strive for a reasonable return on and • I motivate my staff to ambitious the companies who have become involved . Thanks to the industrial increase of the equity capital . performances and support their diversity of our product portfolio, the Kurtz Ersa Magazine can offer professional and personal lots of ideas for new projects for our readers . In addition to the technological focus of the advancement . group, the new mission also contains a value- • I acknowledge the performances Our jubilee year 2014 has got off to a very good start and it looks as oriented policy guideline . In order to allow of my staff through praise and if we are set to grow significantly this year too . We would like to these values to be lived out in daily business, recognition . express our thanks to our customers, our suppliers and of course also we orient ourselves towards the management to our staff . guidelines .

Happy reading – Good luck!

Rainer Kurtz 4 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 5

Rainer Kurtz, Chief Executive Officer of the Kurtz Ersa Corporation, in an interview for the IHK-TV, the business television of TV touring. Kurtz Ersa Corporation Kurtz Ersa Corporation

In front of the manor house (from left to right): Prof. Dr. Ralf Jahn, CEO IHK Würzburg-Schwein- furt, Rainer Kurtz, Dr. Robert Meier, Dr. Andrea H. Schneider, Walter Kurtz and Bernhard Kurtz.

Looking back to the future – Kurtz Ersa Vom Haslocher Eisenhammer zu Kurtz Ersa From the Iron Hammer Works in Hasloch to Kurtz Ersa Vom Haslocher Eisenhammer zu Kurtz Ersa Kurtz Ersa Company Chronicle From the Iron Hammer Works in Hasloch to Kurtz Ersa celebrates 235 years of the Eisenhammer forge Robert Meier Robert Meier On the occasion of its 235-year jubilee, Kurtz Ersa presented a comprehensive company chronicle

Seit 235 Jahren wird mit dem Eisenhammer bei Hasloch im glühendes Metall in Form gebracht. with the title “From the Iron Hammer Works in Hasloch to Kurtz Ersa – A Glowing Business Aus einer Schmiede, die die Wasserkraft des Haselbachs nutzte, entwickelte sich ein weltweit tätiger Konzern. Die Familienunternehmer Kurtz führen diesen Konzern seit sechs Generationen. Während viele vergleichbare Eisenhämmer in der Region keinen Weg in das 21. Jahrhundert fanden, gelang Back then, hardly anyone would have as a corporatedem cultural Familienunternehmen durchproject: mutiges unternehmerisches “Together Handeln und Innovationen with stetig mit neuen Pro- History from the Spessart region” . With numerous interesting and informative articles, the dukten, in neue Geschäftsfelder und neue Märkte zu wachsen. Das Buch zeigt die Besonderheiten des Fami- lienunternehmens und der Unternehmerfamilie und stellt die Betriebsfamilie vor. Der Kurtz Ersa-Konzern wird dreamt it – what began as a simple forge our museum, inthe diesem Buch forge als ein für den global is agierenden now deutschen a Mittelstandcomponent typischer Hidden Champion sichtbar. chronicle spans the company’s history, in words and pictures, from the first steps to today . The Der Autor Robert Meier ist Historiker, Archivar und Dozent an der Universität Würzburg und publizierte bereits mehrfach zur Geschichte der Region.

on 24 March, 1779 has developed over part of the KurtzThe iron hammer Ersa nearby Hasloch historic in the Spessart region iscenter’, forming glowing metal forwith 235 years now. From a 264-page work was compiled by the historian Dr . Robert Meier; editorial responsibility was born

former smithy that had used the water-power of the Haselbach stream a globally acting company has evolved. Vom Haslocher Eisenhammer zu Kurtz Ersa Kurtz zu Eisenhammer Haslocher Vom The Kurtz family is managing the business in the sixth generation. Whereas a number of similar ironworks of the region did not make their way into the 21st century, the family- the course of 235 years to a highly- the manor houseowned enterprise as was thesuccessfully central growing into new business element, areas and markets, with thein help of brave by Dr . Andrea H . Schneider, Managing Director of the business history institute, Gesellschaft entrepreneurial action, innovation and new products. This study shows the distinctive features of a family business and a business family at the same time and it also presents the company family. In this book, Kurtz Ersa Kurtz to Hasloch in Works Hammer Iron the From Ersa Corporation is becoming a visible hidden champion that is typical for the German Mittelstand acting specialised global player. Owner- which meetingson the andglobal market. cultural events will take für Unternehmensgeschichte . “The iron hammer works in Hasloch is unique in its own way, just The author, Robert Meier, is a historian and archivist. He teaches at Würzburg University and has published Eine glühende Unternehmergeschichte aus dem Spessart managed in the sixth generation, the place,” is how severalthe books qualifiedon the history of the region. engineer Rainer A Glowing Business History from the Spessart Region like the history of the company . It is the history of a passion for glowing iron but also the history

Kurtz Ersa Group currently employs Kurtz outlines the concept behind the history of people who have worked passionately to further develop Kurtz Ersa successfully,” writes Robert Meier Robert 1,000 staff and generates a turnover of centre comprising forge, manor house and Rainer Kurtz, CEO of Kurtz Ersa, in the foreword to the company chronicle . 04.03.14 10:15 € 175 million. 235 years of Kurtz Ersa – a museum . For Kurtz Ersa it was a point of truly memorable jubilee for an industrial honour to retain the last forge in the Spessart “From the Iron Hammer Works in Hasloch to Kurtz Ersa enterprise! region – umschlagthe kurtz ersa_4.3.2014.indd newly-opened 1 Hammermuseum – A Glowing Business History from the Spessart region, 1779–2014“, impressively imparts information on the roots Klartext Verlag, Essen 2014, ISBN 978-3-8375-0982-3 “The fact that we cherish our roots today is of the company and offers exciting insights not new . The Eisenhammer forge has always into current business fields . An absolute been centre stage . Kurtz Ersa without the “must” for technology fans and for all those Eisenhammer – that would be unthinkable”, interested in industrial history! The history says CEO Rainer Kurtz on the 235-year centre in Hasloch looks back to the place existence of the forge . The official ceremony which, for many generations, was both a home at the end of March was the perfect occasion and a livelihood . At the same time, from for the company to take a look back at a long, today’s perspective, it is the place which will Cultural article “Hammerwein” turbulent history (see also “Kurtz Ersa become the centre for future generations – Company Chronicle”) – but it was more than not least through the “Smart Foundry 200” Kurtz Ersa is not only an important and attractive employer just a look . Rather the forge, the oldest Project: Only a stone’s throw away, at the in the Main- region, the company also makes a production plant in the company and still Eisenhammer site, one of the world’s most major contribution to the cultural life of the region – for active in recent years for demonstration modern hand moulding foundry will soon be example with the awarding of the “Hammerwein” title for purposes, was thoroughly inspected . With the commencing production . Well into the future select wines which this year went to a Silvaner from Würz- result that the centrepiece of the group was too, Kurtz Ersa will therefore continue to form burger Bürgerspital . completely restored and revitalised once again iron in Hasloch with blazing passion . 6 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 7

The Kurtz Ersa Group – attractive employer with a 235-year tradition TRAINING Internationally successful with a sense of social and regional responsibility . writ really LARGE!

Our staff are important to us! courses of study secure the supply of young Examples from our programme Already many companies are desperately Kurtz Ersa is an attractive employer . Due to staff for tomorrow . “Attractive Employer” looking for skilled workers. At Kurtz Ersa our international orientation and the diverse the topic of training and personnel de- Kurtz Ersa Corporation Kurtz Ersa Corporation product areas, we offer lots of variety . The health and wellbeing of our staff • Flexible part-time offers velopment has always been one of the Family-friendly flexible working time models, is close to our hearts • Flexible working time models top priorities – with the dual training, in incentive payments, employee benefits or Health is our most precious possession . particular, playing a major role. In times • Home-office solutions various training and professional Healthy staff members are a major in which the skills shortage is acute, we advancement programmes are just some prerequisite for performance and therefore • Variable remuneration are making even greater efforts to win examples of our concept . In-house careers for the business success of our company . • Joint staff parties, attendance at over trainees for this soundly-based are the order of the day . Our staff can let Health care, health and safety at the fairs, trainee celebrations course. For years now, we have been their creativity unfold in all areas and at all workplace, accident prevention and plant achieving a training rate of over 10% – a • Honouring of upwards of 10 years levels of the company hierarchy . Permanent safety are a matter of course for us . figure which speaks for itself. service with the company process optimisation and flat hierarchies characterise our day-to-day business . In Sustainability is an inherent part of • Monthly staff information events We are currently training 82 apprentices in the order to achieve our company objectives, we our corporate culture commercial, technical and mercantile profes- • Intensive contact to schools and need the very best! As a family company with a 235-year tradition, sions; a further 34 will be added in September universities we fulfil our social and regional responsibilities 2014 – deducting the “qualifiers”, this means Professional training is given the to the highest degree . This is demonstrated • Info events for the parents of trainees that 106 trainees will be employed in the com- highest priority at Kurtz Ersa not only by our support for clubs and • Vocational courses pany . With 20 job profiles, Kurtz Ersa offers We offer over 20 different training associations and cultural life, but also, and an above-average range of traineeships . • Staff reviews in accordance with professions . For years now, our apprenticeship primarily, in our clear commitment to the Through the inter-company training system, the personnel development concept quota has been above 10%, a top rate . The location . The most recent investments such which also foresees the transfer among the inter-company training system provides as the construction of a powder coating plant, • Competence assessment and respective training companies, the future insights into the most diverse industrial new assembly halls or the reconstruction of qualification skilled personnel receive insights into the va- rious business fields and technologies from technologies at a very early stage . one of the world’s most modern hand • Complementary supply of fruit in an early stage . An apprenticeship at Kurtz Cooperation with universities and dual moulding foundries are clear proof . the wintertime Ersa is therefore extremely varied and offers • Staff profit-sharing very good prospects for the subsequent career, The following training professions • Complementary child care in the as our former trainees who complete their are offered by the Kurtz Ersa Group: qualifications are almost always taken on by summer holidays Ersa GmbH, Kurtz GmbH Kurtz Holding the company . • Welcome gifts and greetings for • Industrial Electronics Technician • Bachelor of Arts – Industry (m/f) new staff • Industrial Mechanic • Bachelor of Engineering Apprenticeships in action Mechanical (m/f) • Cards and gifts for staff on This year too, numerous activities are taking Ersa GmbH, Kurtz GmbH, MBW • Bachelor of Engineering personal occasions place in the training area: For example, we • Warehouse Logistics Expert (m/f) Mechatronics (m/f) take part in the Vocational Information Days • Complementary health workshops Kurtz Aluguss • Bachelor of Engineering – Business in Wertheim and in the open day at the Co- • Foundry Mechanic Print and Gravity Engineering – International Production • Complementary annual health check operative State University Baden-Württem- Die Casting and Logistics (m/f) berg in Mosbach . There, our trainees repre- • Vouchers in recognition of • Bachelor of Engineering sent the various apprenticeship years in the Kurtz GmbH attendance at healthcare checks Business Engineering (m/f) Kurtz Ersa Group and answer all the students’ • Foundry Mechanic Hand • Rewarding of staff recommen- • Computer Science Expert for questions regarding training and studies . Moulding Castings dations when employing new staff System Integration Furthermore, we are involved in the Project • Surface Coater • Industrial Management Assistant • Reduced conditions on admission Preparation Days of the Comenius Realschule • Technical Model Maker • Industrial Management Assistant prices and rebates from co- in Wertheim, where trainees present the • Metal Cutting Mechanic with Additional Qualification operation partners Kurtz Ersa Group to students in Year Nine and MBW • Digital and Print Media Designer illustrate the possible training vocations in • Construction Mechanic • Technical Product Designer the form of presentations . • Machine and Plant Operator 8 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 9 Process efficiency – the key to success!

In many areas Kurtz Ersa leads the way Streamlined, efficient processes a total of 538,000 incoming documents, technologically, and in some cases is To ensure that our processes are as 125,000 outgoing documents, 72,000 even the world market leader. The streamlined and efficient as possible, we rely customs documents and contracts from the foundation for this claim is our vision to a great extent on electronic processes . Purchasing, Sales, Finance and Human that “Our competitive lead in technology Our i-CCS quotation management and CRM Resources departments . The aim is to store optimizes our customers’ production system uses an integrated product incoming and outgoing documents in a Employees process.” In order to be able to produce configurator . Incoming orders, including paper-free system, to archive documents products that are innovative, techno- parts lists, are transferred automatically to ready for audit in our D3 system and to have logically advanced and in line with our SAP . Once captured, jobs and orders are direct access to the archived documents by customers’ quality expectations, we exchanged electronically with our business means of SAP transactions . Kurtz Ersa Corporation must ensure that all our business partners, whether customers or suppliers . In processes are precisely described and addition, internal and external suppliers are Self-service for employees complied with. linked via the myOpenFactory exchange Our employees also benefit from the digital platform using the Electronic Data processing systems: leave applications are Our management system is controlled by Interchange, abbreviated to EDI . The EDI rate no longer sent with copies via the internal the definition of processes, which are in the group for 120,000 items is almost 80 mail system, but entered directly into the Silently taking implemented by means of the leading SAP per cent – and we gain 1 .5 minutes per item . SAP system and approved digitally . The to the air … ERP System . In this way we can ensure that The electronic association of drawings with “Employee Self Services” (ESS) enable business processes are implemented in a the order via document info records also employees and line managers to see the way that is unified worldwide and means greater speed . And we also process current status at any time . Various SAP corresponds to the definitions – in the incoming paper invoices electronically: they mobile apps, for example relating to order Moulding Machines and Electronics are scanned, automatically compared with approval, ESS or service applications, are Production Equipment divisions, in our the order and over 60 per cent of them then introduced . Stationary or mobile, with foundries and in thin sheet technology; booked by the automated system without SAP Kurtz Ersa is always in control, by means in China, America and our sites through- manual intervention . In connection with of electronic processes, or the realisation of Looking to the skies on a warm day, you sometimes see gliders out Germany . document management we are talking about the group’s vision . doing their rounds . You can’t hear a thing – and that’s a big part of the charm . Central control software business applications D3 Archive SAP ERP 6.0 Ehq 6 (400 User)

Gliding silently through the air, depending landings take quite a bit of practice and can entirely on thermal lift is what makes bring some students to the brink of despair . Horst Ostrowski gliding the nicest hobby in the world for me . But sooner or later everyone gets there . And EDI Head of maintenance and construction do- Words can barely describe what it is like it doesn’t matter whether they are 14 or 60 SAP Portal Document Management Electronic Data i-CCS cumentation at the Kurtz Eisengießerei, has being able to explore the world from above, years of age when they take up flying . Both to deal with many things concerning the Interchange and always discovering new things . My my flight pupils at FSC Altfeld are already Smart Foundry Project – from time to time flights have taken me over the , flying solo at 15 . Unfortunately, I then have he likes to go up in the air . the Thuringian Forest and the Rhön . And to watch from the ground, as they do their almost always back again . Even occasional rounds and steadily gain in height . “out landings” have their charm . You meet new people – and until my wife arrives with High up over the Alps the trailer, there is enough time to come up The absolute highlights in flying terms were

TIS with a plausible explanation for why I didn’t flights over the French Alps . From time to BDE ESS Plossys System Product Intranet Services Workflow SAP SRM Exchange Microsoft make it . time, we pack the glider onto the trailer and CRM System Transmission Configuration Employee Self Operating Data myOpenFactory Enterprise Buyer Invoice Reception Invoice Document Output set off for Provence . From there, we fly over Fax Service Retarus Fax Customs & Tax Data Customs & Tax Practice makes perfect the snow-covered “four thousand footers” or In addition to the “overland flights”, generally the chalk cliffs of the Maritime Alps . These in a one-seater, I am also active as a flight flights make an impression that stays long in instructor . Teaching beginners to fly gives your memory and is probably only comparable me enormous pleasure . After just a couple to the experiences of mountaineers . And if of flights, most of them are able to fly quite I’ve whetted your appetite, you are more than well . Take-offs and, more particularly, welcome to take to the air with me . Digital Orders Archive Outlook Tax DataTax Mail-Clients Management with Suppliers Company Infos Company Manufacturing Data Exchange Data Customer Data Time Recording HR Time Records Production Orders Absence Requests HR Time Recording ExportDeclaration Offer Management Order ConfirmationOrder InvoiceManagement Management System Management incl. Technical Drawing Technical incl. incl. Technical Drawing Technical incl. 10 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 11 Top In Service And Qualification Of Staff

Ersa, renowned as a specialist in customer, a unique group dynamic is setting increased importance . Following the motto soldering, offers complete solutions for in flow intense and very constructive “together and for each other”, the participants Ersa Sponsors the manufacture of electronic products discussions within the group . Participants at will share their experiences . If some idea and the world-wide most encompassing these technology days are frequently so brought forth is rated as useful by the range of soldering systems, stencil satisfied, that shortly after the end of one majority of the user group, it will be integrated printers, hand soldering and rework session the next group of the same into the development of the system . Training Technology AG systems. This is enhanced and expanded corporation is booking another session . of the maintenance personnel takes place in by an extensive program of continuing separate courses . The practical part, given by education, which is based on content New Venues for Tools-Seminars our senior service engineers, is now that is always up-to-date, professional With the introduction of the AVLE seminars supplemented by a theoretical part, in which and certified. This program, designed to in the tools division we are exploring new basic process know-how is being transmitted . qualify their staff, is developed in close means to transfer knowledge . Through the Creating an edge through education!

Electronics Production Equipment cooperation with some of our most launch of a soldering license in combination Electronics Production Equipment important industrial partners. with shorter, practice-oriented courses, the Service Card Silver and Gold increasing participant gains only the immediately relevant popularity with machine customers Supplementing its annual program of tailor- and required knowledge . Because of the Due to the continuously increasing made educational and training courses, Ersa reduced duration of these sessions, the complexity of modern production systems, offers to its customers technology days – an participant is specialized and qualified in a it becomes more and more difficult for a event exclusively held for employees of shorter period of time . Through attending manufacturer to maintain maintenance individual companies, consisting of a additional sessions, the basic knowledge can personnel in adequate numbers . To theoretical part and a separate hands-on be expanded, selectively and user-oriented . overcome this problem, Ersa has introduced portion . There is a definite need for this After the completion of each course, an the perfect solution: the Ersa Service Card offering: Industrial corporations from the independent examination is taken which, if Silver and the Ersa Service Card Gold . At the High-power and usable: automotive, automation and IT- passed, allows the participant to attend the base of this concept hides a sophisticated Ersa i-CON PICO with i- PICO. communication sector use this venue to next level of courses or to sign up for special service system . Depending on the type of educate and train their technical project subject courses such as, for example, “rework” . equipment and its features, its hours of managers, purchasers, development Each examination passed is documented in operation and complexity, Ersa service engineers, QC staff and any number of other the soldering diploma, and they build one on technicians take on the task, in specified employees . This is a sound investment, as it another in their knowledge content . To retain intervals, of cleaning and maintaining the serves to retain and deepen the understanding the validity of the soldering license, retraining equipment . Wear parts are checked and of technological processes of these members resp . re-certification in a 2-year cycle is inspected and, if called for, replaced as a Towards the end of 2013, Hansjürgen Bolg, the ideal solution for the school, since, aside of their staff . As it is, small changes in the required . In order to keep pace with the rapid preventive measure . Every step performed Director of Sales of the Tools Division, from simple through-hole components, larger process or parameters are very often development in the electronic industry, an has the aim to assure 100% uptime for the received a call for help from the high projects such as ball tracks made from copper sufficient to substantially reduce the quality absolute necessity! customers production needs . The service is school in Schönau. There, students wire also needed to be soldered . After this, of the product produced . During the hands-on performed in agreement with the customer signed up in the science and technology only one question remained: How to finance portion of the session, the participants will Machine Soldering as to the date, and production gaps, non- class as well as in the specially this purchase? “The fact, that there still are gain, by looking at practical examples, an shifts focus to more dialog working shifts or weekends will definitely implemented Technology AG are learning specialists at schools who in their free time understanding of the interdependence of The training programs existing for machine be considered . You will receive this valuable how to solder by hand and how to handle teach soldering to students, and who production equipment – process – product . soldering have been modified, and the dialog service for a monthly fee and a period of electronic components. campaign for the use of quality tools, is by no By limiting these sessions to a single with the course participants has received 2 years . means a matter of course . Therefore, we Up until recently their eagerness to learn simply had to help!” declares Hansjürgen Bolg, was greatly hampered by having to work with who had proceeded to make a very good offer old tools and very frequently needing to to the school . In addition to 10 i-CON PICO clean the tips . Manfred Wiezel, who looks stations including i-TOOLS at a very low price, after the Technology AG of the school as a the school received 5 additional stations with volunteer in his free time, decided to look for solder at no charge . The students new stations and he turned to Ersa GmbH expressed their gratitude by sending a stuffed Much better working now: excited for assistance . Since he is working as an board soldered by them . Presently, the pupils from the Technik AG with electronics and software developer who Technology AG works on a new project: a music their new soldering stations. privately solders on a RDS-80 station, he box with a 3-channel light organ and was aware of the quality and the excellent connectable to a smart phone – and for the Bilder fehlen performance of Ersa products . It did not take first time with SMD components . With tools long to realize that the i-CON PICO would be from Ersa! 12 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 13

Headquartered in Henderson, Nevada year, a new facility with 3 300. m² and an VadaTech and with a new facility in Las Vegas, investment of more than 25 million US $ was VadaTech Inc. is today one of the leading opened in Las Vegas . As an important Continues Its designer as well as manufacturer of element in this ambitious project of growth, complete solutions for the electronics VadaTech has selected Kurtz Ersa North Path Of industry. Assuring their success is the America to be their strategic partner . Four highly innovative team of designers, Ersa HOTFLOW 3/20 Reflow Systems, one HR Growth With which works, spread over a number of 600 Rework System and one ECOSELECT 1 locations, on new products and on Selective Soldering System were already system performances. In cooperation purchased, with two more lines planned for Ersa with its in-house high-tech manu- the next step . VadaTech SMT Production facturing division, the company is able Manager Jay Motiwala stressed that they to get new products ready for series collaborate with Ersa for many years already

Electronics Production Equipment production and manufacture in very – decisive for the procurement of Ersa Electronics Production Equipment short time. equipment was and is the fact that it is the most reliable equipment on the market . He “At VadaTech, the significant difference to our continues: “VadaTech is using Ersa products competitors lies therein, that we incorporate since 2004, and we never had any technical the vision of our customers from the start of problems .” He also feels that Ersa’s customer the design stage right up to the final product”, service is excellent and designed to provide says Saeed Karamooz, CEO of VadaTech Inc . the help and the training he needs – when he Customer satisfaction is at the core of Vada- needs it . “In our opinion, Ersa offers the Tech’s philosophy, from design and service to highest quality equipment on the market . delivery and subsequent support . With our newest purchase, we now have a large number of Ersa products in our facilities, New facility in Las Vegas and we will certainly again consider Ersa for Ultrasilent, ultraefficient, And by following this philosophy, VadaTech our next investments in equipment,” states cost-cutting – the new Fume plans on worldwide growth: In March of this Motiwala in closing . Extraction of Ersa has arrived: EASY ARM 1 and 2! Psssst, the best working VadaTech headquarter in Nevada (USA). climate with EASY ARM 1 and 2!

Ersa supports its customers during the of filters and energy: As soon as the passing air . Each extraction connection (up to soldering process with the new solder connected soldering stations switch to the 95 m3/h) can be individually set, allowing the fume extraction units EASY ARM 1 and stand-by mode, the filter unit will, with a units to be operated at very low operating EASY ARM 2. Sporting a functional design small delay in time, turn off . Energy losses costs . The need to change a filter (the VadaTech SMT Production Manager and offering useful accessories, the intel- due to frequent ventilation of the work area, combination filter after approximately Jay Motiwala (left) and Ersa Sales ligently controlled ultra-quiet filter units particularly in winter, are virtually eliminated 1,500 h) is indicated by the unit, and can be Manager Jean Verchere (right) in clean the air from harmful substances. through this smart technology . done very quickly . Practical table mounts as front of a HR 600 Rework System. well as a well thought out assortment of The intelligent controls of the new extraction Fascinating technical solutions exhaust arms and nozzles optimally units installed over soldering stations of the Whether one-channel or dual-channel integrate the systems in virtually every i-CON series or the hybrid rework system HR extraction – EASY ARM 1 (50 W) and EASY manufacturing environment . Robust and 600 raise the efficiency of cleaning the ARM 2 (100 W) use the identical technology: sound insulated metal housings ensure a process air, thereby cutting cost . Not only an especially quiet moving blower [max . 50 long service life even in a rough environment . the rework systems i-CON 1 and 2 with serial dB(A)] draws the process air contaminated interface, but also the flagships i-CON with particles and gases through a three-stage On account of the interface provided, the VARIO 2 and 4 can actively control the filter unit, and returns it, cleaned and without fume extraction units can at all times be operation of the extraction system – the disturbing blow-out noises, to the ambient integrated into automatic manufacturing filter units operate only when soldering environment . In both units the identical pre- system such as solder robots . Customers, takes place! Aside from further reducing the filters (filter class F 7) and combination filters who do not yet own an i-CON station, can use already low overall noise level during (filter class H13 with activated carbon) remove a suitable stand-by switch at the workplace extraction, this feature also cuts the cost even the smallest particles and gases from the to activate/deactivate the extraction unit .

14 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 15

NPI Award 2014 for HOTFLOW 4/26

…. And the NPI Award in the category HOTFLOW 4 – in predetermined intervals but is rather reflow systems goes to the HOTFLOW a worthy winner of the award scheduled in dependence to the throughput . In 4/26, the top model of the newest The current HOTFLOW 4 was developed in addition, intelligent design details reduce the generation of Ersa Reflow Soldering accordance with the concept of sustainability maintenance effort by another 30%, thus Systems. The award was presented to and conservation of resources . During the increasing the availability of the system for Kurtz North America on the occasion of course of this development, Ersa’s specialists production . The completely new and innovative the IPC APEX EXPO in Las Vegas. closely examined individual aspects such as the nitrogen control minimizes the consumption of drive technology, energy transfer, heat losses the costly medium by 20%, and, through the On an annual basis, the US trade magazine and cooling, and deduced measures to increase use of efficient blower motors, the total energy “Circuits Assembly” presents its NPI Award to the general efficiency . This new reflow system saving is over 25% .

Electronics Production Equipment highlight leading edge products in the area of offers a technological edge, which Ersa Electronics Production Equipment electronic manufacturing . Neutrally and customers can use to optimize their With the Grip conveyor, Ersa offers independently, experienced electronics manufacturing process – in quality, cost and an uncomplicated PCB transport through the engineers evaluate proposals received service . One example: By using, for the reflow system – without additional aids or the following criteria such as: worldwide first time, DC motors in a reflow need for special preparation of the boards . It system, it is possible, depending on the allows processing, one after the other, a mix operating point, to cut energy consumption by of boards of between 0, 1 – 6 mm thickness • Creativity and Innovation more than 50% . without requiring any adjustment or set-up . • Compatibility with existing technologies With a process length of 7 meter, divided in • Efficiency Intelligent Construction Details 26 heated and 4 cooling zones, the HOTFLOW One of twelve Ersa HOTFLOW 3/20, in use round the clock at Compal Com in Nanjing. • Design Ersa HOTFLOW 4 reflow systems can be 4 features a high degree of energy efficiency supplied with an effective exhaust air cleaning and increased throughput – all the while • Reliability unit and a number of different of cooling maintaining the traditionally high Ersa quality • Flexibility systems . As a result, power consumption of the of the solder joints and excellent process Designed in Germany, made in China • Ease of maintenance cooling system drops from 5 kW to 2 kW . stability . A strong combination when joined by • Performance and throughput Maintenance, which can be performed quickly our selective soldering systems, and surely In China, the Ersa HOTFLOW series is automatic lines run in their production, competent and quick after-sales support • User friendliness and without special tools, is not being called for “the next step” to a genuine success story! often referred to as “the Mercedes equipped with 12 systems from the team . This partnership has given rise to a true amongst the reflow systems.“ Good for competition, 2 HOTFLOW 3/20 made in win-win situation! Compal Com will recommend the image, but an obstacle for potential Germany, and, in the meantime, 10 further Ersa to companies checking out references, purchasers. “We would like to buy it, but HOTFLOW 3/20 made in China . In a 24/7 and it will purchase further systems in the our budget does not cover it” – to operation, smart phones for Sony, Nokia, near future . Encouraged by the number of Kurtz North America CEO overcome this contradiction, Ersa is Motorola and the brand with the apple are satisfied customers and the positive feedback Albrecht Beck with chief editor following since the middle of last year a being processed on the systems . After two from the market, Kurtz Ersa is already Mike Buetow at the award new strategy. years of operation, Yisem Chang, Manager increasing its production facility in South ceremony on March 25th in SMT Process Team, takes stock: “After the China: A new production hall will be completed the Mandalay Bay Convention Uncompromising high-end quality and installation of the first two system ‘Made in in Zhuhai in July of this year, increasing the Center in Las Vegas. performance from Germany combined with Germany’ there were some process issues, production capacity by an additional 150 the advantages of local manufacturing – which could be solved very expeditiously system per year . And: A further expansion is starting with this premise, since June 2013 through our close cooperation with Ersa . The already under consideration . HOTFLOW 4/26 Kurtz Ersa produces the HOTFLOW 3/20 in subsequently purchased ten systems ‘Made Zhuhai, Southern China . It was a well-received in China’ are in operation since last year, and move . Yet there were high customer demands they are, since then, in 24/7 operation without Compal in brief to be met . For this reason, we selected for the any problems or issues ” . Yisem Chang benchmark a customer who has in his continues: “Ersa has understood the Taiwanese Contract Manu- production facility equipment of the importance of a stable and failure-free facturer, Headquarter Taipeh competition as well as Ersa HOTFLOW systems process in a mass production environment, City, established 1984 – made in Germany . since any system down-time is disastrous manufactures, amongst and extremely expensive ”. Ersa Systems in 24/7 Operation other items, “Smart Devices” With Compal Com, a Taiwanese manufacturer Competent After-Sales such as smart phones and in Nanjing, a user who places very high Support from Ersa tablet-PC’s. demands on his production equipment was The purchase order was issued to Ersa because selected for this benchmark: 26 fully of the system – but also because of their 16 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 17

Feeding conveyer completely automatically adjustable.

Dynamic bottom and top heating – warrantor for effective and reproducable preheating. Increasing personnel costs and increasing the various metal inserts is to be automated . Kurtz goes price pressure are putting companies The automation pursues the objective of from the producing trade all over the doubling productivity and also improving Automation world in dire straits. After all, it is a quality . Kurtz has developed a solution for question of the costs per machined part, this, in which a robot takes the inserts from which – unlike expensive manual handling a magazine by means of grippers and Moulding Machines Moulding Division Manager PCB Assembly Rinaldi Concetta (in the picture below) – can lastingly be reduced by automation. positions them at the correct places in the is very content with the high soldering quality of the VERSAFLOW. At the bottom line, automated solutions mould of the automatic machine . Thanks to for flexible use lead to higher process a sophisticated gripper system, it is possible security and reproducibility, reduce costs for all the inserts in one cycle to be inserted

Electronics Production Equipment and increase output and quality! by the robot in only one step .

This trend also has effects on mechanical Handling in combination with quality check engineering at Kurtz GmbH . Precisely in the and sorting of parts produced by moulding foam machine area, customers are more machines is the task of a further Kurtz frequently asking not only for automatic part automation project which is currently in the processing machines, but also for additional design phase . For this, a completely automatic systems taking on tasks like handling and line, in which the moulded parts pass through packaging in an automated way . For this, the individual stations for the quality check existing machines are partly retrofitted or on conveyor belts before being sorted at the extended, but also new systems and lines end of the system, is being developed . completely installed . To support our customers as a competent MSC Freiburg Solders With Ersa More productivity, more quality partner in the complex change from manual Innovative solutions concerning the In a current project with an Asian customer to automated sequences, we are working at MSC Freiburg GmbH is a development forcing a rethink . This entails for the MSC phase, during which the VF 3 was put through whole process – automated processes from the automotive supply branch who high pressure on permanently extending our and production service provider for team: continuous optimization of the its paces . Thereafter, the MSC technicians developed by Kurtz. Insertion of a produces products from EPP with foamed-in range of products in the area of automatic electronic assemblies as well as production sequences and increasing the could, without any problems, pull all the metal part 1 , Insertion of a mould inserts with Kurtz automatic moulding handling, quality check, sorting and electromechanical systems. The technological-economic advantages . In products over to the VF 3 and solder . part 2 , robot in stand-by position 3 . machines, the manual insertion process of packaging . success of the system house is based addition, the fact that component density on on their use of technically sophisticated printed circuit boards continuously increases Soldering without Compromises equipment for safe and controllable while spacing decreases, adds an additional Configurable with nearly no limits, the processes in production, as is challenge especially to the soldering process . VERSAFLOW is optimally suitable for the 1 2 demonstrated in the Ersa selective This is compounded by the increasing number demands of MSC, with an adaptation to future soldering system in their board of SMD components . “At the beginning, we demands any time possible through the assembly department. could handle the issue with gluing the addition of further modules . At this time, mainly components on the underside of the board boards produced in-house are passing through MSC Freiburg was formed in 2001 out of GE and then solder with the wave,” says Holger the system, boards that are installed in trucks, Medical System IT as a service provider for Herbstritt, Manager of the Design Center . “For tractors, computer controls, x-ray systems or the sectors electronics, development and eight years now are we looking at the selective home entertainment . Division Manager PCB production . At MSC, customers are assisted, soldering process, and we had bought a small Assembly Rinaldi Concetta comments on the right from the start of the product idea and system . But the demands continuously soldering system: “With the dual pot system up to its market introduction, by experienced increased, so that pretty soon it had reached the process time was virtually halved, so that application and development engineers . its limits . Our aim now was to get a faster, we are substantially faster and able to increase 3 Today’s product portfolio includes, aside more flexible selective soldering system, with the throughput when processing multiple-ups . from medical technology and industrial more capacity to achieve a higher throughput .” An additional benefit turned out to be the fact electronics, telematics for commercial The result: The Ersa VERSAFLOW 3 with the that we have almost no need for rework, since vehicles and security systems . capability to handle boards up to 400 x 500 the system delivers high quality joints ”. The mm, a system, which had proven itself at its production in the Freiburg facility appreciates Extending technological advantages parent company . Evaluation started beginning the user-friendly and low-maintenance The competition in electronics manufacturing 2013, and in September the system hit the performance of the VF 3 – with it, the MSC has gotten much keener, cost pressures as production department in Freiburg – installed team is well set to meet all demands presented well as demands for an increase in quality while within 3 days which included training . What to it, today as well as tomorrow . at the same time reducing lead times are followed was a period of validation and a test 18 Kurtz Ersa MagazineMagazin | Ausgabe| Edition 3838 || JuneJuni 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 19

Think bigger, think faster, Faster cast, higher quality also to the availability of the casting machines possible, the suppliers need their foundries The fact is: a large machine alone is not with short fitting times to match . If need be, where the parts are also processed . This is purposeful, it must also be possible to cast the furnaces are completely changed – which why foundries use the same production think global – and act local! the parts quickly for economic reasons . They has to be quick, even with more than three system for one and the same product in a become quicker with cooling units which are tons of content . With the FSC 2 furnace number of countries, in order to be able to

in a position to curtail the casting cycle and shuttle system from Kurtz, this is possible serve their customers locally . All in all, it is a at the same time to increase the quality . without any problems . question of thinking bigger and quicker for Whereas most casting machines had up to the subject of casting machines and of

Moulding Machines Moulding 24 cooling circuits a few years ago, large Cast part production directly on site including local production in these ideas . Machines Moulding machines nowadays start from 32 cooling Cast parts are becoming larger and larger, but With standardisation of their systems, circuits 1 – and often have up to 96 circuits . nevertheless lighter – for which the use of manufacturers remain flexible regardless of

In cooling, the trend is clearly going towards sand cores for hollow casting is responsible . the location, for example if it is a question of water, some casting machines even being Economically, there is no point in transporting moving production – the casting machine Successful application in the automotive built exclusively with water circuits . But these giant parts across long distances – to experts from Kurtz support you as well as industry: the Kurtz low-pressure casting quicker not only relates to the production, but keep the logistic expenditure as low as possible in this! machine from type AL18-16FSC with oven shuttle system.

1 2

3

For each automobile manufacturer, so it is no surprise that numerous XXL a number of feed tubes at large distances reducing vehicle weight under the title machines can be found when you look at the can be used in the area of the chassis and of “Lightweight construction” is an Kurtz order books . Demands for a larger clear structured parts – with the benefit that a important requirement. With hollow width and large mounting tables for moulds casting box can be avoided . So that systems casting, a cast part with a matching with multiple occupancy, for example moulds with these dimensions also work process- construction can replace a complete for large cast and structured parts, have securely, a sound machine construction with component made of a number of sheet become the order of the day in the meantime . numerous important details is absolutely metal parts – and save weight and costs. And compared with the past, these machines urgently necessary . The Kurtz Type AL18- What appeared impossible with low- are no longer in the category “special 16FSC low-pressure casting machine fulfils pressure casting machines a short time machines”, but have become standards . precisely these prerequisites and possesses ago with a view to size and design is now the following technical details: increasingly becoming a basic Larger machine, larger furnace precondition for production. To make sensible use of such large machines, • clear width between the mounting Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, the dimension of the furnaces also has to tables 2,600 mm consetetur sadipscing elitr, These requirements in the direction of grow . Not long ago, low-pressure furnaces • clear width between the machine sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor system size, but also the number of cooling with a capacity of 1,500 kg were more the pillars 1,800 x 1,600 mm invidunt ut labore et dolore circuits and furnace size are already exception, but furnaces between 2,000 and • stroke of the closing unit 1,800 mm standards for Kurtz GmbH . And we can see: 3,300 kg have become standards in the • furnace size 3,100 kg the trend is clearly going towards larger and meantime . Large furnaces have asserted • use of 8 feed tubes larger low-pressure casting machines 3 – themselves in the low-pressure process, as

20 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 21 New applications, new markets, new ideas

The third Kurtz specialist seminar for BOX FOAMER halves cycle time particle foams in the Mexican city of A further attraction was the new BOX Cancún was completely under the banner FOAMER, which halves the cycle time of innovations and was a complete compared with the customary method with success. All told, more than 30 companies vacuum . A fish box, for example for salmon, can now be produced in about 30 seconds

Moulding Machines Moulding from North and South America and Machines Moulding Europe had travelled there to get – with energy savings of up to 50 per cent . information about the latest technologies, This kind of production is principally materials and processing methods. suitable for all boxes, be they for fish, fruit, vegetables or picnics . This results in In the field of EPP particle foams, JSP completely new possibilities of increasing presented the latest development in EPP production by up to 40 per cent without materials and applications and showed a investments in new energy supplies being prospect of market trends . Above all surface necessary . finishing with structures such as leather pitting is right at the top of the EPP customers’ Tools, automation and more lists of wishes – the material is increasingly The firm of Olmedo – partner of Kurtz in being used in the visible area of coatings such mould construction – explained the as pump housings or boiler insulation . As a technical details of the “coreless” mode of specialist for development and design of construction of the moulds, which makes technical EPP applications, the firm of DMT these cycle times and energy consumptions explained the possible potentials of EPP in the possible in combination with a specific mechanical, thermal, electrical and acoustic machine technology . A special talk showed area . In particular, the new requirements for the possibilities of Kurtz automation in the introduction of electrically driven vehicles cooperation with the automation partner and the great chances of growth connected Mac Due & Kuka Robotics . They range from with this were discussed . simple disposal of the moulded parts from the machine right down to complete EPS with potential palleting of finished products . Positioning Polioles gave a complete overview for EPS of inserts and packaging in film are also particle foams: precisely with a view to saving possible and can be supplied by Kurtz and energy, EPS is increasingly being used in roof its partners as a complete solution . and façade insulation . This means corresponding, economic manufacturing Thanks to the introduction of the new BASF processes in order to serve the market, which material “Infinergy” (ETPU), a completely is growing very quickly – and so that EPS can new kind of particle foam, which not only assert itself in the long term against demands other machine technologies, but alternatives such as PU . The Kurtz foams also develops new markets, has come onto section presented a special highlight with its the market . Possible fields of application new revolutionary plate machine: it enables were discussed and the great potentials production of EPS plates with a cycle time of were demonstrated with the example of a 30 seconds and a thickness of up to 300 mm . large sports article manufacturer . The In this context, the energy consumption is event was closed by the talk by the “EPS drastically striking: less than 2 kg of vapour Industry Alliance”, in which they reported per plate, which makes the method very on their activities on the EPS market . The interesting compared with block production . participants then travelled back home In this way, plate production can be satisfied and with plenty of input for their decentralised and the distances to the final foam business in their bags . It is clear: we The participants took home lots of customers become shorter and shorter, will meet again – at the fourth Kurtz input and innovations from the third specialist seminar for particle foams, Kurtz specialist seminar for particle which has a positive effect on CO2 production and transport costs . wherever it may be held! foams in Cancún (Mexico). 22 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 23

Ideally equipped for the future

On the Eisenhammer site in Hasloch, the other trade, embodies the core competence

Metal Components Kurtz Ersa Group continues to work at a of Kurtz Ersa . With this investment Metal Components great pace on the completion of a very featuring the latest technology, the iron ambitious project: Ten million were foundry embraces the vision of the group, invested by the company in one of the to be the best foundry partner for the most modern hand mould foundries in customer . the world – the “Smart Foundry 200.” Production begins in just a few weeks … Perfect partner for the mechanical engineering industry The new iron foundry project was an ambitious In terms of strategy, the focus is on the matter, not only financially speaking . In terms development and deepening of long-term of the timing too, the construction of the customer relations; similarly continued Smart Foundry was on a very tight schedule . growth is planned with new customers, But once the first sod was turned at the primarily from the German mechanical beginning of February, the mild winter meant engineering industry, for example from that work could proceed at a smart pace with branches such as machine tools, motors, production continuing almost unimpaired at energy, medicine and drive engineering, ship the same time . But to get back to the building building, plastics machines as well as project itself: It was not a matter of simply printing and paper machines . “We believe in setting down a ground slab – over 300 bored the German mechanical engineering piles had to be sunk deep into the ground to industry as the main customer for our cast carry the many tons of weight to which the iron products,” says Kurtz Ersa CEO Rainer hall would later be subjected, in the solid Kurtz with conviction . In order to ensure bedrock . The construction of the basement that the project is a complete success Kurtz of the hall was followed by the pouring of the Ersa is focussing more closely than ever concrete for the floor slab and walls; the before on the service concept in the value foundations and retaining walls of the added chain of its customers . Inseparably At Hasloch one works with high basement were completed . Now things had linked with this is the continuous production pressure at the completion of the Key data Smart Foundry 200 progressed to a stage where the steel over SAP R3 with connection to the internal “Smart Foundry 200”, worldwide structure of the individual halls could be transport system, with driverless transport one of the most up-to-date hand • Ideal for unit weights between tackled – since the beginning of the summer, equipment moving the pallets at the defined mould foundries. the shell of the new iron foundry has been in time to the respective workplace . Here 300 and 8,000 kg place . After 1½ years, a project of the Kurtz casting can be carried out at the specified Ersa planning team has been brought to a time . Similarly, the connection of customer • Medium batch sizes between 5 and successful conclusion – almost, as the cranes systems via the Electronic Data Interchange 20 units, annual production as a and plant still have to be installed in the halls . (EDI) is part of the standard and certified And the Kurtz foundry workers eagerly await process in accordance with DIN ISO 9001, rule under 1,500 units the start of production in their Smart Foundry environmental certification in accordance – we’re almost ready to go! with ISO 14001 as well as health and safety • Alloys: grey iron GJL 150, GJL 300; protection in accordance with OSAS 18001 . spheroidal casting GJS 400, GJS Core competence Everything is going to plan; the team in iron casting since 1852 Hasloch is geared up to advance iron casting 800; special materials ADI, GJS Founded in 1852, the iron foundry, like no to the fore! 500-10, GJS 500-14

• Annual capacity: 20,000 t, in the

The new iron foundry represents the vision of second stage of expansion 25,000 t Kurtz Ersa: to be the best partner in foundry for the customer with the newest technology. 24 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 25

Creating the structure Kurtz Aluguss heads for future growth in new directions Matthias Sacher considers his predominant Having been with the company for five task to be the establishment of a structure months now, Matthias Sacher has now set that is in a position to handle the planned the target for his team at a growth of ten future growth . The existing business is also per cent for 2014 . But in order to do so, he being closely examined, with loss-making first needs to introduce a sustainable basis, aspects turned round to produce economic and this requires a certain amount of time . potential and finding solutions for the And he wants to steer Kurtz Aluguss

Metal Components excessive spoilage rate in some areas . aluminium casting in new directions, for Metal Components example as a provider of development “Some of the batch sizes were far too big – services . Of course, the aim is always we are now taking control of this aspect in ultimately to obtain a flow of orders . This order to raise the quality substantially,” approach has enabled Kurtz Aluguss to says Matthias Sacher, who wants to obtain two very interesting enquiries from introduce binding standards in various the expanded catchment area of the areas . The production planning was automotive industry . “It is still too early to originally set to run using SAP from July, discuss it – but this means real potential for but Sacher says: “This is not a problem aluminium casting and therefore for the from the programming and IT point of view, Kurtz Ersa Group,” says Sacher . We are but in combination with the overall revision already excited about what this means for of the ranges and stocks and given our us – but until all becomes clear the team power, it will not be feasible until aluminium casting team is concentrating on September ”. preparing itself for future orders!

The new framework for the Kurtz Aluguss, who works for different branches like automotive industry, medical engineering and aerospace, sets the prerequisites for the planned further growth.

Aluminium casting hones its own profile

Since its separation from Kurtz GmbH, place since early 2014 when, on 1 February, the aluminium foundry has been graduate industrial engineer Matthias Sacher operating independently under the took up his post as managing director . name “Kurtz Aluguss GmbH & Co. KG.” But although it may sound easy on The new manager found a situation paper, it has been a major feat by the characterised by the fact that, on his arrival, team led by managing director Matthias numerous central departments, such as order Sacher, who has been on board since processing, order preparation, dispatch, February 2014. However all the effort purchasing and quality control were still has paid off! administered from a joint order processing centre at the iron foundry site in Hasloch . Since 1 November 2012 Kurtz Aluguss GmbH There was an urgent need for action here, so & Co . KG has been standing on its own two Kurtz immediately provided the company with Adapter plate, blade wheel, pump case or cylinder block – Kurtz Aluguss CEO Matthias Sacher (left) feet – and quite a lot has been happening its own employees for these areas – especially and his team provide their know-how completely to the service of the customer. during that period . Investments were made quality control – so that the work could be in various locations, for replacements and done centrally from Kreuzwertheim . “Our expansions; these include machine control procedures have become so much faster and systems and peripheral equipment, not more streamlined than was ever possible forgetting the dispatch centre established at before . At the Wiebelbach site we need an the Kreuzwertheim site in 2013 . All these aluminium casting team with each member developments have established a framework working in close proximity to the others, able for the planned further growth . But the most to devote their manpower entirely to the important asset of the aluminium casting benefit of the company,” says the 54-year- arm is a member of staff who has been in old manager . 26 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 27

Customers from all over the world stake high quality and high customer- important factor on the MBW side: the on the intelligent high-speed systems orientation, MBW does an outstanding constantly high and reproducible quality from teamtechnik . But it is more than a job . MBW’s great know-how and in joining and combining of components question of merely increasing speed and reproducible quality are a firm part of our by experienced and qualified welders and efficiency – the specific hygienic successful delivery and service chain . We perfect surfaces with component sizes requirements which production in the are pleased to be extending this stable of up to 1 .6 x 1 .8 x 4 metres with the new

Metal Components medical engineering area has to fulfil partnership in the medium and long term“, automatic continuous powder-coating Metal Components must also be taken into account . Highest says Frank Lindenfelser, Head of the system . In the future as well, there will requirements down to the last detail – Procurement Area at teamtechnik . be a strong connection between Main this applies not least to the sheet metal and Neckar: teamtechnik and MBW . products used by teamtechnik . MBW Managing Director Ewald Garrecht is also very satisfied about the good Long-term extension partnership of the two companies, in of the system partnership which Metallbearbeitung Wertheim has Business fields: With MBW Metallbearbeitung Wertheim worked its way up from a sheet metal GmbH and its high-quality sheet metal supplier to a system supplier in the • Medical engineering products as well as optimum system course of time . “With our know-how of • Solar engineering solutions, the specialist for automation development engineering, we have solutions has found the perfect partner developed components in optimised • Automotive industry for the sheet metal process chain: “MBW production engineering in close has accompanied us reliably for years as cooperation with teamtechnik and now a sheet metal supplier and later as a produce them here on very modern system supplier . With great flexibility, production systems “ . An equally

Partners in sheet metal – teamtechnik and MBW

The teamtechnik Group from Freiberg competence, the teamtechnik engineers am Neckar is one of the leading convert demanding manufacturing processes international specialists for highly into innovative system engineering . flexible automation. All over the world, 850 highly qualified employees produce Medical requirements, turnkey systems for assembly and optimum solutions testing engineering – with automation Let’s remain with medical engineering: in this solutions which start where standard business field, teamtechnik concentrates on systems hit the wall. An integral part high-production systems for medical of the teamtechnik solutions for years: engineering components such as injection or teamtechnik – facts and figures the high-quality products from the inhalation systems made of plastic . For this, sheet metal and system supplier MBW. the employees of teamtechnik develop flexible • Founded in 1976 solutions close to customers’ requirements • Turnover: 150 million Euro The field of activity of teamtechnik Maschinen with great success, integrate demanding und Anlagen GmbH is very complex just taken testing technique and fulfil the requirements • Employees: 850 on its own: high-capacity, reliable automation made of clean room versions . Urgent • Headquarters: Freiberg am Neckar solutions for medical and solar engineering prerequisite: a mastery of complex and and also the automotive industry . With years precise process engineering for demanding • Production locations: Germany, of know-how and great engineering tasks in assembly, testing and production . Poland, China, USA 28 Kurtz Ersa Magazine | Edition 38 | June 2014 175 Mio . € Turnover . 1,000 Employees

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