Together with its variety of subsectors, the smart factory industry comprises thousands of SMEs. It is the backbone of developed economies and is shaped by distinct developmental forces. Permanent technological advances, increasingly complex innovations, automation (Industry 4.0) and miniaturisation are revolutionising the sector while offering opportunities for stable growth. Internationalisation and regionalisation, project cycles and scarcity of highly qualified personnel are daily challenges for all players.
Consolidation is progressing at different rates in the various subsectors. And in parallel, technical innovation is continually creating new subsectors and niches.
We advise manufacturers and developers of process automation solutions, complete assembly lines, intralogistics systems and MOMS software on all materials and customer markets. Our profound sector expertise enables clients to benefit from the four forces driving the industry: automation (“Industry 4.0”), application-specific solutions, growing technical complexity and maximisation of productivity.
In this segment, we advise service providers and manufacturers throughout the lifecycle of large industrial plants (process design and engineering, plant construction and installation, automation and industrial services). We support them in building new production sites, modernising existing locations (regionalisation/near-shoring) and extending their technology chains. Crucial factors determining success in this highly competitive market include experience in application-specific or technological specialisation, the new trend towards regionalisation and coverage of the complete value chain.
Our clients in the “Processing Equipment & Machinery” segment benefit from our pool of expertise in high-tech, specialist and sophisticated process solutions, machinery and components for manufacturers in the food, pharmaceuticals, packaging, electronics, automotive, metal, and plastics industries. This segment is geared for growth in the years ahead, which will be driven by factors such as global population growth, sustainability trends, advances in healthcare and technology and ever higher consumer expectations and regulatory standards.