Haas Automation Europe Moves into New $5-Million Headquarters

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Haas Automation Europe, the European arm of US machine tool builder Haas Automation Inc., has relocated to its new 3,500-m² headquarters and showroom in Zavantem, Belgium, just 10 minutes from the Brussels airport.

The move, which was substantially completed during the first two weeks of May, comes only three years after the company first opened its European operations at Brussels’ Paespsem Business Park. Since then, Haas’s business in Europe has increased dramatically, and the company has outgrown its original location.

In addition to providing expanded office space, the €4-million ($5-million) new building incorporates a 750-m² showroom, allowing some 25 Haas machines from the company’s extensive and growing range of CNC machine tools to be exhibited and demonstrated simultaneously.

As Haas Europe Managing Director Peter Hall puts it, the relocation marks an important milestone for the company.

“Since establishing Haas Europe we’ve exceeded our annual sales targets in all of the key European markets,” Hall says. “In the past year alone, we’ve experienced a sales increase of more than 80%. This is in line with the growth Haas has enjoyed in other markets around the world, and reflects the universal appeal of low-cost, high-quality CNC machines.”

The new headquarters also includes a massive, comprehensive spare parts warehouse run by factory certified support personnel, which will provide same-day dispatch for more than 90% of requisitions, and dispatch 100% of requisitions within 24 hours. The new facility also includes a modern, fully equipped training area and classroom where Haas personnel will instruct Haas service engineers and customers from all over the Continent.

“As both our European customer base and our distributor network increase, we intend to offer the best service and support in the industry,” Hall says. “Our investment in the new office and showroom will help ensure we do just that.”

Haas Automation Europe handles the European operations of Haas Automation Inc., the largest machine tool manufacturer in the United States, which is headquartered in California.

Union Tool Europe Appoints New Distributor for Netherlands

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One of the world’s major manufacturers of end mills for the mold and die industry, Union Tool Europe SA of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, has appointed SVM Freestechniek of Valkenswaard, Netherlands, as its new distributor for the Dutch market.

SVM is owned by Hans Smits, who has many years of experience in CNC high-speed machining.

“SVM has a complementary portfolio of products,” says Smits. “The addition of the Union Tool end mill range fits perfectly into this. This complete solution strategy and experience we offer will be invaluable in launching this new partnership, offering the support and service demanded by new and existing customers and helping them with hardmilling.”

SVM has already started building up its stock so that it can offer fast deliveries from its facilities, with back-up supplies from Union Tool’s main European supply base in Switzerland. This will ensure continuity and reliability for all users.

The agreement was made official at the EuroMold show in Frankfurt this past December.

Annual Report Puts RP Industry Under the Microscope

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A worldwide progress report on the rapid prototyping, tooling, and manufacturing industry reveals areas of growth and opportunity, as well as market segments that are experiencing disappointing results. The Wohlers Report 2003 by Wohlers Associates Inc. reflects an industry poised for growth in both technologies and applications, thanks to its emphasis on research and devlopment. The report covers all facets of the industry, including business, product, market, technology, and applications.

“3D printing was a bright spot in 2002,” says Terry Wohlers, the primary author of the report and president of Wohlers Associates. “However, there was a sharp contrast between the sales of 3D printers and conventional rapid prototyping systems.

“A staggering number of R&D; projects are underway around the world, and much of this work is turning into patents and products,” Wohlers adds.

Organizations are now extending the application of RP technology to the production of finished goods. Some believe this practice, termed rapid manufacturing, will rapidly grow and ultimately overshadow the rapid prototyping and rapid tooling markets. The report includes a new section on the opportunities, applications, and benefits of rapid manufacturing, as well as the associated obstacles and considerations.