Oerlikon

Oerlikon. Oerlikon is a Swiss-based technology group with a long history dating back to 1906, when it was founded by the Sulzer family in Winterthur, Switzerland. The company has undergone significant transformations over the years, including the acquisition of Sulzer Medica by Centerpulse in 2000, and the subsequent merger of Sulzer with Burckhardt Compression in 2007, which led to the creation of the OC Oerlikon Corporation AG. Today, Oerlikon is a leading global technology group with a strong presence in the fields of surface solutions, manmade fibers, and drive systems, with notable collaborations with BASF, Dow Inc., and Evonik Industries.

● History

The history of Oerlikon is closely tied to the development of the Swiss machinery industry, with key figures such as Heinrich Sulzer and Jakob Sulzer playing important roles in the company's early years. In the 1920s, Oerlikon began to expand its operations, establishing partnerships with companies such as Brown, Boveri & Cie and Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg. During World War II, Oerlikon produced a range of military equipment, including the Oerlikon 20 mm cannon, which was used by the Wehrmacht and other military forces. In the post-war period, Oerlikon continued to diversify its operations, acquiring companies such as Unaxis and Saurer, and establishing partnerships with Siemens, Alstom, and General Electric.

● Products

Oerlikon's product portfolio includes a range of surface solutions, such as plasma technology and thin-film coatings, which are used in a variety of applications, including the production of semiconductors, solar panels, and medical devices. The company also produces manmade fibers, such as polyester and polyamide, which are used in the production of textiles, carpets, and industrial fabrics. In addition, Oerlikon manufactures drive systems, including gearboxes and motors, which are used in a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. Notable customers include Volkswagen Group, Daimler AG, and BMW Group, as well as Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce Holdings.

● Company Structure

Oerlikon's company structure is organized around three main business segments: surface solutions, manmade fibers, and drive systems. The company is led by a board of directors, which includes representatives from major shareholders such as Renova Group and Temasek Holdings. Oerlikon also has a strong research and development program, with partnerships with leading universities and research institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and ETH Zurich. The company has also collaborated with CERN, European Space Agency, and NASA on various projects.

● Locations

Oerlikon has a global presence, with operations in over 35 countries around the world. The company's headquarters are located in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, and it has major manufacturing facilities in countries such as China, United States, Germany, and India. Oerlikon also has a network of sales and service offices, which provide support to customers in a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and energy. Notable locations include Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, and São Paulo, as well as Paris, London, and Tokyo.

● Applications

Oerlikon's products and technologies have a wide range of applications, including the production of semiconductors, solar panels, and medical devices. The company's surface solutions are used to improve the performance and durability of materials, while its manmade fibers are used in the production of textiles, carpets, and industrial fabrics. Oerlikon's drive systems are used in a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy, with notable applications in Formula One, IndyCar, and NASCAR. The company has also supplied equipment to Ferrari, Porsche, and Audi, as well as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security.