Schuler and Porsche form joint venture for car body parts

Schuler, with U.S. offices in Canton, Mich., has announced the formation of a joint venture with Porsche to create what is termed the “Smart Press Shop” as part of a networked Industry 4.0 approach. The new press shop’s technologies will enable the highly flexible production of complex car body parts, with a focus on aluminum body panels and small-batch production.

The joint venture will use Schuler’s new Servo 20 technology, which raises maximum output from 18 to 20 strokes per minute while reducing energy consumption per stroke and per part. A newly developed die-changing concept makes it possible to produce small batch sizes with a high degree of economic efficiency, says the company. Further features of the new line include an optimized servo drive in the downstream presses plus a reduced footprint.

The joint venture will operate as an independent company held in equal proportions by Schuler AG and Porsche. More than 100 highly skilled jobs are to be created. While the location of the new company has not been finalized, it is expected to minimize logistics distances for car body parts to help reduce CO2 emissions.