Inside EICF Q


Continued from pg 29


The digital transformation bringing along the capacity of


is


working with data in a much more structured way leading even to predicting models in relation with the manufacturing variables.


This


for Investment Casting is bound to represent a quantum leap in reducing variability. How is Zollern incorporating this


digital A transformation and how does the Strategy Plan tackle it?


All of the new equipment will be installed with software that will


allow us to enable a digitalization 4.0 concept. An internal cross functional working committee has been formed within the business and is in the process of designing our own in house system that will capture the required data for the future to ensure process stability remains at the forefront of our operations.


Q A


Additive Manufacturing is part of the afore mentioned digital


transformation and it seems it has had a place in cohabitation and integration with the investment casting up to now. Do you have a vision of how this will evolve in the future? Is there any strategic lines Zollern is pursuing into this aspect?


Zollern has looked into this area in a number of ways by the means


of our research and development laboratory and although we are not in a position to comment at this stage on specifics we do believe this will play a role in certain markets over a period of time, which we would look forward to being involved within.


Q A


Is your strategy considering possibilities associated with the reshoring of certain products or niche markets demanding this?


We believe that our strategy certainly allows some of our


customers to benefit from this possibility and will continue to work with them as required.


30 ❘ January 2022 ®


Q A


Most Strategy advance following a new plan normally bring along the application of investments. Are you in a position to give an overall indication of the nature of those, in which areas and plants and an overall figure budgeted?


The investment in these two areas is sizable, in excess of €20M and


therefore, I believe, this indicates the desire of the Zollern Group to use this as a platform for the continuation of building upon its great history.


Q


Zollern has being playing an active and significant role into the EICF as per the Chairmanship of Mr. Virgilio


professionalized


he has shown to the EICF over the years. Having been aware of the EICF for some time now, I believe that you give a very varied platform within the industry that is presented in a fair way with excellent technical summaries for those establishing themselves for a career in our industry. I would say keep up the good work in the future.


Q A


Oliveira (Portugal


plant, General Manager) during these last years, supporting the EICF transformation thus becoming a much more


organization


and dealing with the leadership needed within the pandemic situation to support the members and the European


Industry. What are your


impressions on the EICF and what areas of attention would you recommend for the Association to cover in the interest of the members?


A


Yes I am very proud to have Virgilio as part of my team managing our facility in Maia and for the dedication


How do you foresee the evolution of the Investment Casting in the


near future?


I am sure like most industrial markets we will need some time to


recover fully from the pandemic, but I am sure that we will all be around for some time. The $1M question is how long will the recovery take and I am not sure any of us have the honest answer to that at the moment. We all have to remain flexible to our customers requirements and work hard for the future of our industry.


The EICF wishes to thank Mr.


Ward for sharing the Zollern status and strategy. With historical roots deeper than 300 years, Zollern continues its path of excellence looking at the future with a committed customer service and driving their strategy along those deep principles.


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