Okuma, one of the market leaders for CNC machine tools and process optimisation, is opening a new Engineering Centre at its site in Krefeld, Germany, where standard machines will be individually tailored to meet the needs of customers throughout Europe.

The company operates in most European countries with long-standing sales partners that can provide a fast response regarding service and customised solutions due to their ‘close proximity’ to customers.

However, when Okuma changed over to direct sales in Germany, it was then up to the company itself to ‘lay the foundations’ for continuing to generate growth locally.

In 2018, plans were drawn up for the new Engineering Centre and construction was started in August 2019. Just under a year later, the building is set to open — despite the Covid-19 crisis and all the delays that entailed.

Norbert Teeuwen, managing director of Okuma Europe, said: “In future, the Engineering Centre will enable us to respond even better and faster in satisfying special requests and providing all-in-one solutions for the manufacturing needs of our customers all around Europe.”

Over 1,200m² floor space will soon be an assembly area for up to 20 machines, along with communal areas for the 17 employees currently working in the engineering department.

The centre will focus on fitting Okuma machines with accessories and automation solutions to specific customer requirements.

Furthermore, a variety of the most in-demand machines will be kept in stock in the warehouse, ready for immediate dispatch.