Ansbach, November 20, 2024 – OECHSLER AG has won the "Toolmaking of the Year 2024" title in the "Excellence in Production" competition. The renowned competition, organized by the Machine Tools Laboratory WZL of RWTH Aachen and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, has been honoring outstanding companies in tool and mold making for over 20 years. OECHSLER impressed the jury not only with its innovation but also with a remarkable transformation in its own toolmaking.
Strategic Realignment and Digital Innovation
The competition's jury particularly recognized OECHSLER AG's strategic realignment. The company has broadened its focus through targeted industry diversification, reducing its dependence on individual markets. This transformation was significantly supported by the internal toolmaking division. The jury was especially impressed by the development and integration of proprietary software solutions tailored to the needs of toolmaking. These tools enable efficient capacity planning and automated error checking of design data, greatly optimizing processes.
Augmented Reality and System Support as Key Success Factors
Another highlight of OECHSLER AG is the use of augmented reality applications. These are used not only for cross-location tool support but also for the qualification and training of employees. Comprehensive system support throughout the order processing ensures that toolmaking is optimally organized across all locations, achieving high quality and efficiency.
OECHSLER as a Pioneer in Plastics Technology
OECHSLER AG, a leading company in plastics technology, has evolved since its founding in 1864 into a global provider of solutions in the automotive, healthcare, and sports and consumer goods sectors. With around 2,700 employees and a revenue of approximately 389 million euros in 2023, the company relies on the latest technologies and a high degree of automation and digitization. The in-house toolmaking division in Ansbach, with more than 70 years of experience, is a key part of the company and supplies the production with highly specialized injection molds.
Double Victory for OECHSLER in the Competition
In addition to the overall win, OECHSLER AG's internal toolmaking was also recognized in the category "In-house Toolmaking with 50 or more employees." Other finalists in this category included Craemer GmbH, Gerresheimer Regensburg GmbH, and Ypsomed AG. This once again demonstrates how consistent realignment and the use of cutting-edge technologies can lead to impressive results.
Excellence in Production 2024: Competition and Outlook
The Excellence in Production competition is again a significant milestone for the industry this year. More than 200 companies participated, with twelve finalists emerging in four categories. The competition not only provides participating companies with the opportunity to showcase their achievements but also offers valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. The competition will continue next year, and companies can register for the next round at www.excellence-in-production.de.
Looking to the Future: Artificial Intelligence in Toolmaking
Following the award ceremony, the International Toolmaking Symposium with a focus on the future was held, where selected finalists and experts discussed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in toolmaking. Under the motto "Toolmaking powered by AI – efficient, precise, innovative & sustainable?!" a glimpse of future trends and technologies in the industry was provided, which aim to make toolmaking even more efficient and future-proof.
Through continuous development and adaptation to new challenges, the Excellence in Production competition shows how toolmaking is evolving and how a long-term successful strategy is possible even in times of economic uncertainty.
For more information about OECHSLER's toolmaking, please visit: Our tool shop.
