Hartmut K.

“Even as a child, I enjoyed pottering around with my toy construction set and developing ideas.

My first introduction to Tittel came in grade 9. At that time, an employee from the company was supervising the electronics study group at my school. I had no idea then that I would one day be working here. I actually wanted to become a toolmaker, but the training positions were limited, so I began an apprenticeship in precision mechanics.

Over 80 people were employed here before the reunification. Afterwards, we were down to just five men. The company had to completely re-orient itself.

Immediately following the transfer of ownership back to the Tittel family, the first investments were made. New investments were made each year; that is probably another reason why things have always kept moving forward here. But the new market situation also created a pressure that we, as employees, could feel. Computer-assisted CNC technology along with the associated measurement technology opened up whole new areas of activity.

There used to be unskilled labourers here as well. There were assembly jobs, stamping jobs, drilling jobs. Now, components are usually produced in a single operation. All in all, the responsibility placed on each individual person has grown enormously in recent years. The CNC technology makes exactly what it is programmed to make. If a setter isn’t paying attention, he could even completely wreck the expensive machine. Sometimes all it takes is one misplaced comma in the program code.

At first, it was quite a challenge. Since then, I’ve learned to see each new machine as a task that can be mastered sooner or later. I have always made sure my development keeps up with the machines, and I have been given help in this by new colleagues entering the company. Over the years, I have also been able to learn from young employees, especially when it comes to working with CNC technology.

In the process, I have come to know every single machine here. My favourite model is currently the Miyano ABX-51 SYY, a 9-axis turning centre that makes it possible to process highly complex workpieces. It offers a number of convenient features that you really come to appreciate, such as integrated tool measurement and a very large work area. This lets you concentrate on the essentials. It’s important to start by first developing an idea for each new component. I’m delighted when the basic chains of thought I came up with at the beginning with regard to production lead to exactly the right result in the end.”