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Author: Möbelfertigung

Dieffenbacher

Merino Industries Ltd. to start particleboard production using Dieffenbacher technology

Merino Industries Ltd., one of India’s largest laminates manufacturers, has ordered a particleboard line from German machine and plant manufacturer Dieffenbacher. Construction of the new plant is scheduled to start shortly at Merino’s new site in Halol in the Indian state of Gujarat.

“Particleboard production is new to us. That’s why it was crucial for us to find partners who not only support us with state-of-the-art technology but also with their expertise in production and process know-how,” said Merino’s Managing Director Mr. Prakash Lohia. “We are glad to have found such a partner in Dieffenbacher.” Sachin Pendharkar, Managing Director of Dieffenbacher India, added, “We are excited to partner with Merino as it enters an allied business domain. Together, we will make sure they get off to a great start in particleboard manufacturing.”

In addition to a CPS+ continuous press, Merino ordered a chipping line and flake preparation, forming station and forming line, press emission control system and raw board handling and the pneumatic transport and exhaust system with all necessary safety equipment. The order also includes the drum dryer and Lukki raw board storage system. MyDieffenbacher, Dieffenbacher digital service solutions platform consisting of the ticket and messaging app MyMessenger, the MyParts online spare parts catalog and the condition monitoring solution MyCockpit, is also included. In addition, Dieffenbacher is responsible for the plant electrics and automation and the engineering of the complete plant.

“We can’t wait to roll out our new particleboard plant operations together with Dieffenbacher. This initiative is a big step in our efforts to continually enhance our business capabilities and reinforce our position as a leading company in the surfacing solutions industry,” concluded Mr. Prakash Lohia.

 

China leads post-pandemic recovery

The preliminary World Robotics data for China released by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) shows a sales increase of industrial robots by 19 Prozent in 2020.

“The outlook for the robotics industry is optimistic”, says Milton Guerry, President of the International Federation of Robotics. “In China, where the coronavirus lockdown came into force first, the robotics industry started to recover already in 2020. In total 167,000 industrial robots were shipped.”

Market growth in China also has a strong positive impact on foreign suppliers – up 24% or 123,000 industrial robots were shipped from abroad. Japanese suppliers have a dominant market share. Domestic suppliers delivered 44,000 units to their home market which is an increase of 8% compared to 2019.

Global robot installations in 2020 were down 2%, particularly under the impact of the Corona pandemic. Still the decline in sales was more moderate than expected.

OECD projects global GDP growth to be 5.5% in 2021 and 4% in 2022. Nevertheless, the situation is mixed in different countries.

The order intakes of the robotics industry 2021 give reason to expect strong growth in North America and Europe. Order books in the US for example are filling up fast. In Germany, the forecast for the current year shows a strong recovery and signifies a positive turning point for the industry. Even better sales figures will be achievable if the current supply bottlenecks for key components can be quickly overcome.

The global path to climate neutrality is generating new business. In order to achieve the ambitious climate targets, economies have started to scale renewable energies and environmental technologies to unprecedented dimensions. Robotics and automation enable companies of all sizes to produce the components needed, e.g. fuel cells for hydrogen-powered cars or batteries in the transport sector and solar panels in the energy sector. The new generation of easy-to-use robotics helps to optimize performance in the production process and move manufacturing closer to regional markets at competitive cost.

“Robotics have proven flexibility to quickly adapt production and respond to changes in demand as well as smaller batch sizes,” says Milton Guerry. “The benefits of increased productivity safeguards jobs by keeping companies competitive.”

Genstar Capital and TA Associates Announce Agreement to Merge Compusoft and 2020

Genstar Capital and TA Associates today announced that they have signed a definitive agreement to merge their portfolio companies, Compusoft, a leading international provider of specialized visual Configure, Price, Quote (“vCPQ”) software to key retail and manufacturing industries, and 2020 Technologies (“2020”), a leading provider of specialized computer-aided design (“CAD”), configure, price, quote (“CPQ”) and enterprise solutions dedicated to interior design, space planning and furniture manufacturing industries. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021.

Compusoft and 2020 will combine in a merger of equals to create a leading provider of space planning and manufacturing solutions for the residential and commercial segments. The group will offer an end-to-end suite of planning, design, visualization, configuration, pricing, quoting, ERP and manufacturing solutions to consumers, retailers and suppliers across the kitchen, bathroom, office and residential furniture and commercial and residential windows & doors segments. The expansive global network will be enhanced by local expertise and deep customer relationships developed over decades. An impressive combined workforce will benefit from 65+ years of experience in customer service, catalog content, innovation and technology to bring a best-in-class offering to our customers and create a platform for future growth.

Compusoft is a portfolio company of TA Associates, a leading global growth private equity firm that invested in Compusoft in 2018. 2020 is a portfolio company of Genstar Capital, a leading private equity firm focused on investments in targeted segments of the financial services, healthcare, industrials and software industries that recently acquired 2020. The newly-combined company will be majority owned by Genstar and TA.

Mark Stoever, Chief Executive Officer of 2020, said, “The merger of Compusoft and 2020 positions the combined company as a trusted provider whose suite of solutions supports designers, manufacturers and retailers. This is a transformative transaction and the support from Genstar and TA will enable us to invest in the business, new technologies and our people. We look forward to completing the transaction so we can continue to build on our companies’ unwavering commitment to innovation and customer service.”

David Tombre, Chief Executive Officer of Compusoft, said, “We are excited by the opportunity this combination presents to create a leading provider of vCPQ solutions for home and commercial spaces. Given Compusoft’s presence in Europe and 2020’s presence in North and South America, the two businesses are truly complementary. Our priority remains our customer’s success and together we will provide an enhanced offering across support, content, innovation and technology.”

Naveen Wadhera, Managing Director at TA, said, “Since TA’s investment, Compusoft has completed five acquisitions while also realizing sustained and meaningful organic growth. This growth has helped further position Compusoft as a leader, well-suited for what we believe will be a value-enhancing combination with 2020. It has been a privilege to partner with Compusoft during this expansion, and we look forward to working with the combined teams on the next phase of growth.”

Eli Weiss, Managing Director at Genstar Capital, said, “The combination of Compusoft and 2020 is a merger of equals by which there will be a number of benefits. Compusoft and 2020 are leading companies in their respective geographies, and we are confident that this merger will provide opportunities for continued organic and inorganic growth. The company is now better positioned to pursue new global opportunities that will enhance customer service and build on their strong momentum.”

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as legal counsel and Alvarez & Marsal as financial and tax advisor to TA. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel, Alvarez & Marsal is serving as financial and tax advisor and William Blair is serving as financial advisor to Genstar.

Partners with Homag to optimise supply und support in China

Välinge Innovation announced today a further strengthening of their collaboration with machine supplier Homag China — signing a cooperation agreement that allows Välinge to offer its licensees in China next-level access and support to the latest generation of automated inserters for both the “5G” Fold Down locking system and “Threespine” click furniture technology.

“We want our licensees to have the best experience possible and this agreement will mean even more advantages to our partners in China,” says Magnus Holgesson, Regional Manager for China & Asia, Välinge Innovation. “Now installation, commissioning, after-market support offering corrective and preventative maintenance and access to spare parts will all be available locally — it’s a whole new level of convenience and care.”

The addition of the automated inserter in a “5G” or “Threespine” production line brings with it several benefits over manual insertion. Productivity and quality control are increased as the floorboards or furniture panels are only handled once in the process — freeing resources and factory floor space and ensuring a consistent, quality insertion from a machine that is both easy to use and service.

Now holds all shares in former Best Carbide

Ceratizit S.A. has acquired the remaining shares in Ceratizit Los Angeles as of June 1. This means that the company, which is part of the Austrian Plansee Group, is now the 100% owner of the subsidiary based in Rancho Domingo, California.

The Ceratizit Group had already acquired the majority of the shares in the company, which was still called Best Carbide Cutting Tools at the time, at the beginning of 2017. Today, Ceratizit Los Angeles, together with the sites in Warren, Michigan, Schaumburg, Illinois and Rancho Cordova, California, forms the Group’s North American production network. Within this, the location acts as a specialist for solid carbide tools and, in particular, high-end micro tools and serves customers throughout the Americas.

Mirko Merlo, President Americas at the Ceratizit Group, said: “The acquisition of the remaining shares by the Ceratizit Group will enable us to further expand our presence and accelerate our growth strategy in the cutting tools market, particularly in the area of high-end micro tools. As a trusted partner and industry leader, we will continue to bring our expertise and technical competence to help our customers increase their productivity.”

Both sides have agreed not to disclose the financial details of the transaction.

Now majority shareholder in height adjustable table (HAT) specialist Actiforce

Another milestone in the history of both companies: the Hettich Group acquired a majority stake in height adjustable table specialist Actiforce (www.actiforce.com) in June 2021. Their sit-stand workstation solutions complement the Hettich product range.

Actiforce remains an independent company, with the existing management team still at the helm as co-owners. Having taken over the majority of Actiforce shares, Hettich has broadened its product portfolio, giving it wider access to the market.

Actiforce’s digital and analogue systems bring the convenience of quick, quiet adjustment to all desk and table types. Seventeen years ago, this pioneer created a completely new market by inventing Vision Lift. Actiforce is an expert in the components business as well as in turn-key solutions. The company develops, manufactures and offers everything from electronic to mechanical components.

At home as well as in the office, working in an ergonomic, health conducive environment is an aspect that is becoming increasingly important. Ergonomics and user friendly comfort and convenience from electrical height adjustment are taking on greater significance in the home too. As such, trends like “Home Cocooning” and thinking in terms of new (homeworking) office worlds, are providing further growth potential for strategic partnerships. Sharing expertise and experience will further strengthen Hettich’s position as a provider of innovative workplace and furnishing solutions.

“Height adjustable systems are finding their way into everyday life on an increasing scale. In the office sector, this includes the market for ergonomic workplaces. More and more desks can be adjusted in height, providing the ability to alternate between sitting and standing as a key ergonomic factor. This is active health maintenance both in the office and in homeworking,” says Uwe Kreidel, Managing Director Hettich.

“Hettich is a world market leader with a wealth of experience in motorised desks and tables. We are delighted to share our experience and expertise with the Hettich Group. This cooperation partnership will now place both companies on a far broader base and complement their expertise,” adds Jason de Weerd, CEO Actiforce.

Now available: Booking of digital participation packages

With a triad of Expo, Conference and Networking, the “Ligna.Innovation Network” will offer an alternative digital platform from September 27 to 29, 2021 to the international woodworking and wood processing industry. Preparations for the new digital event are in full swing. Exhibitors can now register for the “Ligna.Innovation Network” and book their digital participation packages in the “Ligna Shop”. The new online event is being organized by Deutsche Messe, Hannover together with the VDMA Woodworking Machinery along the focus topics of “Ligna”.

The “Ligna.Innovation Network” is getting positive feedback from the industry. Many companies welcome the new platform, which, despite contact restrictions due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, gives them the opportunity to stay in touch with the market, present products and innovations, and get access to new contacts on the customer and partner side.

“For Homag, ‘Ligna‘ is the leading trade show in our industry and we see the digital event as an important element for staying in touch with customers and bridging the gap until ‘Ligna’ 2023. The insights gained from this event are also an important basis for the design of ‘Ligna’ 2023, so that ‘Ligna’ will be further developed for the future,” comments Dr. Markus Vöge, Executive Vice President Global Sales & Service, Homag GmbH on the company’s participation in “Ligna.Innovation Network” 2021.

For Oliver Kunzweiler, Director Central Marketing, Michael Weinig AG, “Ligna.Innovation Network” offers a substitute for cancelled trade shows: “Weinig has been a committed ‘Ligna’ exhibitor for decades. This year, we are continuing this partnership and are supporting the ‘Ligna.Innovation Network’. Even though there is no alternative for the personal contact at a trade show for us, this new, digital platform is a good way for staying in touch with customers and partners worldwide and an important format for getting access to new contacts.”

Siempelkamp, a longstanding “Ligna” exhibitor, is also looking forward to the new format: “For Siempelkamp, ‘Ligna’ has been an ideal trade show for years – the international showcase to present our innovative technologies to the wood-based materials industry as the leading systems supplier in the industry. The corona pandemic confronts everyone of us with new challenges in 2021 – organizers and trade show visitors as well as exhibitors. We have turned the challenge into an opportunity and developed a new trade show presence with our digital and future-oriented content platform, which we will integrate into the ‘Ligna.Innovation Network’. The new ‘Ligna’ format is therefore the perfect complement for us to get in touch with customers, partners and industry experts,” explains Jetmir Shaini, Senior Manager Strategic Marketing, G. Siempelkamp GmbH & Co. KG.

The digital participation packages offer exhibitors high international reach, new opportunities for interaction with digital participants and new formats for lead generation. Exhibitors can choose the package in the formats S, M, L and XL with different services. Depending on the scope of the package booked, these include exhibitor streaming, videos in the product media library, participation in business dating, company and product presentations with various dialog functions, as well as the generation of new business contacts, based on interaction of digital trade show visitors with digital exhibitor offerings (Added Qualified Leads).

In addition, packages are also available for group pavilions and universities. Further information on the participation packages is available for download. Booking is now available in the “Ligna-Shop“.

Great need for personal encounters – good registration status

Things are looking good: “Heimtextil” is planning optimistically for 2022, thanks to a promising number of registrations and positive feedback from the sector. Even if it still takes a while, “the sector is dragging its feet and longing for a return to the international stage”, the fair organisers announced today. Personal talks, physical product presentations and valuable inspirations – the desire for an international industry meeting with all its facets is seven months ahead of the next rotational leading fair for home and contract textiles, they said.

Against the backdrop of falling Corona infection figures, the current loosening and opening steps provide confidence, both nationally and internationally. “We finally see light at the end of the tunnel. And even if this is not yet a cause for euphoria, it does make us very optimistic. We are in good contact with our international customers. They express a great need for personal encounters, direct exchange and new impressions”, says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt. This is also reflected in the gratifyingly high number of registrations already received. Accordingly, around 80 percent of exhibitors at “Heimtextil” 2020 are interested in taking part so far.

The programme highlight for those interested in design in 2022 will once again be the ‘Trend Space’ in Hall 4.0. This trend and inspiration area will focus on how the pandemic has changed our lives and, with it, our way of furnishing. Among other things, a special focus will be on the mega theme of “New Work”, which will be examined with new facets. Anja Bisgaard Gaede and her team from Spott Trends & Business will once again direct the staging of the “Trend Space”.

Additional digital offers will complement the product spectrum of “Heimtextil” 2022 in Frankfurt. Live streams and online services from the lecture programme are planned. It includes topics such as “Sleep”, the “Heimtextil Trends” and “Interior.Architecture.Hospitality”, the offer for (interior) architects and hospitality experts. The subject of sustainability and the Future Materials Library will also be covered with lectures. The Nextrade order and data management portal is another digital service offered by Messe Frankfurt. Nextrade offers a digital 24/7 business relationship between retailers and suppliers. As the first digital B2B marketplace for Home & Living, the platform digitally brings together supply and demand from the entire industry and thus creates great added value for both sides: www.nextrade.market

Highlights of the digital trade fair format

With “Automatica Sprint”, the leading international exhibition for automated smart production adds another offer to its portfolio. It provides the robotics and automation industry with a digital industry forum for exchange, knowledge, and business from June 22 to 24, 2021. “Munich_i” — the newly created platform for robotics and artificial intelligence—is a part of this format.

The new trade fair format “Automatica Sprint” will start in a week. Attendees can expect an extensive range of innovations as well as numerous presentations and panel discussions on challenges in the field of robotics and automation. Anja Schneider, “Automatica” Exhibition Director, is optimistic about the upcoming premiere: “The industry craves exchange. And we offer a digital stage for this purpose at automatica sprint. We are looking forward to the online event and to breaking new ground together with our exhibitors—we greatly value the trust they have placed in us.”

The digital format focuses on the solutions and products offered by the approximately 80 exhibitors. International industry representatives include ABB, Basler, Bosch Rexroth, Epson, Fanuc, Festo, Hahn Automation, IDS, Kuka, Manz, MVTec, Schaeffler, Schunk, Siemens, Stäubli as well as teamtechnik, Universal and Yaskawa. In the individual companies’ brand rooms, participants will have the opportunity to obtain detailed information and to directly get in touch with the exhibitors through various channels.

In addition to the companies’ brand rooms, “Automatica Sprint” offers a versatile supporting program covering developments and trends in the automation industry. The company sessions offer insights into new developments and innovations from the industry’s key players. These sessions range from technical presentations to live product presentations and panel discussions on topics such as cobots, smart manufacturing, connectivity, energy efficiency and artificial intelligence. In addition, there will be daily round table discussions with industry experts on topics such as G5, robotics in SMEs, and machine vision.

The English-language panel discussion “Applying AI—How to create responsible technological innovations that promote wellbeing” addresses the use of technological innovations such as AI, which give rise to a number of ethical, social, political, and legal challenges. In addition to Minister of State Bernd Sibler, representatives from BMW, Deutsches Museum, IBM, and Technical University of Munich (TUM) will discuss issues associated with this topic. The discussion will be hosted by Prof. Alena Buyx, Director of the Institute for the History and Ethics of Medicine and Director of “Munich_i”.

A special highlight of the supporting program: the virtual demonstrator for OPC UA technology. This is a digital likeness of an assembly machine into which trade fair visitors can virtually immerse themselves. Processes not visible in the physical machine, such as communication between its individual components, thus become comprehensible and illustrate the concept of a “digital twin”.

With “Munich_i”, “Automatica Sprint” offers another highlight to participants. The newly created robotics and artificial intelligence event consists of four elements: In addition to the “high-tech summit” and “AI.Society”, the “Robothon” and the “Munich_i robot driver’s license” are also part of the program.

The virtual “high-tech” summit on June 22 will focus on the interaction of human and artificial intelligence in the areas of work, health, and mobility. The summit will be opened by Bavarian Minister President Dr. Markus Söder, patron of “Munich_i”. Start-up companies and chairs of the Technical University of Munich will present artificial intelligence applications that have already found their way into everyday life on all three days of the event as part of the digital AI.Society exhibition. The “Robothon” developer competition is looking for the creative minds of tomorrow. An independent panel of judges will award the winner of the challenge on June 22. The “Munich_i robot driver’s license” combines theory and practice. In online workshops aimed at interested children, teenagers and adults, concrete application examples will let participants experience how robotics can make our lives easier in the future.

Participation in “Munich_i” is included in the ticket for visitors to the “Automatica Sprint” digital platform. The event will be held in English. Further information on “Munich_i” with more details on the four elements as well as an overview of the program and speakers at the high-tech summit is available online.