EPP Europe: Tresky is one of about eight companies in the world that offer fully automatic die bonding machines for the electronics and semiconductor industries. You specialise in high-precision bonding of high mix–low volume production programmes with emphasis on single laser, laser bars and sensor technology. How did this corporate focus come about?
Daniel Schultze: The initial impulse to begin this work came through close cooperation with customers such as Jenoptik, and regular contact with universities and research institutes. It is an alliance which benefits both parties. We had already built up a knowledge of the area by developing appropriate solutions for various tasks. This expertise enables us to develop a custom-fit solution for almost any problem a customer has. We start in CAD and can react very flexibly to their requirements. All the while, we maintain close ties with universities because of their research capacities. If research and industrial development work together from the outset, something good usually comes out of it.
EPP Europe: Can you give an example of this kind of collaboration?
Daniel Schultze: We are currently in the process of evaluating a research project in collaboration with Kiel University of Applied Sciences and other partners to develop new modules for sintering high- and low-power components. These components are used in the e-mobility sector, in e-cars, e-bikes and e-motorbikes; but they can also be found in wind turbines and high-voltage converter modules, in smart refrigerators and military applications. Developments in the field of autonomous vehicles, along with the phasing out of fossil fuels, are driving the development of this technology, as these sectors require specific types of electronics.
EPP Europe: You refer to your company as a ‘total solution provider’. What do you mean by this?
Daniel Schultze: Companies based in Germany, a high-wage paying country, cannot compete with Asian manufacturers. The German market is therefore not attractive to companies that want to produce machines in high quantities with as few adjustments as possible. We do not see ourselves merely as machine builders, but as a solution-oriented partner for our customers. After all, we can offer an extremely broad field of knowledge and high level of flexibility. We put the expertise of our engineers at the disposal of our customers whenever they require a customised system. We are able to take specific requirements into account and, because we have a thorough understanding of our customers’ applications and target markets, they really benefit from our mechanical engineering and application experience. We also attach great importance to service and maintain close contact with our customers. This enables us to upgrade the machines we develop, regardless of their configuration, with a wide range of options – even many years later. Since our machines are flexible and modular in design, product or technology changes can be made at any time using appropriate applications and extensions. Our service technicians are also available to provide assitance if required. Satisfied customers who appreciate us and recommend us to others are far more important to us than a quick sale.
EPP Europe: You believe in the maxim: ‘it is not the big that eat the small, but the fast that eat the slow’. What is Tresky‘s vision for the future?
Daniel Schultze: It is clear that our die-bonders are in demand. This was evident even during the recent pandemic. Electronics continued to be produced during this time despite fragile and expensive supply chains. Our high level of flexibility enables us to continue developing interesting technologies, and we are expanding. We would like to move to larger premises before the end of the year and hire more people. It is, however, difficult to find qualified employees. For this reason, we are in contact with various universities and Fraunhofer Institutes, and offer support to students with their undergraduate and master‘s theses. Our goal is to connect potential employees with Tresky at an early stage in their careers.
