29.03.2023 - WSD Krauss GmbH: 25 years
A few days ago, the company WSD Krauss GmbH & Co. KG celebrated its 25th anniversary. In March 1998, Dr. Mathias Krauss, supported by his brother-in-law Bernd Schaible, took over the then small and highly specialized CNC turning shop in Heinkelstraße in the industrial area east in VS-Schwenningen. The machining company was founded by Holger Würthner only 2 years earlier. Now a ¼ century ago, with 8 CNC machines and around 10 employees, this was the starting point of a strategic reorientation accompanied by a very pleasing development at the company WSD Krauss GmbH & Co. KG.
Customers from the test equipment industry, precision mechanics, the electronics sector and medical technology appreciate the company's high level of expertise. This was the foundation for steady growth. With the purchase of additional CNC lathes, the original building in the industrial area east became too small. In 2003, WSD Krauss GmbH & Co. KG was able to acquire its own production building in Lichtensteinstraße and thus had over 2,000 m² of space for further expansion. Based on a pronounced awareness of quality, modern machinery and, last but not least, a qualified workforce, the company WSD Krauss GmbH & Co. KG has developed into a renowned supplier of very precise CNC long turned parts with 35 CNC lathes and a workforce of over 30 employees.
In recent years, many parts have become smaller and smaller, especially for the electronics industry. At the same time, the requirements for turned parts have become increasingly complex. Years ago, bores in the range of ø1.0 mm and 15 mm depth (15xD) were a challenge. Today, holes with a diameter of 0.8 mm and a depth of 25 mm (30xD) are produced. In addition, bores smaller than ø0.25 mm are required time and again. The wall thicknesses of various components such as sleeves and cylinders are also becoming thinner and thinner and are sometimes only 0.08 mm.
Turned parts are also becoming smaller and smaller in the outer diameter range. Currently, parts with diameters of up to ø0.2 mm are being turned. In comparison, a hair has a diameter of approx. 0.1 mm. Here too, extreme precision and dexterity are required.
There are always interesting tasks for cutting machine operators and technically skilled people who want to dedicate themselves to precision work. The shortage of skilled workers, which is also noticeable at WSD Krauss GmbH & Co. KG, is countered by a wide range of measures in the area of employees. With currently 3 trainees, the company directly promotes young talent in the Lichtensteinstraße. The young trainees also benefit from the cooperative training within the ORCA Group. The professional development of new employees in particular is also encouraged and rewarded.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the WSD Krauss GmbH & Co. KG company, the managing partner Dr. Mathias Krauss and the plant manager Markus Erath would like to express their special thanks to Dagmar Reichmann and Brigitte Krauss, who have been with the company since the very beginning. It is precisely the loyal, long-standing employees who are the pillars of the company in the Schwenninger Hammerstatt.