MTE FOCUSES ON SPECIALISATION AS A GROWTH STRATEGY

In operation for almost 30 years now, MTE Milling Machines “is a young company”. Specialising in the development of innovative milling technologies, the manufacturer is adopting a qualitative growth strategy that places specialisation, flexibility and swift customer response as the mainstays of its new approach.

As CEO Jacobo Charola explains, “with an annual turnover of 18 million, the company is geared up to consolidate its position and tackle manufacturing each milling machine as a new project adapted to the specific needs of the customer, rather than as a stock item for subsequent sale”.  Thus, it is evolving away from standardisation and large volumes of turnkey products; and the almost unique price and productivity demands, to offering security, cleanliness, ergonomics, image, environmental features, etc., in order to lead cutting-edge milling markets like Germany, Italy or the US, among others. Asia is also a priority market for MTE.

As Jacobo Charola points out, China has become the top importer of European milling machines, which is why they are currently preparing to take the leap onto the Chinese market. The aim is to undertake marketing its products on the Chinese market in the short term.  In this context, under the guidelines set out, MTE is working to expand its current machinery portfolio. The manufacturer has announced that they are preparing the launch of two new milling machine models, the SB-M and the FBF-X, which will join the catalogue of nearly ten other references.  Precisely the development of the FBF-X range, which can do runs of 1,800 mm in the transverse axis (Carnero) and 5,300 mm in the vertical axis, has required the adaptation of the 6,000 m2 facilities run by MTE in Itziar, due to the large dimensions of the machine. Prior to its release onto the market, MTE has delivered two units to the leading German automotive mould makers, Hummel and Buderus; and one unit to BAE System in the United States, the second largest military contractor in the world. In addition, the company has announced that it expects to develop a sub-model of the FBF-X adapted to the machining needs of wind power generators, in order to strengthen its presence in this sector of great potential in the coming years.

Lastly, MTE has taken a step towards mitigating the absence of international trade fairs by upgrading the 2,000 m2 Showroom at the technical sales branch in Montabaur, Germany, showcasing its models in Central Europe. Precisely these facilities plan to display a unit of the new model SB-M 8000 in May, the prototype of which was supplied to German manufacturer Riecken Maschinenbau. This mobile column machine is more compact than the former FBF, requiring less space to cover the same runs and less costly groundwork for installation. With speeds of 35,000 mm/min. on the three main axes, it allows for pendulum machining and focuses on machining long parts and reduced dimensions.

Source: Empresa XXI.