Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle : C 650 | C 42 - HS flex | C 400 | Vermeulen Metaal | Entry into machining – with Hermle

Der Hauptsitz der Hamilton Group in Bonaduz in der Schweiz.

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Vermeulen Metaal shows how to make a successful entry into the world of machining subcontracting. In the space of just four years, the Dutch specialist for sheet metal processing has invested in three 5-axis machining centres from Hermle - one of which was not actually planned in advance.

"If we hadn't started with the ideal solution, we would've been putting our good reputation at risk," explains Peter Vermeulen, managing director of Vermeulen Metaal B.V. based in the Dutch town of Nederweert. In 2016, he therefore invested directly in an automated 5-axis milling machine from Hermle's High Performance Line in order to enter into the world of machining subcontracting. Since 2008, Vermeulen has been earning a good reputation in the mechanical engineering sector as a service provider for design, sheet metal working, welding and assembly. In fact, Vermeulen had not planned to get into machining at all - that was until 2016, when the company where it had previously had parts milled went bust. "We were suddenly faced with two problems at the same time: On the one hand, we no longer had a machining subcontractor. And, on the other hand, because of the insolvency proceedings, we were unable to get our hands on the uncompleted orders," Vermeulen recalls.

Vermeulen decided it was time to be less dependent on others and his company started machining parts - taking over the insolvent business in the process. This meant he had got his foot in the door of the corresponding market. However, the existing machinery was far too outdated for successful entry. "If I want to get a foothold in machining, I need 5-axis technology," said Vermeulen with certainty. After searching around, he came across Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG, a milling machine manufacturer who met all his needs: In addition to the reliable systems and fast service, the desire for spatial proximity was also fulfilled by Hermle. In 2017, Vermeulen ordered a C 42 Uwith HS flex automationand a large tool magazine. "A somewhat unorthodox entry", explains Geert Cox, managing director of Hermle Nederland B.V. "Usually, the initial investment is somewhat smaller. But Peter had a certain vision and there was no other way of achieving it."