"The annual update of our strategy this year led to far-reaching decisions for the future due to corona," reports Tanja Hänchen, spokesperson for the Hänchen management board. "The only product for which we no longer see an independent future as a division, despite years of commitment, is our self-developed composite material H-CFRP. Due to the three-year strategy cycle, this decision was not actually in focus until the end of 2021. We will continue to focus on the other successful future topics of recent years," says the entrepreneur. "This applies in particular to the Ratio-Drive drive system and mechanical engineering."

Hänchen has systematically expanded several product areas in recent years: The Servoseal sealing system has revolutionized sealing technology. Without the development of H-CFK and the associated carbon expertise, this development by the Swabian hydraulics manufacturer would not have been possible. Customized Ratio Drive solutions are also crucial for Hänchen's growth. The expertise for the Ratio-Clamp clamping unit is extended to additional areas. And orders for seal test benches, among other things, open up additional opportunities as a machine manufacturer. High-quality hydraulic cylinders and other fluid technology products continue to be the focus of production.

"Despite the progress made in 2019 and the good response from the specialist public, we do not see any chance of leading the H-CFK division to sustainable economic success in the coming years," regrets Tanja Hänchen. A systematic market analysis was just as disappointing for the company as the development of the number of future-oriented current projects. "After more than a decade of commitment, this is a painful step. Of course, we will still fulfill all our delivery obligations. And we are pleased about the experience with H-CFK, which offers us more alternatives for innovations and can also help to strengthen our existing product range.

At the same time, Hänchen is optimistic: Hänchen will be able to successfully lead a large part of the commitment of recent years into the future. Due to corona and the difficult situation in the automotive industry, the same general conditions apply as in the industry as a whole. But Hänchen has never been focused on just one sector. This is why Tanja Hänchen is looking ahead: "We are continuing to build on our core competencies and are investing in hydraulic cylinders, clamping systems and complete solutions through to complete test benches. We have even increased the number of staff in the Ratio Drive division this year and our comprehensive expertise in dealing with composite materials can also be an important building block for future innovations." as