From a simple fitter's to the highly complex CNC production of medical components, the Egli Maschinenbau AG in Aargau accomplished the generational leap and it defies the current economic crisis through fitness and innovation. Its products are shipped all over the world and some are high-tech medical applications.
"I am the third generation manager of our company", says proprietor Marcel Egli. "Originally a small fitter's shop, metalworking evolved quickly and innovatively. When in 1996, my dad had to step back due to his health, I virtually took over the company at the age of 30. Today, we offer the professional production of complex CNC-turned and -milled parts of any materials."
Into high-tech with a 7-axis milling machine
Mr Egli says: "We consider ourselves a service provider. From acquiring the material through 3D programming to surface treatment, we offer all services form a single source. Our 7-axis milling machine was an investment in the future. It offers something that is probably unique in Switzerland. The multifunctional center for the automatic and complete six-sided processing of one part disposes of 7 CNC axes in total. The innovative machinery had its effects. We receive orders today that we could not have previously handled because of their complexity."
At present, the climate in the metal and engineering industries is rough, orders are vanishing - at many companies, a strong drop has been recorded. For Mr Egli, this has specific consequences. "The burden posed by the tender business has increased drastically. We specialized in our services early on and now can handle the general 25% revenue drop reasonably well. Nevertheless, the situation is now so critical that bids only go via my desk. By responding to offers, one can win orders or one can lose a lot of money - this has therefore now become my task as executive," he said.
Crisis and dawn
Despite the crisis, Mr Egli remains optimistic: "It is a positive thing to be forced to approach this challenge as a lean and fit company. Our last customer inquiry obtained for example a 5.2 performance grade! This was better than ever before. It is also important for us to train new technicians. Despite our small workforce of a total of 15 persons, we are currently training 2 or 3 polymechanics. Investments in personnel and the location seem important to me. One cannot be an entrepreneur if one does not have courage and confidence."
Products for winners, leaders and professionals
"Indirectly, our business is at the pulse of the world. For example, we manufacture bobsled runners for Olympic participants, parts for Formula One and high-tech medical technology. Those parts travel all over the world. And yet, few people know that such high-tech parts are being programmed and manufactured right here in Aargau. And at the start, I had nothing to do at all with CNC manufacturing", Mr Egli says jokingly. "After business school, I wanted to become a successful advertiser and I worked in an agency. I only learned turning, milling and the technical know-how when I had to unexpectedly take over the family business. But I do not regret anything - it is nice to bear responsibility and have to prove daily that one is small but fit and capable in a highly competitive market."
