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Company founded by Egon Ernst with the purpose of manufacturing tools and jigs for customers producing sheet metal components. Series production of stamped and drawn components started in 1974. In 1978 the first stage of a building project was completed in Zusenhofen’s recently established industrial area, the Company moving into its new premises in November. Since 1979 the Company has participated regularly at the Hannover Industrial Fair. Sales and the number of employees rise steadily.
Commissioning of the first multiple-die presses marks the beginning of the Company’s development as a manufacturer of sophisticated precision components. The aim of becoming a quality supplier is continually pursued. Company policies define business development. Introduction of Statistical Process Control (SPC) realized to a great extent with employees inspecting their own work. CAD technology is introduced in the Design Office. The Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) leads to optimization of processes and cost-saving potential.
Tool-making capacity increased by the introduction of CNC technology. Commissioning of a further multiple-die press with a capacity of 2,500 kN. Thanks to its QM/QA systems, the Company succeeds in becoming a recognized quality supplier. Increased application of CAD/CAM techniques. Trend towards becoming a development partner continues with product and process development in the foreground. Sales increase considerably. The introduction of group working and payment-by-results increases productivity.
The Company is certified to DIN ISO 9001 ff. Construction of a 1,600 m2 logistics center. The factory site is extended through the acquisition of 2.5 hectares of building land. Manufacture of technologically sophisticated sub-assemblies and components. Extension of activities in the transfer technology sector. A production facility is opened in France.
The Company’s Environmental Management System is awarded the EU Eco-Audit Certificate 1836/93. Production of safety components for airbags gains steadily in significance. The production area expands to a total of about 10, 500 m2. Additional multiple-die presses with a capacity of up to 5,000 kN are commissioned. At the end of 1999 the Company has 295 employees and exports amount to 29% of total sales. The Quality Management system is certified to ISO TS 16949; the Environmental Management System is certified to DIN EN ISO 14001.
Surface treatment is moved into a new building which satisfies the highest demands. A new storage area of 1,500 m2 is created.
Acquisition of a neighboring building to extend the toolroom and the apprentices’ workshop. Once more the production area is extended and new machinery added.
Following the merger with the US company Moore Quality Tooling, the new American facility is named Ernst & Moore Metal Technologies.
Machinery and processes identical with those at headquarters allow the standard profile of the home base to be multiplied overseas. New building extension at headquarters for production management and foremen’s offices. Considerable investments in machines and buildings at all locations.
A new office block increases the synergy effect. Sales reach 63 million Euros and have tripled since 1996. Exports now represent 50% of sales. The number of employees worldwide reaches around 530.
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