Engel announces ‘significant investment’ for expansion of global network

Schwertberg, Austria – Injection moulding machinery supplier Engel has allocated “a substantial double-digit million euro” investment for the expansion of its global network in the new fiscal year, started 1 April.

The investment will see Engel further reinforcing its ‘in the region for the region’ presence, in Europe, Americas and Asia, where it has independent hub structures such as sales, order processing, production and after-sales service.

"Our many years of experience now allow us to implement local solutions with local R&D and manufacturing know-how,” said Stefan Engleder, CEO of the Engel Group.

This ensures “global standards at local costs", said Engleder without providing a breakdown of investment plans.

Some of the key areas of investment will be on “customised automation solutions”, in response to adverse trends such as a shortage of skilled workers and high production costs.

According to Engel, while the standard machinery segment “remains stagnant”, customised automation solutions are witnessing “a significant upswing.”

“Customers are increasingly inclined to automate as many process steps as possible directly via the machine, for instance, quality checks or packaging,” said Engel.

Depending on the customer's preferences, the automation required integrates with the machine to form "a high-performance injection moulding cell".

Furthermore, Engel said it will be investing in apprenticeship training, with an international focus.

Currently, over 400 apprentices are undergoing training worldwide, with 240 located based at Austrian sites.

China and the Czech Republic form the second largest training hubs within Engel's global network.