Unique technology center in the heart chamber of the metalworking industry

With the OpenDay 2022, the new CompetenceCenter North was presented to the public. For the MicroStep Europa GmbH with company headquarters in Bad Wörishofen, Bavaria, the Dorsten location has already proven itself as a location in the north for years. Plasma, laser, oxyfuel and waterjet cutting systems can now be experienced live on 1300 m² in the new training and demonstration center. More than 300 guests from politics, industry and trade took the opportunity to convince themselves of the technological diversity at the location.

"Today is a very special day for us," said Johannes Ried in his welcoming speech. "More than 15 years ago, the decision was made to show the flag in North Rhine-Westphalia and to open a new location in the northwest of the republic. Here, where the heart of our metalworking industry beats," the managing director of MicroStep Europa GmbH looked back. "Today, we can present all four cutting technologies decisive for metal processing – from plasma to oxyfuel to laser and waterjet – live in 2D and 3D under one roof, which is unique in this form in Germany and in Europe." Unique at least until MicroStep moves into the CompetenceCenter South in the new year, which is currently in construction in the direct vicinity of the company headquarters in Bavaria.

More than 300 visitors from politics, industry and trade – among them the Slovakian ambassador Marián Jakubócy – took the opportunity to convince themselves of the versatile, precise and process-safe cutting solutions of MicroStep at the technological hub of the north. There was plenty to experience at the machine shows: for example, at the MG series, 3D processing with plasma and oxyfuel rotators on sheet metal, pipes and domes. Or at the AquaCut, where the power of water was demonstrated. The MSF Pro laser all-rounder also demonstrated its versatility with a rotator and boring mill.

"Always on the hunt for the better solution"

The program was rounded off by numerous specialist presentations – for example on the subject of automation & digitization or on weld seam preparation on a wide range of materials and geometric shapes. "The response to the OpenDay and to our new infrastructure was overwhelming. The new premises with office complex and showroom met with enormous interest," summarized branch manager Matthias Hutzler. Managing director Igor Mikulina added: "What a wonderful day. All this is only possible because we have grown quickly, but always in a healthy way. We owe it all to the great and tireless commitment of our employees – it’s them who are always on the hunt for the better solution."

Dorsten’s mayor Tobias Stockhoff was also enthusiastic during the on-site tour. "The new training center fits wonderfully into the industrial park on the former Fürst Leopold mine site. MicroStep is a highly innovative company. A big compliment for this forward-looking investment. "

The OpenDay marked a ceremonial start after about a year of construction work. The building was commissioned at the end of 2021. The demonstration center measures around 800 m², and office space, training and meeting rooms have been created on around 500 m². In total, MicroStep invested more than 2.5 million euros.

"Today, we can present all four cutting technologies decisive for metal processing – from plasma to oxyfuel to laser and waterjet – live in 2D and 3D under one roof, which is unique in this form in Germany and in Europe."
Johannes Ried,
Managing Director | MicroStep Europa GmbH

"I have known MicroStep since its foundation at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. Today, as ambassador of the Slovak Republic in Berlin, I follow the success of MicroStep Europe. I am proud of their success story, which not only brings jobs to two German regions, but also contributes to the further development and connection of applied research with practice. At the same time, I appreciate the activities of the managing director, Mr. Igor Mikulina, who, as a co-founder of the new ecosystem IndustryFusion, is committed to ensuring that SMEs in particular can make the most of the great potential of the fourth industrial revolution – known as Industry 4.0."
Marián Jakubócy,
Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in Germany