Ms. Reichert, your company is the world market leader for hydraulic clamping elements, which, for example, clamp engine blocks for car machining.

Thorsten Winter

Business editor and internet coordinator in the Rhein-Main-Zeitung.

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For that too.

Our components are installed in different machines.

They can be used in the manufacturing process or, for example, in the final inspection.

We are the specialists who fix the parts being processed in such a way that they don't move a millimeter.

This is our know-how and is needed in the automotive industry, among other things.

Wherever chips are produced, you could find us.

Let's stay with the car: How high is the share of sales that Römheld makes with this industry?

We do not supply car manufacturers directly.

And we don't always ask what application our products are used for, because there are also non-disclosure clauses.

Irrespective of this, we estimate the share of sales from the automotive industry to be around 50 to 60 percent.

However, we are not only involved in the processing of engines, but also in body construction and other work that has to do with a car.

Are you electrified by the discussion about the end of the combustion engine?

Naturally.

It is less about the question of how regrettable we find the end of the combustion engine.

Rather, it affects our customers.

Car manufacturers have to convert their production lines for a model change.

These are the moments when such investments make themselves felt in our orders.

Because the car manufacturers will then need new parts from you?

Exactly, it's about other dimensions and shapes, for example.

This, in turn, is no longer the case with combustion engines to the extent that it used to be.

Sales have dropped noticeably.

But that doesn't mean it's bad.

Because there are other possible uses, for example in the production of electric vehicles.

The end of the combustion engine means a rethink, but not a catastrophe for us.

We have a certain standing and want to show that more to the outside world.

Does Römheld already deliver for the production of electric cars?

Our parts are included in body construction.

And we supply products that help simplify manual assembly.

These are new markets that we have been cultivating for several years and that are increasingly generating enthusiasm among customers.

In the course of this, it is a bit away from the car.

And where is the trend going?

For bicycle assembly, for example.

We are now playing a leading role there.

Is there something without wheels that is becoming more important for Römheld?

Complex systems are also operated in the food industry.

For example in the production of chocolate and gummy bears, as I learned.

I find that fascinating.

These are complex special systems that inject the gummy mass or liquid chocolate into moulds.

The manufacturing processes for such special systems are also characterized by machining work, which involves high levels of accuracy.

So a field of application for us.

Our clamping technology is also used in machines with which sausage or bread is cut in as many pieces as possible and with consistent quality.

These are so-called slicers.

Our products are therefore versatile.

For example in the production of washing machines.

We have been working towards this for many years.

It's nice to do well in an important industry.

But no company wants to be unduly dependent on an industry.

Ultimately, our products are about holding, centering and fixing with a high level of repeatability.

In recent months, various steels have become more expensive as a result of the war in Ukraine, and there are sometimes problems with availability.

To what extent does this affect you as a steel processor?