GF AgieCharmilles has announced a reorganization of its Swiss facilities to adapt to the ongoing worldwide economic crisis. The move will include realigning resources to boost efficiency, accompanied by some layoffs to reduce current excess capacity. In addition to these changes, the company is working to ensure maximum profitability through continued investment in research and development and customer service.
Production of EDMs that previously took place in Geneva, Switzerland will now be integrated into the company’s manufacturing facilities in Losone. The Losone campus will also house some aspects of research and development, along with the sales organization serving Switzerland and several other European nations.
The campus in Geneva continues to be responsible for the majority of GF AgieCharmilles’ research and development efforts, as well as housing the company’s international headquarters. International marketing, customer service and worldwide spare parts will also be located in Geneva.
"The current economic hardship has presented an enormous challenge to manufacturers around the world," says Glynn Fletcher, president of GF AgieCharmilles in North America. “Some layoffs will accompany the realignment of our production resources, but our primary goal is to increase efficiency so that we may continue to provide standard setting products and services. Even as we make these changes, we continue to invest in our customer service and support centers and develop new technologies.” We just invested in a new state of the Central Art phone system to serve our US and Canadian customers more efficient. We can now connect or forward calls directly to any of GF AgieCharmilles U.S. locations utilizing VOIP technology.
GF AgieCharmilles will be unveiling a variety of new machines and technologies at EMO 2009. Among these are the HSM LP High Speed Machining Center and Cut 1000 Oil Wire EDM, along with the new IQ Generator and a new HEM milling product line. The company will also be introducing the Laser 1000 5Ax, a new machine created to provide surface texturing on a wide array of materials.
To maintain its unparalleled commitment to customer service and support, GF AgieCharmilles has recently invested in its CRM system, along with adopting voice over internet protocol for its call centers. The company has also put additional resources behind its Privilege Club, which provides benefits to customers.