Milwaukee South News

The machine tool manufacturing industry, like many others, was significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In the first half of 2020, companies in this sector experienced a notable decline in orders compared to the previous year. CNC machining firms worldwide reported substantial decreases in turnover, and production within supplier industries slowed considerably.

Even before the pandemic, in 2019, there were signs of a downturn as demand for machine tools waned. The automotive industry, a key player in this sector, also faced declining revenues. Companies had to contend with temporary shutdowns, liquidity issues, and reduced working hours. Despite these challenges, annual rankings continued to highlight prominent machine tool manufacturers in Europe.

Among those identified were suppliers focused on developing CNC machining tools. Hermle achieved fifth place on this list alongside DMG Mori AG, Grob-Werke, Heller, and United Grinding Group—a notable rise from previous years.

Hermle's success is attributed to the high quality of its automated machining centers. The editorial team at PRODUKTION adapted their ranking system during the pandemic due to changes observed in the industry. They noted that manufacturers were expanding beyond traditional machining equipment into digitalization and automation services.

The revised ranking now emphasizes turnover from machining equipment sales rather than total corporate revenue. This change aims to provide a more accurate comparison among manufacturers.

In Europe, large-scale machinery production remains significant. WaldrichSiegen produces one of the largest machines—the gantry version of Profimill 3—spanning an entire room with a volume equivalent to a building with multiple flats.

Swabian machine tools are recognized globally for their quality and efficiency. All top 15 high-turnover machine builders are based in southern Germany. Hermle has established itself through its expertise in producing gantry mills and specialized CNC machines like EDM equipment.

Hermle's CNC gantry mills are known for their precision due to warp-resistant beds made from mineral composites or cast steel—ideal for handling hard materials like stainless steel or non-ferrous metals.

"Our company has unquestionably earned its place in the ranking," said Hermle representatives about their automated machining centers' capabilities for precise milling with minimal maintenance needs.

Key trends shaping the future include digitalization and sustainability within domestic sourcing strategies. German-made state-of-the-art machine tools positively impact carbon footprints due to long service lives and low decommission rates after refurbishment as second-hand machinery.

Manufacturers strive to enhance software efficiency within machining centers while reducing waste—a crucial step towards sustainable business practices.

Sustainability discussions often focus on efficient processes; simulation plays an increasingly vital role by optimizing energy usage through detailed analysis during complex interactions between various components involved throughout operations such as tapping or grinding tasks across different sectors including automotive aerospace industries among others striving toward achieving higher productivity levels reflecting increased turnovers despite ongoing global challenges faced today offering potential growth opportunities tomorrow attracting attention worldwide amidst evolving dynamics surrounding domestic sourcing sustainability initiatives alike emphasized here further encouraging engagement via contact details provided courtesy German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW).