Portrait of the Komax Group

In its Wire business unit, the Komax portfolio of products and services ranges from wire-cutting and -stripping machines all the way to systems for the fully automated manufacture of complete wire harnesses, mainly for the automotive industry. Komax is the world leader in the field of crimp-to-crimp machines, with an estimated market share in the order of 40 percent.

The Solar business unit develops, produces and sells machines for the production of crystalline and thin-film modules, with the crystalline sector accounting for the greater part of activities in this segment.

The Medtech business unit manufactures and markets machines and systems for the assembly of medtech products such as inhalers and insulin delivery or injection systems. The Komax Group operates production facilities in Switzerland, China, the United States, Malaysia and France. Komax also provides sales and service support functions via subsidiaries and independent agents in over 50 countries. The Group’s revenues for 2010 came to CHF 340.2 million, with an operating profit of CHF 29.1 million. As of end-2010, the Group employed a workforce of 1,023 people.

As “Professionals in Advanced Automation”, the Komax workforce wants not only to meet customers’ expectations, but to exceed them.

Thanks to innovative automation solutions and services, Komax has been able to maintain a leading position in its target markets. In 2010, the Group’s research and development expenses came to CHF 20.5 million (2009: CHF 20.1 million), equivalent to 6 percent of revenues (2009: 10 percent). Worldwide, the Group employs 107 staff in research and development.

The Komax company was founded in 1975. Within the last years, it grew from a three-men company to a group of aprox. 1000 cooperators, acting worldwide. A milestone in its history was the first microprocessor driven crimping automat worldwide which was introduced the market in 1981.

Max Koch sets up the Komax engineering company, deriving its name from parts of his own (Koch Max)

Launch of the Komax 20 cutting and stripping machine with stepping motor drive

Komax converts from sole proprietorship to limited company

Komax USA established

The launch of Komax 40 introduces the world's first electronically controlled fully automatic crimping machine

Max Koch is awarded the Branco Weiss Prize as "Businessman of the Year"

Targeted expansion outside Switzerland and establishment of branches in countries such as Portugal (1991), Germany, Singapore and Brazil (1994)

Market launch of the Komax Alpha automatic crimping machine

Management buyout: Max Koch sells the company to management under the leadership of Leo Steiner

Going public: Komax AG is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange

The Alpha 433 and Gamma 333 automated crimpers are unveiled

Launch of the world's first fully automatic crimping machine with twister

A number of companies acquired, including Sibos AG, Switzerland (1998), Ascor, USA (2000) and Prime Automation, USA (2001)

Introduction of the zeta range for the production of entire wire harnesses

Takeover of Sigma and Ismeca Automation

Commencement of production and development in China, subsidiary in Malaysia

Komax employs around 1000 staff worldwide and maintains a presence in 50 countries. Komax machines are produced in Switzerland, France, the USA, China and Malaysia

Beat Kaelin, Andreas Wolfisberg, Matijas Meyer, Walter Nehls, Serge Peguiron