CEO Anders Kold and CFO Torben Jensen
The Danish industrial group Mekoprint is now placing even more focus on advanced 3D machining with investments of over DKK 20 million in both micro turning and milling, fully automated production control and several new milling machines. The investments will expand Mekoprint's capacity and Northern European leadership position in several specialist areas, and address a global need for shorter supply chains.
The demand for highly specialized CNC machining of 3D components is increasing, and Mekoprint is currently facing an increased capacity requirement of over 25%. Therefore, investments of over DKK 20 million are now being made in two technology areas related to CNC machining:
“We want to be a leader in precision engineering – including micro turning and micro milling – to stay ahead of customers' increasing need for precision, material weight reduction requirements, etc. We currently supply some of the world's leading companies, and we will help our customers extend their lead”, explains CEO Anders Kold.
He adds that, in recent years, Mekoprint has supplied one of the world's leading manufacturers of microdrones. This is where precise CNC machining is crucial to product performance.
Specifically, Mekoprint is investing in a seven-axis machine for micro turning and another machine for micro milling that can handle workpiece sizes down to 0.1 mm. At the same time, the fully automated FMS milling center will be upgraded to expand current capacity, and investments will be made in larger and more advanced CNC milling machines for workpiece sizes up to 3 meters in length.
According to Anders Kold, micro manufacturing and highly automated production of larger items are the main growth areas. Mekoprint is one of the few companies in Northern Europe to offer this, with very demanding precision requirements down to 1-2 microns in climate chambers. This technology is particularly relevant in the medical devices industry, as well as in niche precision engineering companies, where there is an increased need:
“We have access to the latest technology and can now expand our product range even further. At the same time, we are entering a global trend that has been greatly amplified during the corona crisis. More and more European customers are insourcing production from Asia and elsewhere to shorten supply chains. We expect a lot from this development in the coming years," Anders Kold continues.
Mekoprint has had an ambitious and long-term investment strategy over the years, with a total investment level close to DKK 1 billion over the company’s lifetime. The basic attitude in the family-owned industrial group is to have their own fully automated technology park with as many in-house processes as possible, with a view to being chosen as a total supplier:
“In CNC machining and other technology areas, it is our clear goal to be able to finish the customer's parts – including the desired surface treatment, where we can offer anodizing, powder and wet coating and final assembly, if desired” Anders Kold concludes.