Officials of Dieffenbacher GmbH, which makes composite forming production lines and machines to make wood-based panels, reported that 2012 turnover increased to more than 400 million euros ($519 million), an increase of more than 50 million euros from 2011.
Dieffenbacher, based in Eppingen, Germany, employs 1,780 people.
The composite Forming Division increased its order book to more than 100 million ($130 million) for the first time in history. Company executives said the key to the success is the strategic shift of a few years ago, to focus mainly on plastic forming of fiber-reinforced parts.
Dieffenbacher's full automated system manufactures a woven carbon fiber preform, automation and the new CompressLite forming press—claimed to the first production line that can do large-scale production of ultra-light components using carbon fiber.
The company reports that almost all German car manufacturers invested in Dieffenbacher technology in 2012. One German automaker bought seven production lines. A Japanese car company bought one. Also, Dieffenbacher reported that 10 orders have been received for the CompressLite press.
This year, Dieffenbacher will boost sales and marketing in North America, and open a new site in Alpharetta, Ga., to help automakers in America's southern states.
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