GETRAG FORD Transmissions Implements eMPower Solutions Throughout Its European Sites
HERZLIA, Israel--Sept. 14, 2004--| Leading Automotive Tier 1 Supplier Cites Benefits of eMPower Machining After Successful Pilot Project |
Tecnomatix Technologies Ltd. , the driving force in Manufacturing Process Management (MPM), announced today that after the successful completion of a several month-long pilot project, the Cologne-based company GETRAG FORD Transmissions has decided to implement the eMPower Machining software suite for the design of production lines at GETRAG FORD Transmissions' sites in Bordeaux (France), Halewood (Great Britain) and Cologne.
During the pilot project, eMPower Machining was used for production planning of GETRAG FORD Transmissions' new B6 clutch housing and thoroughly tested for more than four months. eMPower Machining's versatility and performance for a wide range of tasks convinced GETRAG FORD Transmissions to implement eMPower Machining on a wider, multi-facility basis.
Johann Schuller, Supervisor Process at GETRAG FORD Transmissions, said: "Compared with classic planning methods, we achieved better compliance with targets, more efficient inquiry results with our suppliers and better technical comparability of the offerings. eMPower Machining helps us meet increasing demands from customers efficiently and with shorter development times. The realistic computer simulation of machining processes using 3D models is used as a sales aid vis-a-vis the product development group, external competitors or suppliers. The precision of the analyses and reports based on in-house data leads to highly reliable planning and, therefore, investment certainty for long-term production processes. Through effective dialog with our product development team, we managed to produce the new B6 clutch housing with just one, instead of three, clampings. The complete processing time is thus reduced by almost half."
During the development of a new gearbox, several production planners may be occupied with production preparations for as long as three years. "With eMPower Machining, we expect to be able to improve the efficiency of these employees by up to 18 percent, leading to a significant increase in planning efficiency," Schuller added.
"We are very pleased with the decision of GETRAG FORD Transmissions to implement eMPower Machining solutions at their sites throughout Europe," said Jaron Lotan, president and CEO of Tecnomatix. "Working with GETRAG FORD Transmissions through an intensive pilot project over the course of several months, we were able to demonstrate the advantages and efficiencies offered by eMPower Machining. Shorter development times, improved compliance with customer needs, increased productivity, enhanced reliability and precision of analyses - these are just some of the business-critical benefits of our eMPower Machining and other MPM solutions. We look forward to continued successes with GETRAG FORD Transmissions."
About GETRAG FORD Transmissions
GETRAG FORD Transmissions was established in February 2001 as a joint venture between GETRAG, a worldwide leading manufacturer of drive technology based in Untergruppenbach (Baden-Wurttemberg), and Ford of Europe, with a share of 50 percent each. With production facilities at Halewood (Great Britain), Bordeaux (France), and Cologne and a staff of over 3750 people, in 2003 the company sold more than 1.6 million gearboxes. 2003 revenue totalled 888 million euros (approx. US$1.1 billion).
About Tecnomatix Technologies Ltd.
Tecnomatix Technologies Ltd. provides the world's leading Manufacturing Process Management (MPM) solutions for the automotive, electronics, aerospace and other manufacturing and processing industries. Tecnomatix eMPower solutions for MPM enable the design, simulation, and execution of production processes, and provide real-time control and visibility throughout shop floor operations. More than 5000 companies worldwide are using eMPower solutions to reduce operating costs, accelerate product introductions, and shorten time-to-volume - while maintaining high levels of product and process quality. With offices in over 20 countries, Tecnomatix supports such global leaders as BMW, Boeing, Comau, Ford, GM, Mazda, Philips, Schneider Electric and Volkswagen. For more information, visit www.tecnomatix.com.
This press release includes forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such statements may relate to the Company's plans, objectives and expected financial and operating results. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: currency fluctuations, global economic and political conditions, market demand for Tecnomatix products and services, long sales cycles, new product developments, assimilating future acquisitions, maintaining relationships with customers and partners, and increased competition. For more details about the risks and uncertainties of the business, refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Tecnomatix undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.