STIHL invests in own magnesium pressure die casting

ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG inaugurated a new powder coating plant in Prüm-Weinsheim on 27 February. Covering an area of 1150 sq.m, the high-tech plant operates in one of the largest and most modern magnesium die casting facilities in Europe. Both Gerhard Eder, manager of the Prüm-Weinsheim factory, and Wolfgang Zahn, senior vice president product development, are sure: “In making this EUR 2.5 million investment, STIHL is well equipped to meet the demands of tomorrow and thereafter”. 

“STIHL continues to be a shining example for our region”
Environmental protection at the STIHL Prüm-Weinsheim factory has been further improved with the new plant. Apart from the substantially reduced power consumption, the amount of powder lost has also been minimized. Moreover, the magnesium die castings are protected in the pretreatment phase against defects due to paint and corrosion. And the employees profit too: More room and better lighting conditions, good accessibility and ergonomics at the workplaces as well as touchscreens make work considerably easier.

Arne Rössel, general manager of the Trier Chamber of Industry and Commerce, welcomed the investment because it is “important for healthy development of the business location. STIHL thus continues to be a shining example for our region.“ And Aloysius Söhngen, mayor of the Prüm community, adds: “In making this investment at a difficult time in terms of the economy, STIHL is setting an example and thus showing its commitment not only to Prüm-Weinsheim, but also to Germany as a whole.“

Renowned car makers also rely on STIHL magnesium die castings
Components made from magnesium alloys have always constituted an important part of STIHL’s professional chainsaws and power tools. Magnesium is light and extremely strong at the same time. It has very good casting properties, is easily machined and can be recycled almost infinitely. In order to meet the its own high quality demands and ensure reliable supplies in the long term, STIHL set up its own magnesium die casting plant in Prüm-Weinsheim in 1971. Up to the present day renowned manufacturers in the automobile, electric tool and mechanical engineering industry – such as BMW, Daimler and Porsche, Hilti, Mafell, Festool and Artesyn – rely on precision pressure castings “Made by STIHL”.

(Voucher copy requested.)

Caption:

The STIHL magnesium die casting plant was opened in 1971. Some 600 committed men and women now work in Prüm-Weinsheim.

Finish-coated and cooled magnesium die castings are transported by overhead conveyor to the next workplace.

Photograph: STIHL (Reprint free of charge/voucher copy requested)