Edition
January/February
2012
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TOOL TIMES
The magazine for clients, distributors and friends of the Powertools-sector
www.apexpowertools.eu
The New Cleco 19 Series
With training into a safe future
Our content
3 Social Media is still
flourishing
9 Donation campaign –
check hand over to
nursing home St. Agnes
10 “ePionier” of the
industrial tool manufacturers – we drive
environment-friendly
11 Anniversary and change
of name – Hungary
celebrates twice
12 Apprenticeship- and
studies fair Aalen
13 Studious apprentices –
high marks for the
juniors
page 4
page 6
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Editorial
What’s on in 2012?
Dear reader,
Are you able to give a reliable projection for 2012? Probably,
you are having the same difficulties as I do. If one believes in
the predictions, 2012 will not be an easy year. The markets
are anxious, the statements of the companies are swinging
between record profit- and loss expectations. However, aren’t
we growing and gaining experience from the challenge?
The Apex Tool Group in Westhausen is starting optimistically
into the new year and will continue to focus on customer value
and customer satisfaction. We will reach this goal with further
product innovations and a high operational readiness of our employees. The permanent strive for improvement keeps taking
center stage in our activities. Based on the success of the past
year there is no doubt on my mind that we have built a stable
foundation for a successful year 2012.
Accordingly, I am looking forward to a challenging year which
we will drive to a further success story together.
Your Andreas Kowol
General Manager
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Social Media is still flourishing
The Apex Tool Group expands its appearance
No matter if DAX30 or Fortune500:
During the past half year, the presence
of the chief (executive) managers of
these companies has increased in the
social networks by over 100 %. And the
boom keeps going: More than half of all
companies worldwide want to raise
their social media budget for 2012 significantly.
In Germany, the development is still in
growth. Nevertheless, according to the
latest studies, Baden-Württemberg ranks
second in Germany with a share of 70 %
social media users amongst the internet
community, 6 % above the nationwide
average (study “Social-Media-Atlas
2011” of the consulting company “Fak-
tenkontor” and the market researcher
“Toluna”).
The most popular platforms are still YouTube, Facebook and Xing, where the
Apex Tool Group of course is also present. Thereby, video messages with the
latest news are well received by users
and companies likewise. Yet, also dynamic fan sites, which mainly form the
brand image, attract with exclusive offers and offer interesting topics, enjoy
great popularity.
The Apex Tool Group in Westhausen has
been following this trend since 2011 and
accordingly keeps its fans and followers
up to date with the latest company news.
Visit us on the following links:
Twitter: www.twitter.com ApexPowerTools
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ApexPowerTools Apex Tool Group
YouTube: www.youtube.com ApexPowerTools
XING: www.xing.com Apex Tool Group GmbH & Co. OHG
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Apex Tool Group GmbH & Co. OHG
Wikipedia: www.wikipedia.org Apex Tool Group GmbH & Co. OHG
Google +1: www.apexpowertools.eu News
Google +: https://plus.google.com ApexPowerTools
Additionally, you can find various plug-ins on
www.apexpowertools.eu/news/product-news.html
to recommend or follow the Apex Tool Group.
See you in the
World Wide Web!
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The new Cleco 19 Series
Accuracy, Durability, Productivity
Your productivity is our main objective. The
new Cleco 19 Series is built by your expertise and our experience. We wanted to
design the most accurate, longest-lasting,
most user-friendly screwdriver family on
the market. With various configurations
and applications we can now offer the
screwdriver or nutrunner you have always
been looking for.
The Cleco 19 Series is engineered for the
most demanding fastening applications
where accuracy, repeatability, and durability are held to the strictest standard. With
a new powertrain design, the Cleco 19 Series tools have reached a new milestone
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in performance and accuracy. This, combined with legendary Cleco reliability,
means you will have the sustained power
to get it right the first time, every time.
A soft-touch grip is integrated into the
new handle design to provide superior
protection from temperature, chemicals,
vibration, and slip. Cleco 19 Series pistol
tools offer two interchangeable handle
sizes to bring comfort to a wider array of
operators. These features, plus reduced
weight and a balanced design, will raise
your productivity, tool flexibility, and reduce maintenance costs.
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Advantages at a glance:
• completely re-engineered Clecomatic® clutch delivers
best-in-class accuracy (exceeding a Cm of 2.0 with a
tolerance of ±10%), repeatability and already
legendary durability
• new design and advanced materials yield up to 19%
weight reduction based on configuration, balance and
durability have also been optimized again
• adjustable reverse lever is located near the trigger to
offer true one-hand operation and adaptability for leftor-right-handed users
• easy-to-access torque verification port is parallel to the
main air line for streamlined air management
• two interchangeable grip sizes adapt to the widest range
of hands and provide increased flexibility and reduced
operating cost
• soft-touch grip is integrated into the newly designed
handle to deliver superior protection against temperature,
chemicals, vibration, and slippage for the operator, this
means improved ergonomics and reduced fatigue
The Line-Up, available with immediate effect:
“T” and “P” Handle Screwdrivers: 18 models each
Free Speed Range: 250–2800 RPM
Max. Torque Range: 2.1–14.7 Nm
Right Angle Nutrunners: 22 models
Free Speed Range: 200–2400 RPM
Max. Torque Range: 2.1–11.0 Nm
Inline Screwdrivers: 10 Lever & 10 Push-to-Start
Free Speed Range: 260–2800 RPM
Max. Torque Range: 2.1–5.1 Nm
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With training into
a safe future
Our “DSV-screw specialist engineers” introduce their qualification
Jörg Beck and Peter Wiedenhöfer finalized their qualification “DSV-screw specialist engineer” with great success
early in December 2011. The sideline
additional studies took more than one
and a half years. We would like to congratulate both graduates and thank
them for their continuous endurance.
Herewith, we would like to introduce the
qualification.
Interview with graduate Jörg Beck:
Edit.: Mr. Beck, may I ask you for your
age and your previous education?
J. B.: Sure, well, I am 32 years old. I stu-
died engineering with a major in process-/plant engineering at the University
of Applied Sciences in Aalen. So, I am a
graduate engineer.
Edit.: And what is your function
in the company?
J.B.: I am a Development Engineer
Electronic Tools, so I am developing our
electronic tools, corded and cordless
ones.
Edit.: You have decided on the qualification as a “DSV-screw specialist
engineer”. Could you explain the
course of formation?
J.B.: The start was on March 24th, 2010.
That was the basic module in Darmstadt
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with a conclusive exam. Due to some
deadlines, we had a little delay. Later on,
we additionally had three meetings in
2011. In Darmstadt for material science
and material testing, in Siegen for calculation and in Dresden for Assembly and
Quality Management. Each meeting lasted three days from Thursday to Saturday.
Finally, there was a three hour written
exam and a 45 minutes oral exam. I ended
up with a 1,7, my colleague with a 1,3.
Edit.: Great, congratulations! Is there
something you especially liked or even
disliked about the course?
J.B.: I especially liked the practical rele-
vance. Additionally, we had a close insight in many different topics and I am
now able to better understand some background information. For example the
production of screws, appearing problems in these processes, corrosion during the usage, failure analysis, test
preparations to evaluate typical statistical
values/characteristics and parameter
finding, calculation programs and so on.
My engineering studies already covered
some aspects, but a lot of new learning
matter was added. It was really very intensive, I liked the insight in production
processes, the applied materials and the
specifications of screws. I was absolutely
positively surprised. The large work load,
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though, and the studying after work, at
home, privately, were aspects I did not
like. However, it was doable.
tightening methods etc. Consequently,
problems can be solved easier and faster and lead to better and faster solutions for the customer.
Edit.: That is absolutely understandable!
Where do you see the interface of this
qualification with our products?
J.B.: Well, with our products, screws
Edit.: Does this also influence the possibilities of applications in the job?
J.B.: Yes! The newly gotten knowledge
are tightened according to customer requests, specifications or with definable
standards. The qualification helps to
better understand the complete system
of tightening, to analyze a tightening
case and to make decisions competently about tools, testing procedures,
is applicable in many ways, not only referring to screws, but also for other products, such as corrosion or stiffness in
the plant engineering. So far, the customer indicated a tightening directive and
one worked with it. Now, the background, the why, is also understandable
Jörg Beck at his workplace.
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and one can work differently with these
specifications. Finally, it could result in a
cost reduction, a material reduction and
a downsizing, just the optimization of
the tightening joint and the tightening
tools. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of
experience necessary. For example, we
also analyzed incorrect tightening procedures, after the failure of the screw,
corresponding conclusions were drawn
from the point of rupture. This helps a
lot understanding the complete process.
Additionally, it was also a specialization
respectively repetition of my studies.
Edit.: That means, our customers
can also extract many advantages
from this!
J.B.: Absolutely! I now have an insight
in the thinking of the screw manufacturers. My knowledge field was enlarged.
If these days a customer contacts us
with a problem in this field, I can approach it differently. Now, I am able to
better evaluate the background and the
cause and therefore, present a lot better and faster solutions to the customer.
Our professors have already prepared
us that screw specialist engineers step
in deeper and will be consulted more
for finding solutions. Besides, I can now
access a network of fellow students and
contacts directly from the industry
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sector. We know each other and are not
alone and strangers anymore. That also
helps the customer. Because if we cannot find a solution, I can contact my
lecturers and their area of expertise
and, for example, place an order for
further studies or investigations at their
institute. Additionally, I can also react
differently to problems in-house like in
the assembly, that once more leads to
an optimization and therefore, an additional customer value.
Edit.: This sounds very promising!
What are you wishing for now for the
gotten knowledge?
J.B.: I am looking forward to an ex-
change with my colleagues about the
learning matters. Everybody can profit
from this. And I would recommend
everybody to consider such a qualification in her or his field, thus to start it. It
can really get you moving forward!
Edit.: Mr. Beck, thank you very much
for the interview and lots of success
for your upcoming tasks!
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Donation campaign
Check handover to mayor Witzany
The Apex Tool Group GmbH & Co. OHG
donated the sales revenue of the sold
Collis-books to the friends of the nursing home St. Agnes. General Manager
Andreas Kowol and Human Resources
Director Frank Gebhardt were able to
hand over a check of 8.600 EUR to
Westhausen’s mayor Herbert Witzany.
The book “The Collis Story” was created
2009 when the plant celebrated its 50th
anniversary. Heini Brüstle from Westhausen could be attained as an author. It
does not only contain the history of the
company Cooper Power Tools respectively Apex Tool Group from its beginning
as the company Gardner-Denver in the
year 1959 till today, but rather the complete history from the foundation of the
former “Collis-Werke” in the thirties of
the past century down to the present
day.
If you are interested in the book, please
contact the city hall in Westhausen. It is
sold for 15,00 EUR.
Check handover (from the left):
Andreas Kowol, Herbert Witzany,
Frank Gebhardt.
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“ePionier” of the industrial
tool manufacturers
The Apex Tool Group drives environment-friendly
Themed “We drive Innovation!” stands
the year 2012 for the Apex Tool Group
GmbH & Co. OHG. Already in 2011, the
contract for the first exemplar in the
region of the new Opel Ampera ePionier
was signed. Soon, the runabout will
drive up to customers in its Apex Tool
Group-cover.
Herewith, the Apex Tool Group sets a
clear commitment towards innovation
and ecology. An eco-friendly and healthy
environment has always been part of the
company’s philosophy. “We are innovative and future-oriented. Exactly as the
concept of the new Opel Ampera.” says
General Manager Andreas Kowol. “The
rounder will be on the road every day.
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The total package of the car convinced
us to purchase an electric car as a company car.” Andreas Kowol kept saying.
“Even if the Opel Ampera encounters a
lot of headwind at the moment, it is
poled for success.” summarized the
ADAC in the ADAC Motorwelt 1/2012.
Out of it, parallels to the Apex Tool
Group in Westhausen can be drawn. Because also here, a rough wind dominated till 2011. Nevertheless, it was proven
that endurance and hard work are
worthwhile. A successful year lies behind the leading industrial tool manufacturer from the Ostalb region.
We drive Innovation!
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Anniversary and
change of name
Our plant in Györ had two reasons to celebrate
After the site in Westhausen had taken
the lead in June 2011, our colleagues in
Hungary followed the call of the American
headquarter these days, too. Also resulting from the joint venture of the tools divisions of Cooper Industries and Danaher
Corporation into the Apex Tool Group in
the year 2010, Cooper Tools Hungária
Kft. changed its name into Apex Tool
Group Hungária Kft. on December 13th,
2011. You still will receive all productand accompanying services with the wellknown reliability.
At the same time, five colleagues of the
site in Györ celebrated their anniversary.
During the Christmas staff party together
with all colleagues, three colleagues were
awarded for their tenth anniversary, two
employees already for their 15 years of
loyalty. Andreas Kowol, General Manager
of the Apex Tool Group Hungária Kft.,
thanked the colleagues for their good
work and shared their happiness for the
special day. Birgit Kornmann, Assistant
General Manager, added: “We had a great
year, a lot of work and that’s what creates
a strong bond between us. We are really
successful together.” After the handover
of little presents, the evening faded away
in a local restaurant.
For requests concerning our Hungarian
colleagues, please contact:
Birgit Kornmann
birgit.kornmann@apextoolgroup.com
0049 7363 81139.
The jubilees (from the left): Tibor Decsi,
Zoltán Bozsanitz, Péter Gerencsér,
Róbert Szarka, Csaba Zobák.
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Apprenticeship- and
studies fair Aalen
The Apex Tool Group presents itself
Yearly, the Employment Agency Aalen in
cooperation with the “Ostalbkreis” organizes the apprenticeship- and studies
fair with great success. Many interested visitors are expected again in the
premises of the professional school
center Aalen this year. This is reason
enough for the Apex Tool Group from
Westhausen to present itself with a
stand this year. The main focus is to inform scholars comprehensively and in
time about a possible career choice.
The apprenticeship- and studies fair is
an ideal platform for the Apex Tool
Group to meet future trainees and students as well as to arouse their interest
for the opportunities given in the company. After all, the company trains five
different professions this year: Mechanotricians, Cutting Machine operators,
Logistics technicians, Qualified IT specialists and Industrial clerks.
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Additionally, the leading manufacturer
for industrial tools also provides an open
exchange with trainers, trainees and HR
responsibles. This is interesting for
scholars, parents and the interested
public, especially, since the company
always has been a global player. The
group has several branches worldwide
and delivers to customers around the
globe. For internationally oriented profession- and studies seekers, this is a
very important aspect when selecting a
training or studies nowadays.
For further information about career opportunities, please relate to our career
site
www.apexpowertools.eu/de/karriere.html. The Apex Tool Group wishes
all participants lots of fun and a successful start for their professional life!
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Studious apprentices
High marks for the juniors
Emanuel Bux received a mention from
the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ostwürttemberg for his great performance in the final examination as a
Cutting Machine operator.
Congratulations!
Imprint
Publisher
Apex Tool Group GmbH & Co. OHG
Industriestraße 1
D - 73463 Westhausen
Fon: +49 7363 810
Fax: +49 7363 81222
Email:
tooltimes@apextoolgroup.com
Web: www.apexpowertools.eu
Editorial staff
Klaus Wohlfarth (Business
Development & Engineering)
Antje Kucher-Freudenthal
Emanuel Bux
with his award.
(Marketing)
Siegmar Schreyer (Marketing)
Peter Wiedenhöfer
On December 7th, 2011, the graduating classes of the commercial school
Aalen were released with a little ceremony. Our apprentice Erik Tevs (Logistics technician) was awarded with a
prize for his excellent performance
(grade point average 1,7).
Congratulations!
(Research Management)
Astrid C. Koke (Editorial)
Eva M. Salzgeber (Graphics)
Erik Tevs
with his award.
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