(from left) Ewald Schwing, Ralf Diederichs, Thomas Schwing and Alfred Schillert, Managing directors of Schwing Group. © Schwing Technologies

Schwing Group, a leader in technology and manufacturing of eco-friendly thermal cleaning systems for plastic and fibre-contaminated tools and machine parts, is celebrating its 50^th anniversary. It all started as a two-person operation in 1969, when company founder Ewald Schwing registered his trade in Duisburg. To this day, he is active as a Managing Director of the company.

The entire Schwing Group now includes Schwing Innovation (Holding Company), Schwing Technologies (Thermal Cleaning Technology), Schwing Verfahrenstechnik (Process Measurement Technology) and the recently founded Schwing Technologies North America.

This year, the present Managing Directors Ewald Schwing, Thomas Schwing, Alfred Schillert and Ralf Diederichs and their employees are celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the company. The company will mark this milestone at this year’s K 2019 trade fair in Düsseldorf, the world’s largest plastics trade show.

Ewald Schwing looks back on the successful company history with pride: “We are now world market leader for complete cleaning solutions. From our headquarters in Neukirchen-Vluyn, we have been able to sell more than 3,000 cleaning systems in about 75 countries.” The family business today generates 75% of business through the equipment sales worldwide and 25% through cleaning services at its Lower Rhine location.

Growth at the home location

The company just expanded the company headquarters: In 2018, the Managing Directors opened a new 1,600 square meter production facility. A total investment of around EUR 2.7 million has allowed the company to expand its entire production area to 5,500 square metres, including offices, manufacturing and service halls. Next year, another 1,500 square metre office building will provide ample space for work on its three floors.

Schwing Technologies Fertigungshalle in Neukirchen-Vluyn. © Schwing Technologies

An international increase in demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient machines from the equipment manufacturer contributed to the need for this expansion, the company explains. Systems are in demand worldwide, in the plastics as well as in the fibre industry. From the beginning, the company has been focused on environmental protection and energy savings. Green solutions are met with international interest – in Europe as well as South America and China.

Research and development

Industry 4.0, an important topic internationally, is also a major focus at Schwing. In the age of digitisation, the company continues to develop its intelligent systems. Many of the company’s ideas come from its own ranks. Other innovation drivers are joint projects with universities throughout Germany.

Schwing cooperates with master's and bachelor's theses of the University of Applied Sciences in Krefeld and with the future-oriented energy storage systems of the Technical University of Munich. These initiatives will help the company to continue advancing globally. “We can show that we are ahead of the competition internationally. Our employees go all out for this goal,” said Thomas Schwing.

Corporate social responsibility

With its international success, Schwing says it has always remained a true family business – with employees aged 18 to 81, including spouses, parents and their children. With further education, family support, health management and sporting events, the medium-sized company aims to promote and improve its employees.

“The company feels connected to them as much as its Lower Rhine location,” the manufacturer explains. “The international success Made in Germany will benefit cultural, sports and educational sponsorships in addition to the local football club, the local culture and economy and educational projects in Africa.”

www.schwing-technologies.de