A century of innovative solutions Dätwyler Group

A CEnTuRy of InnovATIvE soLuTIons

The Dätwyler Group, a major industrial supplier with leading positions in both global and regional market segments, accelerated its profitable growth during 2017 across both its divisions. Following its focus on growth markets and international expansion in recent years, the group is now set to push for digitalisation and increased agility. This will bring new challenges and opportunities for its Czech plant, Datwyler Sealing Technologies CZ. Romana Moares reports.

The Dätwyler Group, a global supplier employing a workforce of over 7500 and still run from its headquarters in central Switzerland, has roots in a humble rubber factory in which Adolf Dätwyler founded the company in 1915. Over the next century, by delivering innovative solutions and the best Swiss quality, the Dätwyler Group has established itself in many market segments as the development partner of choice for industrial enterprises. For over 100 years, Dätwyler Group companies have stood for leading materials expertise and comprehensive process know-how. Dätwyler concentrates on markets that offer opportunities to create more value and sustain profitable growth. With some 50 operating companies, sales in over 100 countries and more than 7000 employees, the group generates annual revenue of some CHF 1.300 million.

The group operates via its two divisions: The Dätwyler Sealing Solutions division has a presence – with its own production facilities – in the three key business regions of Europe, Asia and the NAFTA area. The Technical Components division is focused on Europe. The Sealing Solutions Division is a leading supplier of customised sealing solutions to global market segments, such as the automotive, healthcare, civil engineering and consumer goods industries. The Technical Components Division is one of Europe’s foremost high-service distributors of electronic, automation, maintenance and ICT components and accessories.

In line with Industry 4.0

In the automotive market segment, Dätwyler is introducing a new production concept at its Swiss site known as ‘Lean-and-Clean’. For the first time, the company will be producing high-quality automotive components in clean rooms and thereby further increasing its competitiveness, particularly in terms of electromobility.

When it comes to digitalisation, the focus within the Sealing Solutions division is on Industry 4.0 in the form of automated, networked and intelligent production equipment, ongoing optimisation of processes and forward-looking maintenance. In keeping with this approach, Dätwyler is introducing a uniform production system at all its plants across three continents. This will help it to respond quickly and flexibly to the regional needs of customers.

Dätwyler wants to be proactive in exploiting new possibilities and opportunities associated with digitalisation and turn these to a competitive advantage. For this purpose, the group is investing some CHF 50 million over the next few years across its plants. The objective is to increase the efficiency of business processes, improve data quality, increase IT security and create a strong and flexible platform for future digital applications. This will also allow future acquisitions to be integrated more quickly and easily.

Challenges and opportunities

The changes will have an impact on all the group’s manufacturing facilities around the globe, including Dätwyler Sealing Technologies CZ in Nový Bydžov. The Czech plant, which is part of Dätwyler Sealing Solutions, focuses on moulding rubber products for automotive applications, especially for brake systems. Its rubber mouldings are supplied to well-known brands including Ford, VW, BMW, Audi and others. Key components made in the Czech factory include booster membranes, brake cylinder clogs and a wide range of other parts used for sealing and damping vibrations in automotive systems.

The company serves customers throughout the world with key markets being the EU, China, the US, Mexico, Brazil and others. Its customer base includes brands such as Continental Automotive Systems, TRW and Bosch. Last year, the company invested over

CZK 500 million into two new production halls to support increasing demand. The Czech facility, now employing over 500 people, will continue to benefit from the group’s focus on digitalisation, automation and increased efficiency.

In the Sealing Solutions division, Dätwyler is introducing a uniform production system in all its plants, across three continents. Using state-of-the-art digital technology, the group is creating a framework for continuous improvement and operational excellence. The standardised rules will allow agile and flexible work at all levels and, thanks to the uniform production system, employees will be able to learn more quickly from each other. The focus will be on people, safety, quality, delivery, costs and the environment.

More than a century after its establishment in 1915 by a young, entrepreneurial farmer’s son, the Dätwyler Group is a leading international supplier to the pharmaceutical, automotive and construction industries and a global leader in the distribution of electronic components. Thanks to its strong roots, reliable values and a future-oriented ownership structure, the company has successfully adapted to challenges across time – and will continue to do so to the advantage of its customers, employees and shareholders. n