FACE TO FACE
Forstner multiple decoiling line . Change between six different materials , with sheet widths up to 1500mm , is possible . opportunities for e-commerce solutions .
The one-stop-shop concept provides a complete production line and service offer from coil to folded sheet metal , including long folding . CIDAN has embraced the digitalisation process by offering customers an online ‘ webshop ’ for customers to use . On a tablet or smartphone , they can perform a range of operations such as analysing machine performance data , obtain pricing or sending out a quote to their customers .
“ Our software makes all the calculations and takes care of all the order details ( including price , order confirmations , emails to customers etc .),” Raphael Büchel told ISMR . “ It is all geared towards reducing our customers ’ workloads and their need for extra labour , with less risk of error . This full integration ensures a safe and efficient way of working .”
“ Automation , efficiency and software development are key for us going forward . There are shortages of skilled labour in the market , so automation is crucial . Automation and digitalisation is also about utilising material in a more efficient way and saving on material costs / scrap , reducing labour / energy costs and increasing efficiencies . That ’ s what our customers want ,” he added .
Successes and innovations
A recent success for CIDAN , shortly after the Thalmann acquisition , was the award of a 1.2-million-euro order from a customer in Iceland for “ every type of branded machinery across the Group ’ s portfolio ”. This included double-folder technology , IT software and coilprocessing capability .
“ It is very similar to the line that we will
display at EuroBLECH ,” confirmed Büchel . “ The customer wanted a streamlined production flow , with all our latest machines connected via nuIT software .”
Despite the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic , growth has been strong across the Group over the past five years .
“ Our turnover last year was over 80 million euros . We expect a further 20 % growth this year across Europe and the Americas . Around 60 % of our business is in the Americas , with 35 % in Europe and the rest split between other regions . The European market is more affected by the war in Ukraine , the energy crisis and material shortages than the U . S . market . We have a strong presence in Europe and are even stronger in the United States ,” Petter Hjelmqvist told ISMR .
“ We launched ten major new product developments this year . We are investing hugely in product development . Over 12 % of our workforce is working on this . More than half of the 37 people in our product development teams are dedicated to software development . NULINK will be a platform for further software development and future digitalisation initiatives in the group . We aim to launch new patented technology in the next few weeks for bending centre adjustments on folders ( automated adjustment of the bending beam ),” he continued .
He is also hiring more people in aftermarket sales and service which he sees as an important area for long-term success . An ambitious turnover target of one billion euros has been set for 2023 .
“ We have 55 people in aftermarket service around the globe and are looking for a further ten people . Having good service technicians on board is crucial for good service . Training and product development are also key pillars for us in terms of strategic objectives . We are very much focused on helping our customers to grow and be successful ,” explained Hjelmqvist .
The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the Group to find new ways to communicate internally and with its customers , as well as to be more efficient . The pandemic ’ s effect on worldwide supply chains has also thrown up challenges such as material shortages , increased prices and limited availability .
“ The diversity of companies , experience , expertise and cultures in our Group has cushioned us over this period . We support each other well and have all grown and learned new skills throughout the COVID-19 crisis . It is a tough time right now , but this combination of different companies and brands has helped us to stay successful over the last couple of years . Our customers are still ordering from us and the construction industry in Austria is still strong , with lots of ongoing projects . The sheet-metal business is still healthy while automation / process optimisation offers new opportunities to compensate for material cost increases ,” added Raphael Büchel .
An eye on opportunities
The Group opened a new branch in the UK this year . It also opened its own branch , and hired new people , in Germany to be closer to its customers there . Across Europe , it combines direct sales activities with strong local partners for sales and service .
“ It is important to have local support for our products . We continue to investigate countries that fit our portfolio to decide whether direct