FUHR GmbH & Co. KG is a family-owned and managed company in the third generation, which looks back on more than 75 years of know-how in the construction of rolling lines and special machinery. As a modern company, they continue to develop dynamically and invest continuously in the modernisation of their operations and the expansion of their machinery and equipment. In a recent interaction with Wire & Cable India, Mr. Benjamin Joachim, Authorised Officer at FUHR, shared that they are focusing on machine retrofits and higher grades of automation, especially for magnet wire. In order to meet customer demands for data analysis and quality documentation, FUHR has brought in its F-MAS, FUHR Measurement & Acquisition System.
Wire & Cable India: What are the key innovations shaping the wire and cable industry? Highlight the latest technology developments that you have introduced in your machines to cater to these evolving needs.
Benjamin Joachim: Besides constant improvement of production equipment, automation of processes is becoming a necessity. Data mining and analyzing is very important to improve production processes and enhance machinery’s performance.
We are focusing on higher grades of automation, especially for magnet wire. We are installing industry computers for data storing in complex rolling mills to increase production speed of magnet wire, due to improved rolling sequences, cooling, and wire measuring.
Another booming trend is the machine retrofit. Retrofit expands a machine’s lifespan, ensures machine availability for longer duration, and reduces its energy consumption. In addition to the main business- the delivery of complete production lines and the supply of spare parts, FUHR is developing new business areas which include the general overhaul and modernization of older machines, the regrinding service for custom-made rolls and an extended range of services.
WCI: How do you help your customers achieve better efficiencies in their production processes? Maybe, by reducing the energy consumption; enhancing quality or reducing the waste in the production process.
BJ: Our latest machines are designed very close to customers’ requirements. We don’t install huge reserves in the drive technology. All components affecting power consumption are now designed more critically since the past few years.
Also, in order to meet customer demands for data analysis and quality documentation, FUHR has now brought its F-MAS data acquisition and evaluation system to market maturity. FUHR Measurement & Acquisition System (F-MAS) allows manufacturers to make reports of the produced wire and enable them to analyze their products and the machine.
It is available as an add-on option to the tactile measuring systems but can also be retrofitted to existing digital or analogue measuring systems. During the development phase, special attention was paid to compatibility with third-party systems – especially with regards to retrofitting in existing systems.
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WCI: Do you have any R&D team catering to evolving needs? Elaborate more about your R&D efforts.
BJ: Though we do not have a specific team for R&D, our sales engineers always analyze new trends, listen carefully to customers’ needs, visit trade shows, and have regular meetings to work on innovative new projects- to address future questions today!
Research and the constant quest for better and more effective solutions are part of the corporate culture at FUHR. We believe that- a process of ongoing, continuous reinventing will ensure our innovative and competitive strengths over the long term. We research on topics that arise from the needs of our customers, and subsequently develop practical and economic applications on this basis.
WCI: What is your current product portfolio catering to the wire & cable sector? Are there any expansion plans in the pipeline?
BJ: FUHR is well known for its competence in the field of rolling mills for various shaped wire products of different materials- ferrous and non-ferrous. The portfolio covers equipment like pay-offs via rolling stands, spooling equipment, accumulator systems, inline measuring systems and take-ups. FUHR’s specific strength is customised turnkey machines built from standardised approved modules.
During the last decade, India was one of our key markets, making approximately 20 percent of our annual turnover.
WCI: Could you provide insights into your market presence and key clientele globally & in India?
BJ: During the last decade, India was one of our key markets, making approximately 20 percent of our annual turnover. FUHR rolling mills are producing special shaped wires to serve customers all over the world.
With our high knowledge in the field of magnet wire, where currently the market is very strong, we support our customers in optimizing the production process.
In close cooperation with our regional sales partners spread all over the world, we supply our innovative rolling technology solutions to companies that are among the best in their industry.
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WCI: How do you integrate sustainability into your manufacturing and application processes?
BJ: We try to not overengineer the power affecting components. We use state of the art technology which automatically switches off components, when they are not used.
FUHR recognizes the growing energy demand and energy transition challenges as an opportunity and sees itself in an excellent position.
WCI: What are your company’s long-term growth strategies and future plans?
BJ: Rather than focussing on quick growth, we lay emphasis on retaining our position of technology leadership. We focus on maintaining customer relations by providing them quality machines and services. As a supplier of complete turnkey solutions, we develop and construct tailor-made equipment and systems in close collaboration with our clients – systems that integrate seamlessly into existing processes on site. We believe this would bring automatic growth in the long run.
