A year full of milestones lies ahead
On the road to success with innovations and sustainability
Krefeld (Germany), 06. April 2023. Okuma has reason to celebrate: The company marks its 125th birthday and has countless successes and memorable highlights to look back on. But looking ahead to the future is even more exciting. As one of the global leaders in manufacturing CNC tool machines, Okuma will continue to use its wealth of experience in the industry to exceed customer expectations. Therefore, even more sustainable and efficient solutions are at the top of the agenda.
Continuous further development while focusing on customer requirements has been Okuma’s guidance since its foundation in 1898. Within a short period of just six years, Eiichi Okuma turned the company from a noodle machine manufacturer into a tool machine manufacturer. Throughout the company’s history, Okuma has stuck to its guiding principle of “Open Possibilities” and to its innovative strength and groundbreaking technologies: Okuma introduced its internally developed OSP control in 1963 and combined it with drives, motors, and spindles to become a “single source” supplier. Starting by combining the mechanical tool machine with the technological control software component, it has succeeded in optimising processes and producing high-precision workpieces within defined time and budget limits.
Facing new challenges early on
Okuma will also demonstrate which technologies are used to improve reliability, precision and sustainability at its exhibit. Machining processes can be planned, simulated and tested using the 3D Virtual Monitor (3DVM) even before production, avoiding cost-intensive mistakes from the beginning. Using 3D models of the machine, blank and tool, the Collision Avoidance System (CAS) monitors the ongoing process.
“Okuma has always been a step ahead of trends and developments,” explains Norbert Teeuwen, Managing Director of Okuma Europe GmbH. “The OSP is a good example of our innovative drive – as well as the internal and external automation solutions that enable us to respond to individual customer requirements and needs with extreme precision.”
New solutions and further developments that increase customer efficiency will continue to be the main focus at Okuma after its anniversary: “For decades now, we’ve been consistently working towards establishing our machines and processes on a sustainable basis, for example by optimising energy consumption or process flows for our customers.” This commitment will become even more important in the future with the national and international climate goals. With the Intelligent Technology and Green Technology, Okuma’s Green Smart Machines will continue to support efficient manufacturing with reduced energy consumption. “We focus on comprehensive solutions. Our customers can rely on us for a well-thought-out ’all-in-one’ concept. Quality, precision, sustainability, and efficiency are clear requirements set out by our customers that we fully meet,” Norbert Teeuwen emphasises. “Our product development and services focus on individually developed solutions that precisely meet the respective requirements.”
Okuma is also working towards CO2 neutrality within its own organisation. Energy savings or renewable energy from its own solar panel systems are already being implemented and expanded further. In future, Okuma will also be investing more in a sustainable value chain – in the interests of the environment and the customers.
More milestones to come in 2023
125 years of company history, experience, and know-how: On this basis, Okuma is now awaiting a promising future and meeting challenges with exciting and forward-looking innovations. Okuma is ready to impress the manufacturing industry with the efficiency of the innovative solutions they will launch this year. The EMO Hannover from the 18th to 23rd of September is the official kick-off. At the world's leading trade fair for production technology, Okuma will be celebrating its 125th anniversary with numerous innovations. It will be welcoming visitors with a range of large and small surprises.