What topics were the focus of _ae 2024?

Where should I start ...? This year was characterized by numerous exciting customer projects and the development of our new “_ae VISION Solutions” division. In addition to the already tough day-to-day business, the establishment of the image processing division demanded an enormous amount of additional effort from everyone involved. At the same time, we have made significant progress in the area of corporate agility, which is benefiting us greatly today.

In what way?

The economic uncertainties - particularly in the industrial sector - are clearly noticeable. As a result, our projects are also becoming more difficult to plan. Short deadlines and cost pressure are increasing in all areas and for everyone involved.

How has the market changed?

Fortunately, the bottlenecks and disruptions in the supply chains have largely normalized. However, global uncertainty remains, which continues to weigh on market sentiment. Inflation and the associated tight interest rate policy are having a noticeable impact on the economic environment.

How does aerne engineering react to this?

Where there is shadow, there is always light - my personal guiding principle. Even in uncertain times and in the face of economic challenges, I see the opportunities that arise. As an SME, it remains our task to remain flexible and agile. This was true in the past and will remain so in the future. That is why we are focusing on tapping into new future markets and developing innovative products and services that help our customers to develop successfully and remain fit for the future.

Is there a project/event that you are particularly proud of?

I am particularly proud of our team - of its continuous development and its tireless commitment to our customers. An impressive achievement that fills me with pride. It's a pleasure to work like this. Another milestone for me was the successful launch of _ae VISION Solutions. We can finally make our in-depth expertise in the field of vision available to a broad customer base.

What lessons have you learned from this year?

As the saying goes: “Nothing is as constant as change.” When I look back over the last five years, the industrial sector has faced numerous tests - and so have we. These experiences have strengthened our resilience and our ability to focus even more on future-oriented solutions. The past has shown that we are more than capable of doing this. This makes me optimistic for the future.

What was the most important feedback from customers and partners?

A globally active end customer described our assembly and testing system as follows: “This machine will always be a masterpiece of engineering when you take a look at it.” That is already a compliment that makes you happy. For me personally, however, the greatest satisfaction comes from satisfied customers and partners and the trust they place in our solutions.

The year 2024 summarized in one sentence?

We have explored new boundaries, made innovations a reality and actively shaped the future - highly motivated and with a clear view to the future.

Grande! Then let's look ahead here too: Where are the priorities in 2025?

2025 has a lot in store for us: First, the launch of our modular system design. Then the introduction of our new, intuitive HMI for an even better user experience and the further development of our standard modules. Then we will focus on optimizing our processes and developing new services to increase our efficiency and offer our customers direct added value. This requires the continuous development of our employees - an area that we actively promote in order to ensure our long-term competitiveness.

Are there any technological innovations that _ae wants to drive forward?

We are constantly investing in pioneering technologies and innovations to further strengthen our market position. The ideas are not getting fewer - on the contrary (laughs). We are working on promising projects in the field of image processing in particular. We are also developing solutions for the expansion of flexible automation cells.

Flexible automation cells?

Exactly. This means that we develop modular automation systems that can be flexibly adapted to different production processes and products. This allows production lines to be changed over quickly without the need for extensive retooling. This increases efficiency, saves costs and makes production scalable and future-proof for our customers.

Which trends and developments will influence you the most?

Marketable solutions for flexible production processes, coupled with high-performance testing procedures that guarantee 100% quality assurance, will certainly play a key role. I am also currently very concerned about demographic change. The retirement of the baby boomers will lead to a considerable shortage of highly qualified labor that needs to be compensated for.

Does that mean you also lack the appropriate specialist staff?

Like many companies, we are also feeling the effects of the skills shortage, particularly in specialized areas such as image processing and automation. However, instead of letting this slow us down, we see it as our responsibility as an employer to create appropriate offers that not only strengthen the attractiveness of our industry, but also appeal to talented specialists and retain them in the long term. We promote the growth and development of our employees through targeted training measures and attractive career opportunities.

What would you like to give customers, partners and the team for 2025?

I would like to invite everyone to continue to make courageous decisions and to pursue them consistently. The coming year will once again present us with a number of challenges, but with foresight, commitment and the will to change, we will overcome them as a strong and committed community.

And personally, what do you want for 2025?

First of all, I wish for the world to find more peace and tranquillity again. For us as a company, I wish for the successful implementation of our ambitious goals, in which our employees work together perfectly as a team, enjoy what they do and look back with pride on what they have achieved. This positive energy will hopefully also “infect” our customers. Every step we take together is an opportunity to create something new. Let's tackle it - with passion and confidence!

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and many fulfilling moments in 2025!