The Machinologists and Their Diversity
Interview with Lutz Lindner, Managing Director of Bauer Maschinen und Technologie GmbH & Co. KG
It belongs to a strong corporate group. Bauer Maschinen und Technologie GmbH & Co. KG manufactures complex assemblies as well as complete machines and special machines on behalf of its customers. The highest precision and maximum quality are always in focus. Clients from various industries have been trusting this family-run business from Weilheim in Bavaria for years.
"We are the Machinologists," describes Managing Director Lutz Lindner the specialists at Bauer Maschinen und Technologie GmbH & Co. KG. And their competencies are the design and construction of machines. "We are a very family-oriented company and very committed," outlines the industrial engineer the strengths. "We listen well and are very close to the customer. Moreover, we have the entire value creation in-house and are also price-wise interesting."
Customer Diversity
As suppliers of complex assemblies and complete machines, the Machinologists have made a name for themselves. The spectrum of clients is broad. In addition to traditional machine builders and manufacturers of machine tools, companies from the food and packaging industry as well as the medical industry are on the reference list.
Warehouse logistics, aerospace, and manufacturers of machines for processing and handling films are also found here. "For a manufacturer of bottling equipment for the beverage industry, we deliver our components directly to the production line. With our variations for different production processes, we have a unique selling point."
Saving through Value Analysis
A distinctive feature of Bauer's components and machines is not only their complexity but also their precision and high accuracy, which is reflected in a minimal error rate of 0.7%. A good example for the complexity are 3-D printers for additive manufacturing, which consist of approximately 8,000 to 12,000 parts. "Customers also benefit from our high in-house value creation, including welding and painting, mechanical and electronic mechanics, as well as our own purchasing and logistics," emphasizes Lutz Lindner. "We have all the expertise in-house."
In the field of custom machine engineering, the machinists specialize in automation in the heavy duty sector. Here, among other things, handling systems for tons-heavy parts in the steel industry are developed and built. Customers of Bauer also get a very special added value through value analysis. Thus, construction plans submitted by clients are examined to determine whether the same good result can be achieved using a less expensive method.
Strong Group
Bauer Maschinen und Technologie GmbH & Co. KG is part of the Bauer group of companies, established in 1947, along with the sister companies Motoren Bauer and BTS Turbo, one of the leading providers of aftermarket turbochargers. The total turnover of the group is 70 million EUR, with half of the 260 employees working at the Maschinologen.
The Bauer Group is 100% owned by the Bauer family, which is currently undergoing the transition to the 4th generation. The main operational area for Bauer Maschinen und Technologie is the DACH region, where customers are regularly visited by the sales force. Lutz Lindner: "With at least two visits per year, we maintain close contact. This is supplemented by numerous phone calls. Additionally, the Key Account Management acquires new projects."
Optimize Processes
The managing director sees potential in marketing. A component will be the freshly revised brand appearance. Moreover, the company presents itself at industry trade fairs, like IFAT in Munich or Anuga Foodtec in Cologne. Managing director Lutz Lindner is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Innovation Committee and gives presentations to relevant target groups. "Internally, we are working intensively on the digital optimization of our processes," explains Lutz Lindner. "We have an ERP system, will introduce a digital central warehouse, and already utilize a self-developed calculation tool."
With the use of environmentally friendly consumables as well as energy from solar panels and its own cogeneration plant, Bauer is also sustainably on a good path. "We have a very familial approach to our interactions," the managing director describes the atmosphere. "In general, everyone gives their best." Becoming more visible and significantly increasing turnover are tasks for the next years for Lutz Lindner, as well as optimizing the location, expanding the markets, and further increasing value-added, for example through sandblasting and sheet metal processing.