AWL continues to be a partner through innovation
Brand van ‘t Hof, Technical Director at AWL, looks back on a turbulent 2009 and is very positive for the coming year. Despite 2009 obviously being a year of global economic downfall, AWL can look back on a successful year. Not only did AWL maintain a leading position in automated welding, the company has also succeeded in ending the year with positive numbers.
2009 has been a year of great changes for AWL; there was a shift to a more market-orientated approach, and the products and even the internal organization changed a lot. AWL is keen to be an innovator, especially in laser-, resistance-, and arc welding, and it has proven to be just that, time after time. Organizations from all over Europe asked for AWL’s help, proving one of AWL’s big strengths: providing customers with tailor-made solutions.
AWL has invested a lot in innovations for the automotive industry, such as:
• High speed arc welding
• Control systems flaring
• Beam switch management in laser welding
• Intelligent fixtures
These innovations are also applicable in other sectors.
In 2010 AWL will stay on the road chosen in 2009. “Our markets are our main priority”, according to van ‘t Hof. “If we listen, really listen to our customers, we are able to do great things.” With new product developments on the way, and a clear idea of what the market is doing, AWL is ready to prove it is the European partner in automated welding machines.
With globalization becoming a strategy for many companies, AWL has found a strategic partner for North America in Nu-tech Engineering, an alliance which will not only benefit both companies, but also provide customers with a reliable and knowledgeable partner. AWL also wants to collaborate with another company for the Asian market, in order to really be a global partner.
“In order to be actively involved with our customers, we’ll be attending several exhibitions, like Euroblech, Biemh and Lasys, where we will get the chance to talk to our existing customers, meet new parties and listen to the market”, says van ‘t Hof. AWL will also focus on more personal attention by organizing seminars and product presentations, where customers will be encouraged to give feedback and take part in open dialogue.
Van ‘t Hof elaborates: “Listening to our customers and doing the right things; that’s what makes us successful and a true partner. We invite all our customers to come to Harderwijk and experience firsthand what AWL has to offer. After all, seeing is believing.”
AWL is, and wishes to remain, one of the leading companies within laser welding. To ensure this status AWL invests a great deal in new innovations in this technology. Another essential issue for AWL is software innovation; not only having a world-class HMI, but also having intelligent robots which are easy to work with. AWL already has a RAB safety mark, stating the safe environment AWL has created in working with robots.
The new machine directive that comes into effect at the end of 2009 will not be a problem for AWL. The company is already complying with the directive, and it sees the potential of the interaction between man and machine, in which machines should be operator and maintenance friendly.
“This year will be the year of growth. We will focus on “control”. Our innovations will maintain a high priority. Overall I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to what 2010 will bring”, concludes van ‘t Hof.