Happy Children´s Day

There are many things that can make you happy but the best thing is a child’s smile. We at HAHN Group develop forward-looking technologies and would like to inspire even children to discover those and shape them in the future.

Our trainees have crafted something –  learn more in this video. We will be happy to send you the template on request. Please send an e-mail to communications@hahn.group. Happy International Children’s Day!

Success stories of the HAHN Group network

With locations all over the world, the HAHN Group offers a large network. In the following article, four employees report on their exchange experiences between international sites.

Carlos, Project Leader Assembly HA DE AS, came from Mexico to Rheinböllen

Efrain, Junior Software Engineer Controls HAHN Automation GmbH, came from Mexico to Rheinböllen

Kresimir, General Operations Manager HAHN Automation S. de R.L., came from Rheinböllen Germany to Zagreb Croatia, and afterwards to Queretaro Mexico

Johannes Philipp, Project Leader Assembly HAHN Automation GmbH, came from Germany to the Czech Republic, and afterwards to Mexico

What was your reason for this experience?

Carlos: I wanted to learn more about both – the work at HAHN Automation in Rheinböllen and the German culture. I believed that it was a good opportunity for my professional and personal development.

Efrain: I wanted to continue growing as a professional and as a person. My boss gave me this opportunity and I said yes to it.

Kresimir: I am an open person who is always searching for new challenges. The dynamic of our work means we could never have the same day twice.

Johannes Philipp: A colleague told me that they didn´t find someone for the job yet and I felt like doing something new. I spent 2 weeks visiting the location and then joined the team for 4 years.

How was the experience with your new colleagues? Did you feel well integrated?

Carlos: I always felt welcomed, even though it took me some time to adapt. By the time that I arrived, I did not speak neither understood the German language that much. Now I can do it a little bit more than before. Everyone is nice, helpful and willing to collaborate. I feel integrated with the team and I enjoy my days at work.

Kresimir: Since I have started at HAHN Automation in Germany, I have always had a feeling that we are one family. As a foreigner coming to Germany, without knowing language, all the team members accepted me very well.

Johannes Philipp: In the Czech Republic, it was very difficult at the beginning because of the language. The people were very skeptical. After a year, I did an intensive language course and then I could communicate even with the 50% who did not speak English at all. That made a huge difference. People really appreciate it when you learn their language. It opens up a completely new range of opportunities.

Did this experience improve your technical skills? Did you get to know new technologies or processes?

Efrain: HAHN Automation in Germany is bigger than HAHN Automation Mexico. Here you can find more projects, more technologies, more specialists, more processes. If you have any technical issue, there are more people available that you can ask for help. I have had the chance to collaborate in projects made for different customers worldwide.

Johannes Philipp: Technically, we learn new things with every project. The Czech Republic has a different way of thinking than the Germans. You have to find a common basis for that. That is not always easy, but you also have to realize your goals and never stop learning.

What was the one thing you benefit the most of?

Johannes Philipp: Definitely the interaction with people and I lost the fear of trying new things. I have seen that everything is possible.

Would you recommend an exchange to other employees and why?

Efrain: If they have the opportunity, they just need to take it. They must not be afraid of the people, the country or the language. They need to know that they will learn a lot and they will find out how people live. This can help them growing professionally and improve themselves personally.

Kresimir: Do not be afraid to try new things and to take opportunities that scare you. It is a big learning experience.                                                                                                                       

Thank you for the interviews!

HAHN Group appoints Frank Konrad as CTO/COO

On February 1st, 2022, Frank Konrad will take over responsibility as CTO/COO for the technical and procedural control of the entire HAHN Group, in addition to his role as CEO of HAHN Automation. With this step, the corporate network will accelerate the integration of its subsidiaries in order to prepare for the planned growth.

As CTO/COO, Frank Konrad will be responsible for the business areas of innovation and development, engineering and software, processes and project management as well as purchasing. With this decision, the HAHN Group is preparing for the great potential of innovative projects in the fields of automotive, diagnostics and medical devices as well as electronics.

“As a global company, we have the size and the strength to be a reliable development and implementation partner for our customers, even for very large and complex automation projects. Therefore, we will join our competencies and capacities even more closely together,” states Philipp Unterhalt, CEO of the HAHN Group. He adds: “I am very happy that Frank is ready for these challenges and that he is putting his decades of experience and competence at the service of the entire HAHN Group.”

Frank Konrad, who also took over the chairmanship of the board of directors of the VDMA for the Robotics + Automation trade association in October 2021, is a partner and CEO of HAHN Automation and has significantly shaped the company’s positive development. The 49-year-old automation expert adds his experience to the management of the HAHN Group consisting of Philipp Unterhalt (CEO) and Axel Greschitz (CFO).

“I see great potential in the HAHN Group, which we will realize even faster through harmonization and integration of the individual companies”, explains Frank Konrad who is looking forward to the new task. “We always take into account the requirements of the individual companies, industries and customers. That is what makes this role so exciting, along with the implementation of a joint innovation strategy.”

Frank Konrad will also keep the role of CEO of HAHN Automation. The massive expansion of the organization that is currently taking place strengthens the entire team and takes the positive market development into account.

WEMO Automation is positioning itself for the future with new management and a broader portfolio

The founders of WEMO Automation Sven, Olof and Bengt Ståhl are handing over the management of the company to Johannes Kjellgren (CEO) and Håkan Larsson (COO). As part of this, WEMO will move to the Robotics Division within the HAHN Group in order to offer its customers an even broader portfolio of solutions and products with mobile and collaborative robotics. This complements the focus on the plastics market with technological competencies.

After more than 30 years of building, developing and managing WEMO Automation, the Ståhl brothers are handing over the management of the company to new hands. Already in 2015, the HAHN Group took over the majority of the company’s shares, and finally all of them. Now also the leadership will be handed over to Johannes Kjellgren, who took over management of the company in October 2021. Johannes Kjellgren has many years of experience in customer-centric sales and general management. With his deep knowledge of international markets, he will continue to expand the sales network and customer service for WEMO in order to be even closer to the customers. At his side, Håkan Larsson will be responsible for operational management as COO, starting in spring 2022. As a proven expert in technical development and the plastics industry and with his many years of experience, he stands for the continuity with regard to the reliability and technological excellence of the WEMO products.

“It is not easy to successfully shape a succession situation in which the founders have built and managed their company with so much dedication and passion. Therefore we are very happy that in Johannes and Håkan we have found two very experienced entrepreneurs who can not only preserve what has been achieved, but also want to add new things at the same time,” says Philipp Unterhalt, CEO of the HAHN Group. “Our thanks go to Sven, Olof and Bengt. For the trusting cooperation of the last few years, the friendly interaction and also for the fact that they continue to support us in an advisory capacity – also beyond WEMO within the HAHN Group.”

The previous CEO, Sven Ståhl, adds: “With the takeover by the HAHN Group, we were able to set the course for a stable and secure future for WEMO as early as 2015. With Johannes and Håkan, the HAHN Group remains true to its culture of continuing to run the business with highly professional and very value-based people. “

“I am looking forward to the new task of further positioning the team and the potential of WEMO in the plastics market and also inspiring existing and new customers with further automation and robotics solutions from the HAHN Group”, comments Johannes Kjellgren.

“I have spent most of my career in the plastics industry and got to know WEMO as a very professional and innovative company”, adds Håkan Larsson, new COO of WEMO. “Therefore I am delighted to further develop the technology according to our customers’ requirements and needs.”

As part of the succession, WEMO Automation will strengthen the Robotics division within the HAHN Group in the future. This bundles the know-how in the areas of linear, collaborative and mobile robotics and makes it even easier for customers to access. In addition, own sales and partner networks complement each other very well in order to further increase customer proximity. Through the HAHN Group network, WEMO is also to be developed even more strongly as a regional hub in Scandinavia in the future.

Spray smart – the new I4.0 spray valve from Walther

Walther Systemtechnik presents its new spray valve for maximum process control as well as an increase in process capability, overall system effectiveness (OEE) and product quality.

The spraying of low to medium viscosity media is one of the most common forms of application of the most varied of fluids across almost all branches of industry. The correctly applied spray quantity plays just as important a role as the required spray pattern to ensure that the applied medium fulfills its function. In practice, however, there are numerous disruptive factors that can have a negative effect on the quality of the spray pattern and require the process parameters to be adjusted.

Walther meets these challenges of a volatile work environment with the new WSV spray valve of the current I4.0 product family. The integral compact design combines a pressure sensor, a valve heater with associated temperature control and the electronics for control, monitoring and online evaluation of the process data. Extensive connectivity to peripheral devices is ensured through various analog and digital connections as well as an Ethernet connection. For the first time, this allows remote parameterization and remote diagnosis of the valve via a corresponding web interface, virtually on-the-fly. Several parameter sets can be stored and process variables can be documented. For the user, this means maximum process control and, as a result, an increase in process capability, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and product quality. In addition, software ADD-ONS and firmware updates, which can be installed and activated later if necessary, promise additional scope for future problems.

In addition to a smart valve, Walther offers other I4.0-based fluid components within the product family. Whether pumps, media storage, filter systems or modules for air bubble discharge – with additional integrated sensors, important process and status variables can be recorded and evaluated over the entire fluid line in real time and used to maximize the system key figure.

As an innovation driver, Walther ensures the future viability of its customer applications with the current I4.0 product family and, with over two decades of experience in dosing technology, positions itself as a reliable partner for the implementation of standard solutions through to individual complete systems.

Digital Advanced Automation

Within the HAHN Group, we create tailor-made automation and robot solutions with integrated, digital applications for various industries, including the healthcare industry. With the motto “Digital Advanced Automation” we proudly present our comprehensive portfolio for digitized automation. In the video with an integrated case study, the group shows how the differentiated teams work hand in hand and thus build on each other with expert knowledge.

Thomas Marufke strengthens HAHN Group Material Handling Division

Thomas Marufke is expanding the management of the Material Handling Division as of August 2021. He takes on the role of Bernhard Rupke, who will retire at the end of the year. Together with COO Gregor Kessler, Thomas Marufke will continue to unify the division and expand its leading position in automation solutions surrounding injection molding machines.

As managing director, Thomas Marufke controls the expertise of the HAHN Group in automation systems for plastics production and processing. In his role, he will be responsible for the customer-oriented areas of sales and service as well as the oversight of topics relating to project management and technology. Together with Gregor Kessler, COO of the Material Handling Division, he will take care of the strategic development of the division. Both also take over the management of Waldorf Technik.

Through his career, Thomas Marufke earned many years of experience in the plastics industry. After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Marufke last worked for KraussMaffei Automation GmbH for over 20 years, of which he spent nine in the position as managing director.

The Material Handling Division includes the brands Waldorf Technik, GeKu Automatisierungssysteme and WEMO Automation with locations in Germany, Sweden, the USA and Turkey. A presence in Asia is also currently being established. These companies will benefit from Marufke’s profound expert knowledge of automation and robot technology for all aspects of injection molding production.

“I am delighted that we were able to win Thomas, a proven expert and great character, for the HAHN Group,” explains Philipp Unterhalt, CEO of the HAHN Group. “With his skills and many years of experience as managing director, he will support our companies in the plastics processing market segment in offering an even more extensive range of services for our customers and partners.”

“The companies Waldorf Technik, GeKu Automatisierungssysteme and WEMO Automation are powerful brands that stand for the highest quality and precision,” states Thomas Marufke regarding his new tasks. “I am looking forward to working with a strong team to further expand our customers’ satisfaction, to grow internationally and to deliver economical solutions for injection molding automation worldwide.”

In his role, Thomas Marufke takes over the duties of the previous managing director and division director Bernhard Rupke, who is retiring. After a transition period, he will continue to support the HAHN Group in an advisory capacity. “We would like to thank Bernhard very much for his work over the past few years,” explains Philipp Unterhalt. “With his support, we brought the companies in the division closer together and mastered the Covid period superbly. We wish Bernhard the best health and satisfaction.”

HAHN Plastics Automation: The HAHN Group has competent people all over the world

In the interview with Stefan Kropp you can find out more about international cooperation and the exchange between our HAHN Group subsidiaries. Stefan Kropp has accompanied GeKu Automatisierungssysteme since its incorporation and has repeatedly taken on different roles. 1.5 years ago he accepted the offer to move to HAHN Plastics Automation in the USA. You can find out more about the connection between GeKu and HAHN Plastics Automation and how the working styles might differ between the countries on the HAHN Plastics Automation website.

HAHN Group sets the course for the future

The HAHN Group is preparing for further growth.

With the reorganization of the investment structure by RSBG SE, the investment company for medium-sized companies of the RAG Foundation, RSBG Automation & Technologies GmbH is created as a new corporate platform. This also results in a broader potential and further synergies for the HAHN Group. The previous CEO of the HAHN Group, Thomas Hähn, will be in charge of the new platform. The previous managing director Philipp Unterhalt will take over the helm of the HAHN Group on April 1, 2021. Together with Axel Greschitz (CFO), the further expansion of the group in factory automation is driven forward. Additional locations are to be opened in the next few months.

RSBG Automation & Robotics Technologies GmbH as a new company platform enables growth in further business areas through the use of technical and organizational synergies

With the establishment of RSBG Automation & Robotics Technologies, RSBG SE opens up the possibility for further technology investments besides the HAHN Group. The HAHN Group is a 100 percent stake in the new platform and focuses on automation and robotics in the industrial environment. In addition, further investments in automation and robotics in non-industrial areas are planned.

Further development of the management team underlines the stability and continuity of the HAHN Group

The management of RSBG Automation & Robotics Technologies is taken over by Thomas Hähn, founder of HAHN Automation and longstanding CEO of the HAHN Group. In the future, as CEO of RSBG Automation & Robotics Technologies, he will be responsible for all activities in the area of automation & robotics, and will therefore continue to be strategically linked to the HAHN Group.

Philipp Unterhalt takes over the management of the HAHN Group. Together with Axel Greschitz as CFO, he will push the next growth step and promote the diversification of the company network. Unterhalt will take up his new role as CEO of the HAHN Group on April 1, 2021.

“I am pleased to introduce Philipp Unterhalt as the new CEO of the HAHN Group. He has demonstrated outstanding strategic orientation. With his international experience and value-based management style, he is the ideal candidate for the further development of the HAHN Group. I really appreciate our cooperation and look forward to continuing it in the new constellation,” said Thomas Hähn, CEO RSBG Automation & Robotics Technologies GmbH.

Philipp Unterhalt has been with the HAHN Group since 2014 and worked as its managing director since 2019. Together with Thomas Hähn he developed the concept of the HAHN Group as a platform for entrepreneurially managed automation companies and managed all transactions of the group of companies. Under his leadership, the new companies were integrated and the digital strategy was also developed and implemented. In addition to the operational business, the 39-year-old is also responsible for corona management at the HAHN Group. The economist lives with his family in Essen.

“The HAHN Group is a fascinating group of companies and entrepreneurs. Due to the network character, we can use the synergies of a large company and still be very close to the customer with innovative solutions,” explains Unterhalt. “I am really looking forward to working with the entire team in order to continue our successful strategy: organic growth, supplemented by technological expansion as well as expansion of the business in additional industries and the strengthening of global activities.”

Into the future with mobile robotics

The HAHN Group continues to grow even during the pandemic. Incoming orders across the Group in 2020 increased by 21 percent compared to the previous year, in particular due to orders in the healthcare sector. The focus of the current year is, among other things, on growth in the area of mobile robotics. Two more locations for the HAHN Robotics Network are to be established in southern and eastern Germany this spring. Mobile robotics enables the support of logistics processes in production with minimal integration effort and thus offers even for smaller companies interesting automation solutions that quickly pay for themselves.

Waldorf Technik and HAHN Automation jointly serve the demand for the healthcare industry

The market for the healthcare industry has been booming in recent years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global demand for diagnostic laboratory consumables rose to unprecedented levels.

As a member of the HAHN Group, Waldorf Technik has access to a global network of automation and robotics specialists. The knowledge transfer within the HAHN Group and synergies in training of employees allow all companies to work together in managing additional order peaks. This allows Waldorf Technik to find a suitable solution together with the customer while fulfilling the order in a timely manner with the support and cooperation with HAHN Automation.

It quickly became clear that HAHN Automation could support Waldorf Technik not only with the building of standardized systems at their site in Rheinböllen, but also add their expertise in construction and design in order to improve processes. Automation systems for pipette tips are now also being manufactured in Rheinböllen in order to meet global demand.

The applied technology

As part of the cooperation, the patented and proven Vario TIP® FSS system from Waldorf Technik is built at the HAHN Automation site according to customer specifications. HAHN Automation and Waldorf Technik both grow from the exchange of knowledge. As a result, HAHN Automation today designs and builds completely new modules as required in order to jointly deliver unique production systems for the manufacture of laboratory consumable products.

Benefits of working together

As partially standardized solutions from Waldorf Technik were already available, HAHN Automation was able to implement the projects very quickly. With its extensive experience and competence, HAHN Automation was able to actively support the development department of Waldorf Technik. This experience with the healthcare industry, which was gained in a short time, is particularly valuable for HAHN Automation: The HAHN Automation Süd location in Villingen-Schwenningen was officially opened in September 2020 and focuses on the planning, design, construction, assembly and commissioning of assembly and testing systems for the production of medical devices and systems. The local team can also carry out appropriate equipment validations in order to adhere to FDA and EMA standards.

Synergies within the HAHN Group

With modular automation processes, the value-added steps in the manufacture of medical consumables can be covered even better through the cooperation between Waldorf Technik and HAHN Automation, as well as HAHN Robotics, GeKu and WEMO. Customers have the advantage that they are looked after by closely coordinated teams within the HAHN Group, which already have cooperation experience and enable quick collaboration.