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History

INDEX-Werke were set up in 1914 by Hermann Hahn who began that year with the production of automatic turret turning machines. He was a Swabian entrepreneur through and through who laid the foundation for an impressive development with creative ideas and an aspiration for quality. Within four decades, more than 20,000 turning machines had been sold and these formed the basis for the excellent reputation of INDEX around the world. In 1975, INDEX began with the production of multi-spindle turning machines. A few years later, the company entered the market for CNC technology. And INDEX soon assumed a pioneering role here.

After the death of Eugen Hahn, the son of the company’s founder, 85% of the company shares were put into a foundation. In 1992, INDEX presented a new generation of turn-mill centers based on a modular component system. In 1997, TRAUB Drehmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG from neighboring Reichenbach/Fils was taken over and integrated into the INDEX Group. The company pursues a two-brand strategy to this very day.

Quality, made in Germany

INDEX and TRAUB consciously count on Germany as a production location and produce important components on their own turning machines and turn/mill centers. Motivated and superbly qualified employees ensure the high quality of the machines, each one reflecting their diligence and attention to detail. The staff are encouraged by the company and receive intensive further education. INDEX invests a great deal in the training of young employees, achieving a training rate of about six percent which is remarkable for a medium-sized company. In order to remain competitive, INDEX TRAUB focuses on flexible production strategies. Technologically leading, high quality products are the best foundation for growth.

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View FANUC machines

Based on the commitment to relentless innovation, FANUC develop products with the highest reliability, precision and efficiency. As we enter an era of rapid technological advancement, thei mission remains unchanged: to provide industries around the world with the tools they need for tomorrow.

History

FANUC’s history began in 1955, when a young engineer, Dr. Seiuemon Inaba, was appointed to lead a new project team for Japanese telecommunications giant Fujitsu. Within a year, Dr. Seiuemon Inaba developed the first numerical control (NC) system for the Japanese private sector.

Evolving from the automation of individual machines to the automation of entire production lines in the following decades, the new business segment developed successfully under the leadership of Dr. Seiuemon Inaba, and in 1972 FANUC was established as an independent company.

Always striving to push the boundaries of automation, increase productivity, produce better products and reduce costs, Dr. Inaba and his team continued their work with a robot that used the same principles to load a machine tool. Dr. Inaba’s work soon meant that other manufacturers and engineering companies around the world were also benefiting from this technology, reducing costs and increasing productivity. And with world-leading products such as ROBOCUT, ROBODRILL and ROBOSHOT entering factories in the 1970s and 1980s, FANUC was able to provide optimised solutions for an ever-widening range of industrial applications and customers. In Japan, FANUC became the first company to build and operate an automated factory with NC machine tools and robots.

Almost 70 years since the development of its first successful product, FANUC is the leading manufacturer of factory automation in the world. However, one thing remains the same: FANUC’s deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of automation and helping their customers optimize production processes.

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View CHIRON machines

A success story

Change is the formative principle; it is the common thread that has continued to run through the company since 1921 and is firmly woven into the DNA of the CHIRON Group. The company has been willing to change to meet the demands of the customers and markets, to quickly recognize potential, and to systematically exploit it.

Where it all began: Surgical equipment

The foundation of the “Fabriken für feinmechanische Apparate und chirurgische Instrumente GmbH” – a precision appliance and surgical instrument manufacturing company, by Otto Staebler and Gottfried Schnell in 1921, was made possible by the invention of “stainless steel” in 1912. The two founders were quick to recognize the huge potential of this revolutionary material, and went on to produce new, innovative instruments: precise, extremely sharp, stable, and easy to sterilize. By the end of the 1930s, the product range was already comprised of around 30,000 medical technology products. CHIRON, together with other companies, established Tuttlingen’s reputation as the “global center of medical technology”.

New perspective: Machining centers

CHIRON presented its first feed units for metalworking as early as 1958, and then further developed these units into specialized machines for machining processes. Based on its knowledge of the specific requirements for customers, the company created the perfect, individually-tailored solution: Machine components, mechanisms, workbenches, and tools were adjusted so that high volumes could be manufactured precisely and efficiently. You could say that these individual machining units mark the beginning of the turnkey competence of CHIRON, and now, the CHIRON Group.

A success story with longevity

With its innovative products and services, the CHIRON Group now facilitates precise, productive, and flexible machining in many different industries. Together, all employees are pursuing one goal: Remaining the benchmark for quality, technology, and service for all customers around the world and building on their advantage. One thing remains as important for future positive development as it ever has been: The passion for precision.

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View KNUTH machines

The impressive 16’000 sq/m showroom stocks a wide portfolio of machines including CNC and conventional milling machines, lathes and grinding machines as well as sheet metal machines which allow customers to engage with our qualified technicians to find smart solutions for their business. Our mission is to provide the highest levels of customer service with the best price-performance ratio to help our customers deliver outstanding results.

Founding of the original business in Königsberg

In 1923, Gerhard Knuth founded the business, which started as a shop for hardware and small machines in Königsberg, Germany. The business recorded great growth and employed 23 people by the time WW2 started. Operation continued until 1944, but 1945 the business had to close due to WW2.

Reestablishment in Neumünster

In 1946, Gerhard and his son, Karl, start up their business in a former sauerkraut production and fish smokery facility in Neumünster. Their initial portfolio included tools, ball bearings, and small machine tools.

Wood vs. Metal

The great era of woodworking begins. 1960: Karl Knuth takes over the position of Northern German General Agent for the Italian wood working machine manufacturer, SCM Remini, and these machines turned out to be a true sales hit. By the end of the 1960s, the KNUTH portfolio was realigned with an increased focus on metalworking: Metalworking machines and vises from India generated new growth and an expanded workforce, which finally led to the long-awaited move of the business to a new building in Neumünster.

Another generation

In 1983, Karsten Knuth entered the family business and expanded the product portfolio by adding conventional machine tools from Taiwan. The demand for metal working machines quickly increased and took the lead over woodworking machines.

Relocation in 1990

KNUTH opens a new Service and Technology Center on an area of over 2.000 m² This center performs all testing of KNUTH machines according to ISO 9001 quality standards, and all service calls are coordinated here.
In 2010, the construction of this large new facility was completed. It includes an office building complex plus over 16.000 m² show rooms and warehouses.

KNUTH has become a full-range supplier for the metalworking industry

The continuously expanded portfolio covers every need, from CNC and conventional machining technologies to a wide variety of sheet metal working technologies. Today, KNUTH is a leading machine tool supplier for virtually any machining and metalworking needs.

The company has built a worldwide distribution network of branches and dealers. Today, the KNUTH Group is actively doing business in 45 countries and has subsidiaries in USA, Romania and South Africa.

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