Best year ever for world's largest volume builder of CNC machine tools

California-based Haas Automation Inc reports that 2006 was the most productive year in the company’s history, with CNC machine tool production of more than 12,500 units – up almost 25 per cent over 2005 – and a nearly 30 per cent increase in revenues to more than $740 million. The 2006 numbers reinforce Haas Automation’s position as the largest unit-volume builder of CNC machine tools in the world, and the largest 'dollar-volume' builder in North America. All Haas products are built in the company’s 100,000 sq m manufacturing facility in Southern California and are distributed worldwide through a global network of Haas Factory Outlets (HFOs). In 2006, Haas opened 20 new HFOs, primarily in Europe and Asia, with another 30 planned to open worldwide in 2007. “The HFO concept – providing customers – whatever their location - with local access to Haas products, sales engineers and consultancy, replacement parts and factory-trained service personnel – is one of the driving forces behind Haas’ global success," said Haas general manager Bob Murray (pictured). “We have the right company, the right people, the right products and a world-wide distribution network. Everyone working together made all of this possible.” For 2007, Mr Murray expects revenues to increase to more than $800 million, with production hitting around 14,000 machines. A large number of those machines will be new models. “We continually introduce new products, and work to make our current models better,” he explains. “It’s all part of the constant evolution of Haas.” Around a dozen new products were introduced in 2006, and another dozen or so are expected in 2007. In Europe, Haas sales increased by almost 40 per cent over 2005, giving an average compounded unit growth for machine sales of about 30 per cent per year over the six years since Haas began its operations on the continent. “To maintain our momentum, we’re making significant marketing and infrastructure investments over the next 12 months,” says Peter Hall, managing director, Haas Automation Europe, “so Haas will be even more visible in the European market place in 2007. “For a start, we will accelerate the HFO program in Europe, with eight new ones opening before the spring. We intend to have all main-market European HFO's officially opened by the end of 2007, bringing the total to 35. Within two years, this will increase to 45.”