The tool, mould and die industry is experiencing steady growth.The current problems toolmakers have to face are cost pressure, global competition and the lack of skilled workers. Toolmakers need to be innovative and invest in the latest equipment to stay ahead of the competition.

When visiting companies, it is apparent that the pressure to invest in new technology is high. When asked what they want to achieve, many toolmakers respond with the term “automation”. There is an awareness that modern process optimisation and automation are key competitive, which is widespread among managing directors all over Europe.