Mapal has consolidated and further expanded its position in all major regions, which has been achieved by substantial investments in various company locations over the course of the past year.
“In Asia, we founded a new joint venture in Vietnam and acquired the majority stake in ADICO, a manufacturer of PCD and PcBN cutting materials,” specifies Kress. Asia is still the second most important market for Mapal after Germany, even though growth rates in China have decreased somewhat in line with the country’s overall economic growth.
The group is also strengthening its presence in the Americas. For instance, Mapal has expanded its location in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. A completely new plant was also opened in Mexico, in February 2019.
In Germany, capacity at the Centre of Competence for solid-carbide tools in Altenstadt is currently being increased with a new production hall.
Mapal is increasing its involvement in various industries, including tool and mould making. There are challenges ahead in the automotive industry, too, as Kress explains: “We intend to build on our position in machining components for electric vehicles.”
In addition, there is a continued focus on digitalisation and thus on Mapal‘s subsidiary c-Com, which has broadened its focus.
“We‘ve seen in practice what many companies are lacking, especially small companies, and that is something that simplifies access to the digital market,” says Kress. As a result, c-Com offers a range of modules that help companies get started in digitalisation and Industry 4.0.
“This year is certainly going to be interesting, both economically and politically,” concludes Kress. “Whatever it brings, we have confidence in our capacity for innovation and flexibility, which are based on the skills of our staff.”
