FACE TO FACE
MULTIPLE DECOILING LINE on the CIDAN stand .
For example , in southern Europe , we see more aluminium being processed whilst in mid-Europe , pure zinc is more popular . I see more use of stainless steel in folding nowadays , rather than pre-coated steel , to reduce the need for powder coating ( so no more oily sheets ). I also see more copper being used more in historical buildings ( we supply architectural markets ). You see waves of material usage in different markets ,” he added .
Both men pointed to clear opportunities in markets for coil processing lines , highlighting large material savings with reduced scrap , the ability to process different material thicknesses and faster changeover times . They also see further scope for growth for their ‘ connected machinery ’ strategy , including control of other branded machines in a production line .
“ European markets have experienced a downturn over the past year . I expect Europe to recover within the next two years . In the
The FX32 PLUS folder on the EuroBLECH stand .
meantime , we will continue to grow in North America and South America . We have our own company in the U . S . market and enjoy a strong presence there . We took orders on our stand recently at the FABTECH exhibition in Chicago and expect continuously good growth in that market ,” commented Petter Hjelmqvist .
Schäfer also highlighted the continuing success of the architectural market for CIDAN Machinery .
“ Sheet metal is becoming more popular as a material of choice for the architectural industry ( i . e . for facades in commercial buildings etc .). I think that will continue , and underlying market growth will help the industry ,” he added .
Both men also see potential growth from the advent of new technologies , such as artificial intelligence ( AI ).
“ We are working with AI and assessing its benefits for our technologies and our customers . In some areas , it may offer enormous benefits . In other areas , it may not . This is a cost-benefit analysis , and it is about choosing the right applications for the technology . We are focused on how AI technology can make the life of machine operators easier . Where this makes sense , we will choose this route for AI adoption ,” confirmed Petter Hjelmqvist .
A global outlook
Petter Hjelmqvist sees several regional growth possibilities for CIDAN ’ s business , which will drive the Group ’ s strategy over the coming year . Most of its customers are based in North America and Europe .
“ There is a ‘ white spot ’ still in European and North-American markets for us . Even though we are strong in those markets , these are huge markets for us to capture ( i . e . Germanspeaking markets , the UK , Scandinavia etc .). So , there is still a lot more for us to do . The same applies to U . S . and Canadian markets . We will therefore ‘ put more boots on the ground ’ and sell what we are good at ,” he told ISMR .
The latest mobile version of nuEVOLUTION software . The new ' box tool function (" boxtool ")' of the nuLINK control system .
ISMR November 2024 | ismr . net | 29