Schuler has won the largest order in its history

The value is said to be “ a three-figure million euro amount”. Schuler will install a six-station servo press line in Leipzig by 2009. With a total press force of 10,500 tonnes – 2,500 for the lead-off press alone – the line will be tailored to the processing requirements of high- and higher-strength steels. These materials are becoming increasingly popular for car manufacturing due to their excellent combination of lightweight and high strength properties. Parts will be transported by the latest generation of Schuler’s single-arm transfer system: the Crossbar Feeder. This automation solution raises both the flexibility of the line – as it allows fast changing of dies of all sizes – and the overall speed of the system. The BMW Group will be able to operate its Leipzig line at up to 17 strokes per minute. In addition to the three press lines, the BMW Group has awarded Schuler two further orders. In Regensburg, Schuler is to install a blanking line with servo drive; and for its Dingolfing facility, the BMW Group has ordered a press for progressive dies with a conventional drive and a press force of 3,000 tonnes. Joachim Beyer (pictured), the board of management member responsible for Schuler AG’s Forming Systems Large Presses/Automotive segment, said: “We are delighted that the BMW Group has put its faith in the expertise and operational excellence of the Schuler Group for this important strategic investment. We shall draw on the full resources of the newly merged company – Schuler and Müller Weingarten – to process the order.”