Liebherr, a traditional German family-run enterprise, is not only one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction machinery but has also caved out a strong position in several other industries. The group covers many companies worldwide including Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH, a specialist in machine tools and automation systems. Romana Moares spoke to Martin Winterstein, Director for Global Market Sales and Market Service, to find out more.
In the nearly 70 years since its establishment in the late 1940s, the Liebherr Group has demonstrated stability and reliability, reflecting the personal commitment of the company owners and the credo of the family enterprise. The group continues to be a fully family-run business – its stakeholders are second and third generation descendants of the company’s founder and play an active role in its activities themselves.
Under the umbrella of Liebherr-Verzahntechnik, which is based in Kempten, the group produces gear cutting machines, gear cutting tools and automation systems. “In addition to Kempten, we also have facilities in Ettlingen, Germany and Collegno, Italy, where we manufacture our gear cutting tools,” said Mr Winterstein. “We also have an assembly site and a service & sales administration in Saline, USA and a joint venture in India. Additionally, we operate sales and service offices in France, Russia, China, South Korea, Japan and Brazil, and work with sales channel partners in many other countries.”
Image: LMS Software. Credit: Liebherr
In full gear
Liebherr-Verzahntechnik specialises in high-quality gear cutting machines, gear cutting tools, and automation systems. From the automotive and aerospace industry to wind turbine manufacturers, customers around the world trust Liebherr machines. “The range of gear cutting machines includes gear hobbing machines, gear shaping machines, gear skiving machines, generating and profile grinding machines as well as chamfering and deburring machines for soft and fine machining of cylindrical gearing based on the new LHGearTec software,” said Mr Winterstein.
He pointed out that Liebherr is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of gear cutting tools. “Moreover, Liebherr ensures high-quality machining of gear cutting tools from all manufacturers. The long service life of the tools distinguishes us as a reliable partner.”
The list of innovative technology that Liebherr has launched is long and extensive. As an example, Mr Winterstein highlighted the gear grinding machine LGG 280, with the new flexible palletising cell LPC 3600 and an emphasis on modular functions. “A special advantage of the machine is the new GH 320 grinding head, which is now available with a mobile meshing sensor and swivel-in measuring probe. With the new palletising cell LPC 3600, Liebherr offers the customer the appropriate automation module for productive manufacturing by means of cage logistics. Work piece handling is carried out with a robot, which also facilitates additional functionalities.”
Image: Key Visual Gear Technology and Automation Systems. Credit: Liebherr
Innovation focused
Liebherr has established itself worldwide as a specialist for automation solutions. The broad range of automation systems ranges from linear gantry robots and robot applications to conveying and storage systems through to solutions for pallet handling systems. Automation solutions from Liebherr reduce production costs and enable a flexible and fast response to changes in market demand.
“Perfectly matched for the universal user is the PHS 1500 Allround pallet handling system – the modular concept in three weight classes for loads of up to three tonnes is extremely flexible and can be individually configured and expanded,” Mr Winterstein explained. “Another new development is our own software development called Liebherr Manufacturing System 4.0 tailored for high volume production systems. With the new LMS 4.0 software the automation process is controlled by modular means. This includes operating data recording, production planning, parts tracking and an information system.”
He further revealed that the R&D is busily working on new products to be introduced soon. “We are focusing on expanding the skiving technology for machines and cutting tools, as well as further development of chamfering and deburring solutions. We are also working on enhancing the gantry systems and pallet handling solutions for automation systems.”
Image: Liebherr Gear Technology and Automation Systems. Credit: Liebherr
Global expansion
To reinforce its worldwide footprint, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik participates in major trade fairs around the globe.
“We attended AMB in Stuttgart, IMTS in Chicago and Jimtof in Tokyo, where we presented our latest innovations. This effort will continue in 2019 – in Europe, we will be present at Industry in Lyon, MECSPE in Parma, Metalloobrabotka in Moscow and EMO in Hanover. We will also participate in the big trade fairs in China (CIMT) and USA (Gear Expo). Participation in these trade fairs is of great importance for us – they provide an excellent opportunity to show our new products to our existing customers, and find new customers for our solutions.”
In 2018, the company started a cooperation with Wenzel GearTec, a manufacturer of reliable, high precision gear measuring machines and a developer of gear measuring software. “The combination of measuring mechanics and the software ensures precise measuring results and has been developed for companies in various industries such as automotive, mechanical engineering and aerospace,” said Mr Winterstein.
Speaking about plans for the future, Mr Winterstein hinted at expansion across all of the company’s markets. “We plan to further localise and broaden the product portfolio in the Americas and will inaugurate a local assembly facility in Yongchuan, China in 2019.”
Continuing to supply products and services that creategenuine added value and user benefit will remain the basis ofthe company’s success.
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