Customized Automation
Interview with Janine Goldgräbe, Sales Manager and Bernd Petermann, Managing Director of Symacon System + Service GmbH
The automation industry is facing increasingly complex challenges that require customized solutions. Symacon System + Service GmbH from Magdeburg has established itself as a specialist in special machine construction. With a dedicated team and a strong partnership with Bosch Rexroth, the company develops innovative solutions that are perfectly tailored to the individual needs of its customers.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Petermann, looking back over the past few years, what were the decisive steps for the growth and development of Symacon System + Service GmbH?
Bernd Petermann: We, SSG, started off in 2018 as an independent service company and a spin-off from SYMACON GmbH. Our focus was on service and commissioning for the group and expanding the partnership with Bosch Rexroth. After the bankruptcy of Symacon GmbH in 2020, we completely realigned our business model and focused more on special machine construction and automation solutions. Through the new Certified Excellence partnership with Bosch Rexroth, we can now offer components and system solutions of the highest level from the leader's assembly technology, linear technology, and drive technology.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does your current portfolio look like? Can you give us an insight into the industries you serve and the specific solutions you offer?
Janine Goldgräbe: Our current portfolio is broadly diversified and offers a suitable solution for every challenge – from individual workstation design to fully automated system solutions. We are particularly strong in the logistics industry, the automotive industry, and battery manufacturing. For example, for the Austrian lamp manufacturer EGLO Leuchten, we have developed special packing stations with integrated conveyor technology that make the daily work more efficient. Also in special machine construction: Especially friction welding machines for seatbelt systems and transfer systems for battery X-ray facilities are in our offer. What sets us apart is our ability to develop individual and customer-specific solutions. We do not have a 'One-Size-Fits-All' approach, but rely on customer-specific special solutions in plant construction, ranging from simple robot handling through the interlinking of machines and plants to individual, process-optimizing automation solutions.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Petermann, when you think about the challenges that SSG is facing, what would you describe as the greatest?
Bernd Petermann: The greatest challenges consist in quickly responding to changing market demands while maintaining our high quality. The market is dynamic, and our customers constantly face new challenges. Only with appropriate flexibility and good employee motivation can one respond to these. The quality of the products is also crucial. Thanks to our partnership with Bosch Rexroth, we have access to the latest technology and components, which are manufactured under the strictest quality requirements, allowing us to always deliver products of the highest level.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is the importance of innovation for your company?
Janine Goldgräbe: Innovation is the core of our success. We continuously work on developing our products and services further and finding new solutions for our customers' challenges. In this, our partnerships, especially with Bosch Rexroth, play an important role.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does your customer loyalty strategy look like?
Janine Goldgräbe: Customer loyalty is crucial for us. We focus on close, long-term cooperation, based on flexibility and reliability. Our tailor-made solutions are precisely adapted to the needs of our customers, creating real added value. Through continuous direct exchange and communication, we understand the specific challenges our customers face and develop solutions that help them overcome these challenges. This foundation of trust leads to our customers repeatedly coming back to us - because they know that we are a reliable partner who understands and supports their goals. Promises are also kept.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is the future direction for SSG in the coming years?
Janine Goldgräbe: In the long term, we aim to solidify and expand our position as a leading provider of automation solutions in Central Germany. In addition to our solid expertise in special machine construction, we will increasingly focus on assembly technology, linear technology, and drive technology from Bosch Rexroth. These core competencies, combined with new requirements from innovative technology areas such as fuel cells, E-Mobility, and cleanroom technology, enable us to develop highly specialized and efficient solutions for industrial applications of the future.
Bernd Petermann: These forward-looking industries require innovative technologies that not only increase efficiency but also promote sustainable production processes. Our goal as an employer is to continue working to create an environment in which our employees feel comfortable and can continuously develop, in order to jointly create the optimal solutions for our customers.