An Interview with Jan Guthmann, Managing Director, Herrmann + Hieber, equipment supplier for aluminium extrusion plants

AlCircle had an opportunity to speak to Jan Guthmann, Managing Director, Herrmann + Hieber, a leading supplier of advanced automated equipment solutions to the steel and aluminium extrusion sector in Europe during ALUMINIUM 2018 fair in Dusseldorf.

Here is an excerpt from the brief interview:

AlCircle: Tell us in brief about Herrmann + Hieber and its products and service

Jan Guthmann:  We supply intralogistics solutions for the aluminium industry. Our core product is the highly specialized automated crane which figures as a core element of a modern aluminium extrusion plant. The Automated Crane or Process Crane as it is called can also be used to transport Coils automatically.

AlCircle: What are the key sectors for the products and services of Herrmann + Hieber?

Jan Guthmann:  We offer advanced solution for aluminium extrusion and steel factories.

AlCircle:  Tell us in brief about the kind of equipment and machinery that you supply to the aluminium extrusion sector.

Jan Guthmann:  We deliver Conveyor-Systems with horizontal and vertical conveyers and Automated Cranes. Our planners know of the needs of modern fabrication in our main markets.

AlCircle:  As a European company which are the key markets for your products and services?

Jan Guthmann:  For now we focus on the European Market.  Other markets are currently not in our market strategy.

AlCircle:  China has been growing fast in the equipment and machinery sector. Has China posed a threat to your business so far?

Jan Guthmann:  Since, we operate in the European market;  China has not threatened our business so far as an equipment and machinery supplier.

AlCircle: Asia has seen maximum growth in the aluminium sector in last one decade. Tell us in brief about your reach in the Asian market.

Jan Guthmann:  We don’t have an infrastructure to deliver to the Asian Market at this moment and we are concentrating on the European customers.

AlCircle: What is your future business outlook for Herrmann + Hieber, considering the fact that, aluminium and aluminium demand has been growing exponentially in recent times?

Jan Guthmann:  We think that we will have a lot of work in the future. Right now our books are full and we appreciate that. Automation is still one of the most important tasks in all industries and we love to deliver advanced and high-quality long-lasting solutions and are proud to do so. We will continue supplying our innovative solutions while upgrading our products.

AlCircle:  How has been your experience during the recently concluded ALUMINIUM 2018?

Jan Guthmann:  We are happy about the outcome of the ALUMINIUM 2018 fair here in Dusseldorf as the platform hosts a wide range of our existing g and potential customers.  We are looking forward to the next one.