The main sales driver in 2017 was the trade in machining tools. Measuring and testing equipment and factory equipment also increased. Overall, Group-wide turnover grew to 285 million euros. Managing Director Katrin Hummel sees this positive development as confirmation of further potential: "The good result shows us that we are on the right track with our product and solution strategy. Our specialist expertise makes us an even more sought-after partner for our customers when it comes to jointly solving their challenges. In addition to an even larger portfolio of products for machining, we are therefore investing primarily in the training of our employees." The company is aiming for similar growth in 2018. Over 800 employees currently work at the 15 locations worldwide.

Katrin Hummel, Managing Director at Hahn+Kolb

The Atorn brand has been a driving force in terms of sales of cutting tools for over ten years. In 2017 alone, the Atorn portfolio of 24,000 items offered a solution for every conceivable metalworking application. The company was able to gain market share accordingly. "We will add another 4,000 new items in 2018," says Katrin Hummel. Further expansion of the product range is also planned in the other core areas - measuring and testing technology and factory equipment. In 2017, the company added high-performance, industrial 3D printers to its range for the first time; these activities will be pursued further. Hahn+Kolb is also expanding its portfolio in the area of ESD products for the production of electrical components.

Technically competent employees as a success factor

Employee training is firmly anchored in the corporate strategy. In 2017, employees were trained in around 370 seminars on the latest developments and technologies; special technical topics are also increasingly on the agenda in order to further develop customers' production processes thanks to the corresponding expertise. This includes, for example, the machining of composite materials or new processes such as additive manufacturing. "Our field and office staff have an extremely high level of technical expertise," says Hummel. "We will continue to pursue this qualification in 2018 in order to provide our customers with the best possible advice on current and future challenges."

E-commerce for efficient procurement

Digital interfaces, automated reordering, individual solutions: The digitalization strategy has been an ongoing process for years. The aim is to further simplify tool procurement via integrated interfaces or output systems such as the HK-MAT and thus further increase the proportion of electronic items in 2018. To this end, comprehensive training courses on ordering options and interfaces will be offered to users of the online store. The e-commerce subsidiary svh24.de has also grown significantly, meaning that from mid-2018, trade will be handled via its own logistics center near Bochum.

Developing international markets

Hahn+Kolb has been operating as the Hahn+Kolb Group since the beginning of 2018. This brings the 14 foreign companies closer together under a common umbrella, which is also visible to customers from the outside. The European market in particular - especially Austria, Serbia, Hungary and Poland - and Mexico in South America have developed positively.

120 years of Hahn+Kolb

In 1898, Hermann Hahn and Adolf Kolb founded Hahn+Kolb as a "specialty store for tools and machines". In 2018, all activities and highlights will therefore focus on decades of experience in the field of tools, machines and factory equipment. In addition to special product editions, there will be various promotions around the LogiMAT, Control and AMB trade fairs in fall 2018. kp