As the final quarter of the year begins, we can look back on a successful and busy first half of the year. Contrary to expectations for the year, which was predicted to be worse than 2011, we once again managed to exceed the forecasts in terms of throughput, not least thanks to the optimized processes in our Manufacturing department. The investments in our workforce and machinery allowed us to grow into the preferred toolmaking supplier to a number of renowned German automakers for major cutting and forming tool projects.
Also, in the precision parts manufacturing sector, we expanded our sphere of activities into the optics and medical fields. We did this last month by commissioning another fully automatic production machine for precision machined parts, including robot handling, to maintain the accustomed delivery reliability and quality in spite of rising demand. Since, as a full supplier, we combine highly complex components manufactured in all kinds of in-house processes, we have also had to respond to the increasing demand for wire cutting, and will therefore invest in yet another EDM machine shortly before the end of the year.
Now that we have well and truly beefed up our manufacturing facilities, we will be concentrating next year on expanding our Design department in the field of industrial automation engineering. As already announced at the open-house day for our company’s 20th anniversary, we are planning a new building for our think tank. Alongside larger premises, this will create new jobs, which will in turn give us a broader base. Building is planned to commence in the spring of 2013.
To meet the increasing need for qualified employees, we took on 2 trainees this year, one training as toolmaker and the other as mechatronic engineer. We will continue to take 2 trainees into our company each year from now on, in order to secure the long-term existence and future expansion of the company.