Interview with WFL Millturn Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, the world's leading supplier in the field of complete machining, based in Linz / Austria.

IndustryArena: What would you say were the milestones in the history of WFL that allowed the company to grow from a small group of 12 people at the beginning to a company with more than 500 employees?

WFL Millturn Technologies: Focussing on complete machining since 1983, WFL is the technology leader in the field of metal-cutting production machines. When different manufacturing technologies such as turning, milling, drilling or grinding are combined in one machine tool, this is referred to as complete machining. One clamping - complete machining. This brings enormous economic and production-related advantages.

Whether high-tech automation solutions or intelligent data utilisation - WFL combines the latest technologies with proven expertise. Decades of experience in complete machining are a key feature of the company. Reliably high machine quality and the continuous development of technologies in complete machining are the quintessence of this.

A stable foundation in terms of training and expertise is important. Thanks to more than 30 years of experience and a sophisticated modular machine concept, the multifunctional machines can be perfectly adapted to any requirement and even challenging demands can be mastered.

Automation and digitalisation are playing an increasingly important role in production technology. How does WFL integrate these trends into its machines and production processes?

The fact is that robotics and AI are important components in production and industry. This makes it all the more important to ensure that the symbiosis between man and machine is harmonised.

Automation solutions are a constant companion when purchasing MILLTURN complete machining centres. With the acquisition of FRAI, WFL combines innovation in complete machining with decades of expertise. With its various automation solutions, FRAI Robotic Solutions offers the perfect complement for the path to "autonomous" production. Automation solutions are particularly in demand for growth in the area of smaller machine series and the topic of digitalisation also requires more and more solutions in the automation sector. With the various automation solutions, be it articulated robots, gantry loaders, integrated loading systems or even mobile robot automation, it is possible to develop the optimum process.

In view of the increasing global demands for ecological responsibility and sustainability, does WFL take concrete measures to minimise the environmental impact of its production processes and machinery?

The high electricity and heating costs and the issue of saving energy are now motivating us all. Especially in the current exceptional situation, the conscious use of energy is more important than ever for all of us. Whether in the office or in the workshop: There are many ways to save energy in virtually all areas of the company.
Numerous initiatives have already been implemented at WFL in recent years - modernisation of the compressed air system, modernisation of the heating control system, thermal refurbishment of all external doors, thermal refurbishment of halls 1-5, large-scale conversion to LED lighting, to name just the most important initiatives - with further energy efficiency measures to follow. The so-called "greenside mode" (energy-saving mode) was also implemented in the machine tools manufactured by WFL and employees were made aware of the need to save energy.
We commissioned the first PV system with an area of around 1,000 square metres on the roof of the production hall back in 2020. The expansion of the PV system was completed in 2022 and another expansion is now being planned. An important and major step towards sustainability!

What are WFL's strategic goals for the next ten years, and are there any new markets or technologies in focus?

Thanks to the experience and expertise of its employees, WFL can implement its strategy and continue to develop in line with current market requirements.

An ongoing trend and increasingly important focus is on automation. It can be a decisive advantage for our customers, not only in terms of the shortage of skilled labour that many companies are experiencing, but also in terms of productivity, quality and efficiency. Together with our subsidiary FRAI, we can offer interesting solutions.
We deal with constantly changing markets, technologies and customer needs on a daily basis. With a customer-centred strategy, we are able to take account of the dynamics of the environment and align our products and services accordingly, exploiting opportunities and protecting ourselves against risks. We want to position WFL in such a way that long-term sustainability can be realised and growth ensured.

In conclusion, can you describe in one sentence what makes WFL so special and why a new customer should choose WFL?

In many high-tech companies today, the brand name MILLTURN stands for the central machine tool for manufacturing complex components with maximum precision.

Thank you very much for the interesting conversation.

For more information about WFL Millturn Technologies click here.