High-Tech Magnet Technology for Key Industries
Interview with Thomas Toth, CEO of Arnold Magnetic Technologies AG
Arnold Magnetic Technologies AG, a company with a rich Swiss heritage, looks back on a successful history of over 129 years. With a clear focus on the development and production of magnets for high-tech sectors such as aerospace, defense, and medical technology, the company is today a leading player. CEO Thomas Toth discusses the key milestones, the importance of global presence, and the strategic priorities for the future.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Toth, Arnold Magnetic Technologies has a long company history. What have been the most significant milestones along the way?
Thomas Toth: Arnold Magnetic Technologies was founded 129 years ago by a Swiss emigrant in the USA. In 1980, we started production in Switzerland. Despite several changes of ownership, we remained true to our core competency, the production of magnets. In the 1990s, we developed samarium-cobalt magnets with a joint venture in China and were able to access rare earths. The integration into the Arnold Group in 2007 brought us the benefits of a corporation without losing our independence. Since then, we have developed the high-performance 33E and 35E magnets, which are unique in the global market. Our global presence, with locations in the USA, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and China, gives us the flexibility to operate worldwide.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does your product and service portfolio look like and what significance does digitalization have for your company?
Thomas Toth: In addition to producing permanent magnets, especially samarium-cobalt magnets, we offer a wide range of engineering solutions, including complete electric motors and precise metal foils. We also manufacture magnet systems, prototype electric motors, and provide electromagnetic simulations as a service. Thanks to our corporate structure, we can offer flexible permanent magnets, electromagnets, and electric motors. Our portfolio includes both standard solutions and customized products, which we develop in close collaboration with our customers. Digitalization is a central part of our strategy. We have digitized many administrative processes, including the measurement of mechanical and magnetic values as well as remote maintenance of our machines. With predictive maintenance, we monitor the condition of our machines to prevent failures and improve efficiency. These measures enhance our production processes and ensure the high quality of our products. Our digital structures connect our sites around the world, ensuring consistent high quality.
Wirtschaftsforum: In which industries and markets is the company active and how do you shape the international presence?
Thomas Toth: We are active in many booming industries such as aerospace, defense, semiconductors, lithography, and space technology. Medical technology is becoming a growing business area. Geographically, we are strongly positioned in Europe, the USA, the United Kingdom, and China, with a particular focus on Germany, France, and Switzerland. Thanks to our global presence, we can flexibly address supply chain issues and meet the needs of our customers worldwide. With an annual turnover of 20 million CHF and fewer than 100 employees, we remain agile even in smaller projects.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you shape your corporate culture and what makes you an attractive employer?
Thomas Toth: Our corporate culture is based on trust and teamwork. We value the promotion of our employees and offer them the opportunity to participate in exciting high-tech projects. The last three years have been challenging in the job market, but through our strong team and numerous recommendations, we have continued to grow. Our employees appreciate the development opportunities and our modern work environment, which has made us an attractive employer with a good reputation.
Wirtschaftsforum: How important are sustainability and innovation for Arnold Magnetic Technologies?
Thomas Toth: Sustainability is a central issue, especially in light of increasing requirements in Europe. Our clients demand energy-efficient solutions and reductions in materials. We have reduced energy consumption through modernized high-vacuum furnaces. Our technology enhances efficiency, and we are researching new, more powerful materials. The AS9100D certification and the NADCAP™ accreditation for heat treatment of our parent company, as well as our own ISO9001:2015 certification, underline our high quality standards.
Wirtschaftsforum: What visions do you have for the future of the company?
Thomas Toth: We want to expand our capacities in magnet production and system construction. For 2024, we expect new machines that will enable us to implement larger projects. Our goal is to become the preferred partner of our customers and to establish ourselves as a world-class magnet company. We are working with a Lean culture to continuously optimize our processes.