Sales growth
Fifth sales record in a row for AMF
Andreas Maier (AMF) continues to grow. At more than 48 million euros, the Fellbach-based company achieved a record turnover for the fifth time in a row. Growth was once again driven by products for industrial automation and process optimization. But a traditional product also surprised.
"Additive manufacturing, 3D printing with metal powder, is becoming a new growth market in which we have already positioned ourselves well with special products," emphasizes Johannes Maier, Managing Partner of AMF. In 2017, the long-established company grew by more than ten percent and achieved a record turnover of more than 48 million euros for the fifth time in a row. Once again, this was due to products related to workpiece clamping technology and the automation of machining processes. However, a traditional product, quick-release clamps, also performed surprisingly well.
This is primarily due to the high demand for high-quality clamping devices. "We adapted to this development at an early stage and developed precisely the innovative products that the market needs as catalog products. And those who can deliver quickly do the business," says Maier.
Asia and the USA once again recorded the strongest growth. Eastern Europe also developed well, although Russia remains a problem child. In addition to the perennial hot topics of automation, rationalization and digitalization, additive manufacturing is emerging as an upcoming technology and megatrend. Experts believe that 3D printing with metal powder has great potential for the future. It can be used to economically manufacture products with complex geometries that are sometimes impossible to produce using conventional methods. Maier believes his company is already well positioned in this area: "We have already developed special AMF zero-point clamping modules that meet the very specific requirements."
With the momentum of recent years and the continued good economic situation, things are set to continue. The economic experts are forecasting GDP growth of 2.2% in Germany and 2.3% in the eurozone for 2018. Industry associations such as the VDMA expect real production growth of 3.0% for the mechanical and plant engineering sector. Maier is also confident about the year that has just begun. The Fellbach-based company wants to break the 50 million euro barrier. Investments of over 1.5 million euros at the site and further recruitment of specialist staff are to form the basis for this. Last year, the number of employees rose to over 240. as
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