Second Life for Valuable Technology

WEINSBERG (Germany)/ROCKFORD, Ill. (USA) – The recent agreement in the transatlantic tariff dispute brings planning security back to export-oriented companies. An example of forward-thinking cooperation has been provided for months by a project between FIBRO Rotary Tables and a major US commercial vehicle manufacturer.

When the German machine tool manufacturer Heller requested a general overhaul of FIBRO components in February 2024, nobody at FIBRO Rotary Tables in Weinsberg could have anticipated what an extensive retrofit project this would become. FIBRO Rotary Tables is now refurbishing four powerful rotary tables for the American industrial customer – demonstrating how sustainability and economic prudence can successfully work together even in turbulent times.

"What I particularly like about this project is the second-life concept in terms of sustainability," says Valentin Findling, who is responsible for service and repair business at FIBRO Rotary Tables in Weinsberg. "Giving such large tables and the entire system a second chance is a great message."

The rectangular turntables, which measure 82 by 100 centimeters, are among the largest in the FIBRO portfolio. They are equipped with a worm gear drive and, like all FIBRO products, are extremely robust. Since their delivery in 2011, the precision components have been in continuous operation at the US customer's facility. "No matter how long-lasting a product is, it eventually comes to the end of its lifecycle," Findling explains. "The worm gear drive is particularly susceptible to a certain wear during intensive use." With four identical high-precision rotary tables, this project is one of the largest of its kind for FIBRO Rotary Tables.

The scope of work on the FIBROPLAN NC 0.07 units is considerable. The drive, bearings, seals, rotary distributors for media transfer, pipes, and screw connections will be completely renewed. Only the motor itself and the main body remain. "After the overhaul, the tables are practically as good as new at a significantly lower price than a new purchase," Findling emphasizes.

Local Presence as an Advantage in Times of Trade Barriers

The logistics of the overhaul should not be underestimated. The repair will take place at the foreign subsidiary, FIBRO Rotary Tables US Inc., in Rockford, Illinois. Technicians from Germany and the U.S. work closely together. "This is a strength of our global service network," says Findling. "Especially in complex projects like the overhaul of high-precision rotary tables, this combined know-how is crucial."

The international cooperation proved particularly valuable during the time of trade uncertainties. "The decision for a retrofit was the right strategy for all parties involved," explains Dustin Stewart, Service Manager at FIBRO Rotary Tables USA. "Our local presence enables us to provide first-class service even in challenging times. The close collaboration with our German specialists guarantees the usual FIBRO quality."

Growing Market for Second-Life Solutions

The retrofit project for the US industrial customer exemplifies a growing market. "Regardless of trade policy developments, the topic of second life for industrial components is steadily gaining importance," explains Findling. What was for a long time primarily a sustainability argument has become increasingly economically relevant today. FIBRO Rotary Tables observes this development also in Germany, where automotive suppliers in particular are looking for cost-effective alternatives to maintain their production flexibility.

The legendary FIBROTAKT, FIBRO Rotary Tables' traditional flagship product, is increasingly appearing on retrofit lists. "The Hirth coupling is not the problem — it typically lasts for decades when the table is used properly," Findling explains. "When pistons and seals are replaced after a while, the tables are practically indestructible."

CEO Heiko Asum Calls for Planning Security

With the successful implementation of this project, FIBRO Rotary Tables solidifies its position as a global technology leader for high-precision rotary tables, both for new systems and in the growing market for sustainable retrofit solutions. The recent tariff agreement between EU and USA now creates the necessary planning security for further international projects.

"The agreement in the trade dispute is an important signal for transatlantic cooperation," emphasizes Dr. Heiko Asum, managing partner of FIBRO Rotary Tables GmbH. "Projects like this retrofit show that sustainable industrial solutions and stable trade relationships can complement each other. Second life for industrial components is not only economically sensible, but also an important contribution to resource conservation – on both sides of the Atlantic."

Contact:

Dr. Heiko Asum
Phone +49 7134 73-230
h.asum@FibroRT.com

FIBRO Rundtische GmbH

FIBRO Rotary Tables, headquartered in Weinsberg with subsidiaries in the USA, India and China, is one of the leading providers of high-precision rotary tables. The company was founded in 1958 and was part of the Läpple Group from 1974 to 2023. In 2024, FIBRO Rotary Tables was spun off as an independent company through a carve-out. Managing partner is Dr. Heiko Asum. FIBRO Rotary Tables employs 125 people at its headquarters and 165 worldwide.