Mr. Heinze, what distinguishes SPL from other spindle manufacturers, and how do you manage to succeed in such a highly competitive market?
Tassilo Heinze: Every spindle manufacturer has its specific strengths, and at SPL, our focus is clearly on providing customized solutions. Our strength is particularly evident in the production of individual units, special applications, and small series. We take on extensive design and development work from early stages to create technically optimal solutions for our customers. This clearly sets us apart from manufacturers who specialize in large quantities – we are intentionally not set up for high-volume production.
Another unique feature that distinguishes SPL from many competitors is our wide range of offerings: we provide both hydrodynamic and hydrostatic as well as rolling bearing spindle units. This variety allows us to offer our customers the best possible solution for a wide range of requirements.
What are the advantages of hydrostatic and hydrodynamic spindle units?
Hydrostatic and hydrodynamic spindle units each have specific advantages that make them ideal for different applications. Hydrostatic spindles are known for their extremely high precision and minimal wear since there is no direct contact between the bearing surfaces. Their high damping capability ensures excellent surface quality during machining, and the ability to regulate the oil supply provides thermal stability and consistent accuracy.
Hydrodynamic spindles, on the other hand, excel in high-speed applications, offering high rigidity and load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for applications with heavy loads and high speeds. They are also durable and, due to their less complex design, a cost-effective choice. Both systems rely on a contact-free principle, offering significant advantages in terms of wear reduction and operational reliability of the bearings, thus minimizing wear. However, they differ in application based on specific requirements for precision, load-bearing capacity, and cost-effectiveness.
For which applications and requirements are rolling bearing spindles the optimal solution?
Rolling bearing spindles, on the other hand, are characterized by their robust design and versatility. They enable high speeds with low energy loss. Thanks to their compact construction and ability to be used in various machines and applications, they provide a flexible and cost-effective solution.
In summary, the choice of spindle type depends on the specific requirements of the application. Whether maximum precision, load capacity, or a cost-effective solution is the priority, each spindle type offers individual advantages that can be optimally tailored to the respective conditions. That's why we work closely with our customers to find the ideal solution for their needs.
How did the founding of SPL come about, and what steps led to its realization?
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the economic situation in East Germany was difficult, and there were limited options for permanent positions. Therefore, after completing my mechanical engineering studies in 1992, I began working as a freelance designer for a company in Dorst. The position was advertised through the VDI. This work took me to many companies across Germany and provided me with important initial experiences, even though the conditions were challenging – a low hourly rate and no fixed income.
One of the clients I worked for was Sartorius in Göttingen, a company that manufactured hydrodynamic spindles. Sartorius decided to spin off this division one day because they no longer had strategic interest in it. I had already worked on designs for this division and recognized the potential to continue this technology on my own. This was the decisive moment that led to the founding of SPL in 1995. It marked a turning point: from a difficult starting position, the opportunity arose to build my own company and carve out a technological niche, which still plays a central role in our business today.
We first rented a floor and started building the first hydrodynamic spindles with the equipment that Sartorius had provided us – all with minimal investment. One of the co-founders was Mrs. Rödenbeck, with whom I had already worked successfully as a freelance designer. We started together, building the company step by step and facing the challenges of the early years. Today, we employ 36 people at our location in Döbeln near Dresden. Additionally, with Andreas Pilz as another shareholder, we operate a manufacturing facility about an hour's drive from here, where over 30 dedicated employees work.
Acquiring this manufacturing company was a crucial step in our growth. The company had filed for bankruptcy for the second time, but we saw an opportunity to expand our production capacity through this acquisition. It was a lucky break that not only opened up new opportunities but also significantly strengthened our independence and efficiency. Today, we look back proudly on this journey – from a small rented space with two people to a company that combines innovation, stability, and growth.
How are tasks and responsibilities structured at the two locations?
At our location in Döbeln, we have our design department, assembly department, and test benches where we thoroughly test the spindles. The required parts are manufactured at SPL Precision Manufacturing in Fraureuth, ensuring seamless integration of our manufacturing processes.
What is the relationship between spindle repairs and new business in your company?
Our new business far exceeds the number of spindle repairs, yet we place great value on expanding our service business. This business is very stable because, over the years, we have built up a loyal customer base – both for our own spindles and for those from other manufacturers. Our focus is not on actively seeking repair orders for spindles from all manufacturers. Rather, the inquiries come mainly from our existing customers, who ask us to repair their other spindles as well. If these repairs fit within our product range and we have the necessary expertise, we gladly take on these orders. Nevertheless, new business remains the most important growth driver for us, and we continue to see the greatest increases in this area.
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How did you establish SPL in international markets?
From the beginning, we worked with clients outside of Germany. In 2018, Mr. Mathias Fiege, an internationally experienced technician, joined our team at SPL. We had known each other for many years, always respected each other, and although we were occasionally competitors, we often supported one another. When Mr. Fiege wanted to change careers, we developed a concept together for how he could integrate into SPL to drive the company's development forward. It was not only about sales but also about how we could use his expertise to tap into new markets. His support, especially in China, was a significant gain for us. Although I had already gained experience in China and built up initial clients and references there, I lacked the capacity to further develop the market. Mr. Fiege had much more experience in this area and was able to drive activities there much more effectively. We entrusted him with responsibility for the Chinese market, and he has developed it excellently, leading to significant growth. Together, we have also successfully entered other markets, including the USA, Sweden, and Switzerland. In total, we divided the markets, with each of us taking responsibility for specific customer segments, which has complemented each other very well and helped us achieve further growth.
