By Diane Silcock
WITH a tradition of almost 80 years in the plastics industry, ENGEL, a world leader in injection moulding machines, remains a reliable partner for its global customers. South African customers are no exception.
In a statement provided to Cape Business News by Engel Austria, the company says: “At a time when economic challenges are posing major problems for many companies, ENGEL and its local partner (GreenTech) stand out as an example of consistency in South Africa.
“South Africa is characterised by dominant industries such as mining, automotive and food. ENGEL has risen to these challenges and consolidated its position in the automotive and mobility industry, packaging industry, technical applications and logistics.
“ENGEL relies on sustainable production processes and technologies that minimise its ecological footprint. This is particularly important in South Africa, where the unstable energy supply and environmental problems create major challenges. By utilising energy-efficient machines and processes, ENGEL helps its customers to reduce their operating costs and at the same time be more environmentally friendly.”
Commenting on its success factors and market strategy, ENGEL says, “Our success in South Africa is based on a strong local presence and close co-operation with a long-standing local partner. Experienced local sales and service teams work hand in hand with the headquarters in Austria and are supported by an ENGEL Regional Manager. This close co-operation ensures that ENGEL is always close to its customers and can react quickly to market changes.”
Digitalisation for the injection moulding industry
At ENGEL’s Digital Days event held in Austria in June this year, the company gave a lecture on the importance of digitalisation for the injection moulding industry. It said that ENGEL has evolved from a machine builder to a provider of complete solutions with a high degree of digitalisation possibilities.
ENGEL’s digital transformation encompasses process optimisation, sustainability, and addressing the skills shortage. Digital assistance systems and products enhance production efficiency and quality. ENGEL sees the future of injection moulding in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital twins for process optimisation.
The company’s “inject 4.0” strategy aims to enable customers to develop and produce high-quality, cost-efficient parts. Through the use of digital assistance systems, AI-based analysis tools like the iQ process observer, and shop floor monitoring in the e-connect customer portal, the entire production chain is optimised, from design to sampling, production, and maintenance.
Thanks to its leadership in quality, technologies and solutions and innovation expertise, particularly in the areas of digitalisation, sustainability and the circular economy, ENGEL is ideally positioned to benefit from growing market opportunities.
“While competitive pressure from Asian competitors is increasing, ENGEL remains competitive due to its innovative strength and commitment to the highest quality,” the company says.
Learn more at https://www.engelglobal.com/en/home
