FACE TO FACE
The Fronius stand at the SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN exhibition in Essen , Germany , this September . Image : Deutsche Messe .
Consultancy and excellent service continue to play a key role . Through our global sales and service network , we see how important it is to be close to our customers and develop alongside each other . The exchange and pooling of welding knowledge is valuable for both sides . We can also do this through our 24 subsidiaries , 59 representatives and numerous partners worldwide . We are also happy to make our expert knowledge available , for example in our prototyping centre where we search for the right solution for our customers for every challenge , from feasibility studies to the optimum welding solutions . and health protection . We are also convinced that the digitalisation of welding still offers a lot of potential to develop even better , simpler , smarter solutions for our customers so that they can unleash their full welding potential .
All the products that we launched in the past two years have been very well received by our customers . These include the high-end welding solution , iWave Multiprocess PRO , and TIG DynamicWire , two Exento extraction systems and the new Exento extraction welding torch , as well as flexible cobot solutions .
Strong interest has already been shown in our latest solutions , WeldCube Navigator and Dual Wirefeeder , as well as virtual welding training with the Welducation Simulator which we presented to the public for the first time here at the SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN trade show in Essen , Germany . We are focusing on automation as a solution provider , as we offer fully automated complete solutions from a single source .
We also hosted the Joining Smart Technologies Automotive Conference on 10-11 May this year . Experts from science and research met with automotive manufacturers and suppliers to discuss issues such as sustainability and digitalisation .
that quickly pay off , even in terms of smaller quantities . This also makes them interesting for SMEs .
Digitisation is helpful as a support in many respects . On the one hand , to counter the shortage of skilled workers when it ensures quality and supports welding ( e . g . by making it much easier to operate ). On the other hand , when it comes to welding data management and analysis , it contributes to resource efficiency and production optimisation which enables more sustainability in welding .
ISMR : Which investments have you made in the last two to three years ( machine tools , factory , personnel etc .)?
HS : 187 million euros have been invested by Fronius in the expansion and conversion of our production sites in 2022 . By the end of 2023 , total investment will increase to more than 233 million euros . The floor space at our production site in Sattledt ( Austria ) has been expanded from 41,000m ² to 69,000m ² and is gradually coming onstream . Among other things , we are creating space here for additional workplaces and production lines to ensure a stable manufacturing environment .
The digitalisation of welding still offers a lot of potential to develop even better , simpler , smarter solutions for our customers
Fronius products on display at SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2023 , including the Exento LowVac compact , mobile low-vacuum extraction system . In the foreground are the newly unveiled Artis and Ignis series for compact and mobile TIG and MMA welding .
ISMR : How do you assess the current global business climate / markets for welding professionals ?
HS : The shortage of skilled workers is noticeable everywhere and poses challenges for our customers . We have therefore been working for some time on solutions that can help with this . This starts with in-depth welding training and includes digital support during welding e . g . through digital welding sequence plans , easy operability , optimised characteristics and welding packages for the most diverse requirements .
We are also convinced that automation will prevail wherever it is useful and necessary . It is a solution to the shortage of skilled workers and frees up welding experts from routine work so that they can focus on other tasks . For example , we have easy-to-program cobots
ISMR October 2023 | ismr . net | 59