A flagship in machine construction with components from Saxony-Anhalt
"The financial crisis offered us a chance. We quickly understood that in the long-term, only high quality tool making machines are sold in Central Europe," says Günther Tengg, summarising the considerations of the past few years. The Managing Partner of IFR Engineering GmbH Magdeburg sees Asia as its competitor in the value for money segment. Here machines are built in bulk. In quantities and with production costs that companies in Germany cannot compete.The steeped in tradition location in the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt is predestined for technological progress. Where toolmaking construction is concerned, it can draw upon a long history. For almost 120 years, tools have been produced here for industrial mass production pursuant to the highest demands. In the past few years, the production was completely reoriented and focussed on the manufacturing of special solutions which go directly to the supplier assembly lines. The concept has proven itself, says Tengg. Until the end of the year, he was employed at EMCO in Magdeburg as a Director and then moved to the head of IFR Engineering. Both companies work closely together on the same business premises, mutually benefitting from expertise at the site.A new vertical series is playing an important role in the cooperation. A new vertical turning machine VERTICAL VT 250 has been manufactured at EMCO since 2010. Important components for this come from Magdeburg. While the company in Saxony-Anhalt supplies precision systems such as tool holders, tailstocks and slide systems for the Group, IFR has established itself as a producer of the components required for this. Its specialist teams master CNC-turning, milling, circular or surface grinding and drilling and much more. "EMCO is our biggest customer with two thirds of our turnover. In the medium term, this should be 30 to 40%", says Günther Tengg. Exports account for 90% in total. € 7.5 million has been invested in new machines since IFR was founded in 2001. The turnover is expected to increase significantly to €3.5 million in 2011. Last year, due to the crisis, this figure was €1.1 million.The Managing Director also sees the training of specialist staff as no less important, as a shortfall was already noticeable. Therefore, the training of their own apprentices is playing an increasingly significant role. Nine young people – altogether around 50 employees work for the company – are learning the ropes of production technology. Those who perform well do not need to worry about a job after their apprenticeship. Like other companies in the region, IFR is also feeling the lack of an entire generation of employees. At the start of the 1990s, 20-30 year olds at the time saw no prospects for their career and often changed jobs. Returning to their old profession today is almost impossible, asserts Tengg. Too many changes and developments have taken place in the machinery line and in computer assisted solutions. Nonetheless, the company focuses on a healthy balance between young and experienced colleagues. 40% of all employees are between 20 and 28 years old, a similar proportion are aged over 40. Experience and knowledge form the perfect combination.Captions: Small picture: By offering its own training programme, IFR Engineering GmbH focuses on practical solutions to fulfil its needs for specialist staff. Managing Director Günther Tengg (r.) at trainee Patrick Weimann's work post.Big picture: Production of precision parts for toolmaking machines at EMCO in Magdeburg.
Photos
Klaus-Peter Voigt
AuthorKlaus-Peter Voigt
Contact
IFR Engineering GmbH
Günther Tengg
Gröperstraße 18
39124 Magdeburg
Tel. +49 (0) 391 6627590
E-mail: g.tengg@ifr-magdeburg.de
www.ifr-magdeburg.de