HOMAG focus on local presence. Worldwide.

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An example from the woodworking machines industry illustrates the significant differences in demands involved in the decision-making process for HELLER machining centres. The HOMAG Group is one of the global market leaders in this segment. Apart from the efficiency and availability the machines had to provide, the company also placed the emphasis on a number of other decisive factors.

Production facilities in Schopfloch and Shanghai.

One of the pillars of the HOMAG Group's philosophy is the group strategy. Therefore global investments need to be consistent. That is why the company‘s location in Schopfloch but also its production facilities in Shanghai were in the focus of discussions in the run-up to the project. In China, the company produces the same products as in Germany plus additional products for the Asian market. Additionally, the company performs training courses for staff from Shanghai at its facilities in Schopfloch. Therefore it makes sense to use identical control systems, automation solutions, CAD/CAM and tool management systems at both locations.

Important factor: top-quality service on-site.

The decision to opt for HELLER machining centre model H 4000 combined with a LoadMaster linear loading system made by Schuler for both locations perfectly fitted into the Group‘s strategy. However, the company‘s decision also had other reasons: from the beginning, the company was convinced by the cutting capacity and availability the machines provide. However, equally important was the global presence of HELLER operating service bases not only in Germany but also in Shanghai.

For Martin Wennagel, one of the people responsible for production at HOMAG, this is a key aspect: “With this investment in 4-axis machining centres we changed our machine tool supplier. That is why service response times and spare parts supply were of particular importance to the availability of our machines.”

High degree of professionalism already during the decision-making phase.

The fact that HELLER used to have a strong focus on the automotive industry was not considered a problem in Schopfloch. On the contrary, according to those involved, no other competitor prepared and conducted the milling trials in the forefront of the project in a more professional way than HELLER. For HOMAG Group, the two machining centres model H 4000 and 5-axis machining centre model FP 4000 installed in

Schopfloch were the first HELLER machines with the exception of two older models used in Brazil. So far, they have proved to be an excellent choice. Among the requirements placed on the two global players are not only high productivity, reliability and availability. Another crucial factor is local presence. In all regions – anywhere around the globe.

 

Homag Group

HOMAG currently employs a staff of approx. 5,000 and is a leading manufacturer of woodworking machines and systems for industrial manufacturers and woodworking shops. From individual machines through to complete high-performance systems, HOMAG offers optimum solutions tailored to the specific requirements for the production of high-quality furniture, kitchens, timber houses and floors.

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