Tool steel, stainless steel, engineering steel, aluminium, copper, brass, titanium, nickel, carbon steel and other special materials and alloys: thyssenkrupp supplies materials that meet nearly any requirement imaginable. For its moulds, Otto Hofstetter AG relies not only on the materials themselves, but also on the supplier’s expertise. Stefan Eugster, Head Materials Expert at thyssenkrupp Materials Switzerland, highlights the Engineering department in particular: “We want to set the standard for the best materials.” But in many situations, it’s not quite that easy. And things get even more challenging when it comes to emphasising certain characteristics. “A lot of the properties of the materials only become apparent when you do something with the steel, for example when you heat it to 1000°C,” Eugster explains. The company’s headquarters are located in Bronschhofen near Wil (SG). When it comes to their partnership with Otto Hofstetter AG, Managing Director Claudio Roth says that thyssenkrupp mainly provides “comprehensive product services” – meaning consulting and processing services.
A relationship built on mutual respect.
“We need to understand precisely what will happen with the Otto Hofstetter AG moulds,” explains Roth. “The better our understanding, the better we can advise our partner in Uznach, analyse the material and optimise the product.” This is the only way that thyssenkrupp can truly offer added value along with its tool steel as a supplier – in part because the materials purchased by Otto Hofstetter AG will be subjected to extreme stresses. Roth continues: “That is why we don’t just talk about engineering and customer service – it is our passion, and we live it every day.” Naturally, then, it’s even better when the customer not only appreciates this exceptional service, but also specifically requests it. What impresses Claudio Roth most about his partner Otto Hofstetter AG is that the company ensures that all of its components are optimally integrated down to the finest details. He has observed that the Swiss mould producer only consults with the top experts in their respective fields.
With advantages for both sides.
The signs of fruitful partnership are also apparent when one considers the everyday interactions between the two companies. Stefan Eugster confirms: “Both sides make sure to take time to maintain this relationship.” Furthermore, the friendly and constructive working environment at thyssenkrupp motivates the team there to make the most of all their opportunities from day one. But if everything is so friendly, can the exchange of ideas really be open and honest? Will the communication remain constructive even if things don’t go as planned? Claudio Roth is not worried: he explains that, when a problem arises, the management at Otto Hofstetter AG in Uznach immediately brings together all of the specialists from the departments involved, which allows them to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
The Managing Director of thyssenkrupp Materials Switzerland stresses: “You really can’t top Otto Hofstetter AG.” The working relationship is excellent in every regard. However, Head Materials Expert Stefan Eugster feels that thyssenkrupp could be even more closely involved in the design process: “Since the standards are constantly changing, it would benefit both sides in terms of quality assurance.”
A combined effort.
But as it stands currently, there is a great deal of communication between the two partners. “We practically have a dedicated line,” says Claudio Roth, smiling. What does that really mean? A continuous exchange of data and information. Once Otto Hofstetter AG completes a drawing, the partners meet to discuss the next steps. The two expert teams also determine the delivery schedules together so that they can guarantee everything will come through on time. This allows the business partners to optimise the materials used in the moulds together. Both sides benefit from this cooperation – thyssenkrupp Materials Switzerland further strengthens its own brand image through these co-created concepts. “We have developed products with Otto Hofstetter AG and have grown together, so to speak,” adds Christof Härz with a view to marketing. The characteristics of the moulds – precision, continuity and value retention – are an expression of a close cooperation between the partners. The traditional hierarchy – the customer on one side, the supplier on the other – has never been an issue. The two partners work together, and their combined efforts go into creating solutions that are optimally suited to Otto Hofstetter AG’s needs.
Quality defined by practical use.
Stefan Eugster lists the three main quality criteria for materials: “Stainless steel must be sufficiently hard, demonstrate a great deal of corrosion resistance and be easy to work with.” And, at the end of the day, the price has to be right. A great deal of the steel used by the mould manufacturer comes from stainless steel producers based in Germany who have been recognised for many years in Switzerland for their high-quality products and their innovative strength.
One of thyssenkrupp Materials Switzerland’s main strengths is consultation during the implementation of new ideas.
At thyssenkrupp Materials Switzerland, companies with high standards
in terms of quality can find the right materials.
Many people talk about “quality without compromises” – but Stefan Eugster takes issue with this sentiment. Especially when it comes to making moulds, it is important to precisely evaluate the different requirements. He uses the alloy element sulphur as an example: “The positive aspect of this material is that it allows for good machinability; however, the negative is that it reduces corrosion resistance and polishability.” Another example: the higher the proportion of chrome in the alloy, the more corrosion-resistant the steel will be, but it will also be more difficult to work with. Ergo: “Sometimes we have to make a compromise here or there for the good of the mould.”
The focus remains on the solution.
The 120 employees at thyssenkrupp Materials Switzerland are always looking for new applications for clients in all industries. Head of Marketing Christof Härz sees a great deal of potential in their niche strategy, for example in the watch industry, the field of medical technology and the aerospace industry: “Segments in which we are already well established.” Härz continues: “We generally look for customers who make high-quality products.” However, it’s not only about products for which thyssenkrupp Materials Switzerland already has material solutions “on hand”. Even if potential partners only have an idea for a product that could be made using metals, thyssenkrupp brings all of its expertise and experience to the table to help turn that idea into reality – and all without a particularly complicated or drawn-out concept phase. Claudio Roth considers this to not only be one of his company’s strengths, but also generally an advantage that is typical for the company’s location: “Short distances, high speeds. That is one of the main strengths of Swiss companies.” That is why thyssenkrupp Materials Switzerland Ltd.’s services are the perfect fit for Otto Hofstetter AG’s core characteristics: precise, fast, durable, reliable.
