26 Oct Interview with Simon Kopf, Country President, Oerlikon
Can you provide an overview of Oerlikon’s scope of operations across Liechtenstein and its relation to the company’s global portfolio?
Our operations are fully integrated into the global surface solutions division, the global market and technology leader for metal-based coatings, advanced materials and 3D printing. The division has about 10,000 employees. Liechtenstein is Oerlikon’s global center for thin-film technology, with more than 450 employees who cover the entire value chain from research and development, material science and the manufacturing of metal coating machines to service operations for our local customers from Liechtenstein, Austria and Switzerland. Our Liechtenstein-made coating machines are mainly used in our 170 service centers worldwide where we provide coating as a service for our customers. With beginnings in the automotive sector, Oerlikon has since brought solutions to new segments such as medical and luxury. This has driven our regional expansion in the Americas and Asia. Surface engineering has tripled our revenues in the past ten years.
What flagship products are driving the company’s success in 2024?
Innovation is crucial for our success and future growth. Our products significantly enhance our customers’ offerings. We continuously improve our coatings, not just to keep up with competition but to meet evolving needs. For example, we recently launched Alcrona Evo, our versatile coating for drills, which is 30% more productive than its predecessor. Alcrona Evo is just 0.003 millimeters thick — about one-tenth of a human hair — and enhances drill durability by 160 times. We have also improved our coating equipment to use less energy and boost capacity, which allows for more parts and compatibility with various metals. We also recently introduced Balinit Mayura, a visually appealing carbon-based coating for processing non-ferrous materials. As our customers strive for greater productivity, we remain committed to ongoing innovation.
What approach is Oerlikon taking towards digitizing its processes and products?
Our approach is twofold. First, we focus on the benefits for our customers who expect transparency from their suppliers. Our customers can monitor the status of their parts in production, including when they will be delivered, much like individuals tracking mail deliveries online. This enhances the digital interface between us and our customers. Second, we prioritize operational optimization. After orders are received, we leverage digitalization to ensure efficiency. For example, we utilize technology to effectively measure coating output against specifications in quality inspection to maintain high standards. Additionally, we have integrated our shop floors into the digital realm with a shop floorboard that replaces traditional paper boards. Our new digital system tracks workloads, incoming goods, quality and safety incidents. This integration allows us to monitor operations more effectively and prevent future issues.
What efforts is the company making to upskill its employees?
As a high-tech company, having a skilled workforce and the ability to adapt and learn is essential. We benefit from an apprenticeship model in Liechtenstein, which allows us to train our people extensively. Oerlikon Balzer is one of the largest training companies in the region. It currently supports around 40 apprentices, particularly in roles vital to our future operations in research and development and the laboratory setting. We collaborate with other local companies and share training resources to meet workforce needs. The country supports this initiative, and we are active members of the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the apprenticeship network. Top-performing apprentices are invited to Liechtenstein Castle every year to sign the golden book of the Prince, which serves as a motivational highlight. We also run development programs such as the Horizons Program to prepare employees for management positions and foster leadership skills by exposing them to organizational topics across different regions and countries.
How important is collaboration with global partners in maintaining Oerlikon’s leading role in surface solutions?
Long-term cooperation and in-depth exchanges with our key customers are crucial for us, especially in the aerospace and 3D printing industries. Our strong presence in these segments makes partnerships essential. Developing new engine generations takes years if not decades, and the largest manufacturers are primarily based in the USA and Europe. This collaborative approach is a core aspect of our business model; it is crucial we focus on our customers. There is significant growth potential in industries such as energy, aerospace and semiconductors where market dynamics are evolving and consumer demand is increasing. We have centralized our additive manufacturing operations in these areas.
What main ambitions drive Oerlikon’s overall mission and growth strategy?
As a company based in Liechtenstein with a strong focus on Switzerland, being a pioneer in our industry is critical to our mission. Our goal is to support transformation in two key areas: people and manufacturing capabilities. We aim to adapt our portfolio and assets for new applications while ensuring our workforce is prepared for this change. Digitalization plays a vital role; our production processes now reflect the digital skills of our workforce. We aspire to leverage this model for success in other countries. Oerlikon is committed to driving industrial transformation for a sustainable future by using our history and expertise to address new challenges.
Many people aren’t aware of Oerlikon or Oerlikon Balzers as our products are often hidden within other technologies. However, there isn’t a single day without Oerlikon’s influence. Parts coated by us are essential for digitalization, mobile connectivity and satellite technology. Even if we are not widely known, we play a crucial role in keeping the world running, which makes me proud. This success in the heart of Europe comes from our combination of high-tech capabilities, skilled labor and a clear vision for the industrial application of our technologies.