Interview with Swen Hamann, CEO of ZOLLER Ibérica
ZOLLER Iberica, based in Barcelona, offers the Spanish and Portuguese market solutions for measurement, control and management of tools in the metalworking industry of its German parent company. Care of Hamann, CEO of the Iberian subsidiary, He gives us his vision of the machining sector he serves and how it has evolved over the years..
ZOLLER has more than 20 years present in Spain and Portugal. What would you say have been the key factors that have allowed ZOLLER Ibérica to consolidate itself as a reference in measurement and tool management solutions for machining??
There have undoubtedly been several factors combined. First, the long-term trust of our clients, who have verified that ZOLLER is not a punctual supplier, but a stable technological partner. We have had equipment in production for more than 25 o 30 years that are still fully operational.
In second place, Our ability to adapt to the Iberian market has been key, with a local team very close to the client, both in sales and in technical service and training. Y, by last, our constant commitment to innovation, especially in software, digitization and tool management, which has allowed us to anticipate many of the current needs of the sector.
ZOLLER aims to increase productivity and reduce costs in machining workshops. Where do you detect the greatest efficiency losses in your clients' production processes today?? What role does tool management play in this scenario??
Today the greatest losses in efficiency are not so much in the machine, but around the machine. We are talking about downtime due to searching for tools, adjustment errors, incorrect data, Duplicate tools or lack of traceability.
The cutting tool is the highest variable cost in a machining shop. Apart from this, it is the common element between the technical office, the warehouse and the machine. If it is not well managed, the impact on costs and productivity is enormous. That's why tool management is key: allows you to reduce preparation times, avoid mistakes, improve machining quality and, definitely, make the process much more predictable and stable.
ZOLLER is committed to a complete ecosystem of solutions for tool management and control, from presetting to management software. To what extent are manufacturers today looking for comprehensive solutions instead of individual equipment?
Increasingly. Years ago the client was looking for a specific machine; today look for complete solutions. Manufacturers have realized that buying isolated equipment without connection between them generates information silos.
That is why we see a clear trend towards integrated ecosystems, where adjustment and measurement, tool identification, tool assembly and balancing, management software and connection with CAM, ERP and CNC machines work as a single system. In that sense, ZOLLER has a clear advantage, because we develop both hardware and software in-house, which guarantees compatibility, stability and future evolution.
The digitalization of the workshop continues to be one of the great challenges of the metalworking industry. From your experience, What are the main obstacles that companies encounter when moving towards a more connected factory??
The main obstacle is not technology, but the cultural change. Many companies continue to work with historical processes that 'have always worked', although they are not efficient.
Another important challenge is the heterogeneity of systems: machines from different manufacturers, different software, non-standardized data. This is where a central solution like tool management can act as the backbone of digitalization., because it connects all departments and systems in a structured way.
Sistemas como Tool Management Solutions (TMS) allow you to connect machine, tool and technical office. How is this connectivity changing the way production is planned and controlled in machining??
It is representing a radical change. With a TMS system, Companies move from reactive planning to planning based on real data: tool availability, state, useful life, location and costs.
This allows you to prepare jobs in advance, Reduce unplanned downtime and make more informed decisions. Besides, complete traceability of the tool is achieved, something increasingly important in demanding and regulated sectors.
The industry is increasingly talking about artificial intelligence applied to manufacturing. What real applications do you think we will see first in tool management and machining process control??
The first real applications will be closely linked to the analysis of existing data. In tool management, artificial intelligence will allow stocks to be optimized, foresee future needs, detect anomalous consumption or recommend more efficient use strategies.
In process control, We will see systems that help predict tool wear, improve process stability and reduce defective parts. It is not about replacing the operator, but to support it with intelligent information.
ZOLLER works with very demanding sectors such as aerospace. What does this sector mean for the company??
The aerospace sector is extremely demanding in terms of precision, traceability and security, and for ZOLLER it represents a true technological test bed. Working with this sector requires us to maintain the highest standards of quality and certification.
At the same time, many of the solutions developed for aeronautics end up benefiting other sectors, raising the general technological level of our offer.
What technological demands are coming from aeronautics? What specific needs does this industry pose in the management and control of tools??
Mainly full traceability, Documented quality control and absolute repeatability. The tools must be perfectly identified, measures, documented and linked to each piece produced.
Besides, total data integration is required, from design to production and quality, something that fits perfectly with our comprehensive system philosophy.
Changing the third, ZOLLER has participated one more year in BIEMH 2026. How do you rate this edition and what needs were detected among visiting companies??
The evaluation is very positive. We have seen great interest in practical digitalization solutions, not so much theoretical concepts. Companies seek to reduce times, ensure processes and be less dependent on specific people.
Tool management, Automation and connectivity have been recurring themes, which confirms that the market is ripe to take the next step.
On the other hand, The company has a technological showroom in Barcelona. What role does this demonstration space play in helping companies understand the digital transformation of the workshop??
The showroom It is key because it allows you to see and touch the technology. Digitization is often better understood when you see a real process at work., with machines, connected software and data.
We're not talking about theory here., but from real cases, how a company can start little by little and grow in a structured way towards a digitalized workshop.
And to finish, thinking about the future, How do you imagine the machining workshop of the future??
I imagine a much more connected workshop, transparent and efficient, where data flows without interruptions, Processes are standardized and people can focus on higher value-added tasks.
The tool will continue to be the heart of machining, but intelligently managed, digital and secure. And in that future, ZOLLER will continue to be a key partner to accompany companies in their evolution.
