Springs, machines and wire. Interview with G. Kunz (OMD Spa)

Close to the most important world event of the year for those working in the springs sector, namely the wire fair in Düsseldorf, we exchanged a few words with Gabriella Kunz, President of OMD, the well-known manufacturer of machines for the spring industry.

What do you expect from this new edition, which promises to be a record-level of visits and exhibitors?
The forecasts are very good. The sector is currently thriving and full of enthusiasm throughout Europe, not to mention the extra-European countries.

You are a veteran of the wire show.
Since the first edition, we have always been there! This year we will present various innovations during the fair, improvements that have been made to our series of grinders and machines for the production of springs, which we will be happy to show to customers and visitors who will come to visit us at the fair (stand F15, hall 10).

What are your main markets, geographically speaking?
80% of our turnover comes from foreign customers. The most promising markets this year are certainly in Europe Germany, Poland and East European countries; besides Asian countries, India and South America are all growing markets.

What are your best-selling machines?
OMD is a leader in grinding machines, appreciated for high precision, reliability, long service life, for our fast service and integrated automation systems. Following, the most successful line is the multiformer for the production of springs of any shape and bent details, in addition to special machines for the production and processing of special springs.

Which outlet do springs that are produced with your machines mainly have?
Our machines are used wherever high-tech springs are required, then trains, airplanes, and so on.

Did the prerogatives of Industry 4.0 impact your production?
Working closely with many German springmakers, we've been introducing Industry 4.0 solutions for several years - starting at least six years ago. Now they have become a standard feature on all our machines.

You are an aggregate member of Anccem, the Italian Springmakers Association, whose President Cortesi recently announced that he will not run again when the Board will be renewed in May. What do you hope for the new presidency and for the future of the association?
I find that President Cortesi has worked hard during his term. I hope to find this dedication in the person who will take over the reins of the association after he leaves.

The founder of the company was your grandfather, Emil Kunz, who established OMD in Domaso (Como, Italy) in 1949. What do you feel you have preserved of his spirit? Is there anything significantly different in your mangement?
I believe I have maintained a certain continuity in style in the company's management line, certainly using more advanced technologies! But I must say that already my grandfather was very careful to implement cutting-edge solutions. I have tried to grasp all his positive aspects; and today I am pleased that my daughter, Giulia Motti, who recently graduated in Business Administration, is next to me in the company as Executive Officer - this is the fourth entrepreneurial generation for OMD.