With innovations through
challenging times.
HEDELIUS managing director Dennis Hempelmann in conversation.
Managing Director Dennis Hempelmann talks about automation and innovation, the current challenges in the European machine tool industry and the situation at HEDELIUS in particular.
The topics of automation and innovation, as well as the current crisis in the European machine tool industry and the situation at HEDELIUS in particular, are the focus of today's programme. Let's start with automation. How important is this range for HEDELIUS?
Dennis Hempelmann: Automation will continue to play a decisive role for us in the future. Over the past five years, we have developed several of our own solutions - from entry-level pallet loading to hybrid systems for the mixed handling of workpieces and pallets. Our focus is always on single parts and small series production in machine and tool manufacturing. This is where we know our way around, and this is where we feel at home.
Our customers benefit from this because they can increase their productivity HEDELIUS Managing Director Dennis Hempelmann in conversation. and utilise previously unproductive times efficiently. However, we first had to make a name for ourselves with our customers and prove the long-term accuracy and reliability of our machines and our service department. However, with over 250 automated machining centres on the market, we have successfully overcome this hurdle. More and more customers are reporting productivity increases of 50 % or more. So it is only logical that they are also reordering their second, third or fourth automated machine
"More and more customers are reporting productivity increases of 50% or more."
The European machine tool industry is currently going through a difficult phase. How does this crisis affect your company?
It is true that the industry is facing major challenges. This can be seen from the numerous insolvencies in recent months and also from the apparently many merger or takeover talks. However, despite the general uncertainty, we believe we are well installed. Over the last seven years, we have completely reinvented our entire product range with the TILTENTA, ACURA and FORTE machining centres and the associated automation solutions. We have more than doubled our turnover in the last ten years - while maintaining a high level of profitability. This gives us the opportunity to continue investing in the expansion and modernisation of our factory as well as in new developments.
We are certainly noticing the current reluctance to invest, but interest in our solutions is high. Our customers are signalling that they will invest in our machines again when the economy recovers.
Can you say something about the financial stability and creditworthiness of HEDELIUS?
Our financial stability is a key component of our corporate strategy. Through sustainable management and forward-looking planning, we have been able to create a solid financial basis that enables us to operate with safety even in challenging times. As a result, we have once again been certified for 2024 with the CrefoZert from Creditreform for our excellent creditworthiness - and have done so consistently since 2016.
You mentioned that you have reinstalled your entire product range in recent years. Can you give us an insight into the biggest technical challenges and milestones in these developments?
We are continuously working on the further development of our machines and services. While the focus in recent years has been on expanding our ACURA series and the corresponding automation solutions, we are now also focussing more on our TILTENTA series.
We have opened several models with travels of over 6,000 mm onto the market. I have to admit that we had somewhat lost sight of this segment in recent years, as customer enquiries were clearly focussed on the automation of rotating/swivelling table machines. But with the changes in the market, we want to regain ground in this segment, which used to be strong for us.
However, we are also seeing a trend towards more flexibility. In mechanical engineering, mixed production of cubic 5-axis workpieces as well as shafts, plates or larger welded assemblies is commonplace. For many customers, it is not worth investing in both an automated 5-axis machining centre and a long-bed machine, as both machines would not be fully utilised.
HEDELIUS has added new lengths to the popular TILTENTA 10 swivelling head machining centre in response to market demand. It is now available with X travel paths of 2,600 mm, 3,600 mm, 4,600 mm and 6,200 mm and extra-long Y and Z travel paths of 1,000 mm each.
For this reason, we have revised our TILTENTA 7 series and added pallet automation. It is now possible, for example, to process long workpieces up to 2,600 mm in the day shift and then change over to pallet loading in the second shift. We have paid particular attention to this changeover process - and I think we have released it cleverly.
"New machine concept in 2025: CENTRIA series"
Innovation is a key to success. What new developments can we expect from HEDELIUS?
Machining centres with rotating/swivelling tables, such as our ACURA series, reach their limits when large pallets, very heavy components or large diameters and clamping heights are required. This is why we will be launching a completely new series in the second half of the year with the CENTRIA. We are starting with a model for 800 x 800 mm pallets that can process components with a diameter of up to 1,250 mm and a clamping weight of 1,500 kg. In order to create the necessary spatial capacity, we will soon be starting the construction of another hall.
We have deliberately decided not to present this machine to our customers at the EMO, but at a major event in Meppen. However, they will have to be patient until then.
Finally, how do you see the future of machine tool manufacturing in Europe and the role of HEDELIUS in it?
I am convinced that the European machine tool industry will continue to play an important role. Companies that focus on quality, innovation and customer proximity will continue to be successful in the future. HEDELIUS will make an important contribution to this as a reliable partner with customised solutions.
HEDELIUS is introducing a completely new series with the CENTRIA. The first model is designed for pallets measuring 800 x 800 mm and can process components with a diameter of up to 1,250 mm and a clamping weight of up to 1,500 kg.
Find out more in the
HEDline 04/2025!
The full interview and other exciting news and background reports can be found in the current issue of our customer magazine HEDline. Take a look now and don't miss a thing!
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