AKE Brochure EN

40years of
AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY
custom-made technologies.

40 YEARS OF AKE
We have cause to celebrate: 40 years of design, development, special mechanical engineering, and automation. Over the years,
particular customers have accompanied us, we have implemented unique projects, and introduced pioneering innovations.
Our employees have made a huge contribution to this. Although founded as a one-man operation, AKE has in the meantime
steadily grown to around 200 employees. With much team spirit and commitment we have succeeded in implementing
special projects. Not least, this was the reason for the most recent extension of our company headquarters in Patriching. The
administration building was thoroughly renovated, and in addition a complete office complex was added onto an existing
production building, and a new assembly hall was erected.
In this celebration booklet, we describe the growth of the company, its facilities, and our business divisions.
Discover interesting images and articles from earlier days, get an impression of the renovation work, and find out more about
our business divisions and plans for the future.
Happy reading!

CONTENTS
An interview with the managing directors 4
Company founder Josef Ameres 5
40 years of AKE 6
Figures - data - facts 8
Our business divisions - Assembly and testing technology 10
Our business divisions - Vehicle Interior 14
Our business divisions - Squeak and Rattle 17
Our business divisions - Environmental technology 18
A glance into the future 19
Our departments 20
Impressions of the rebuild 22
Outside of work 24
Social and sponsoring 25
What the press reports 26
Thank you 28

OUR QUESTIONS ...
An interview with the AKE managing directors:
Bernhard König and Boris Schneidhuber
In 2008 Bernhard König and Boris Schneidhuber took over the leadership
of the company from company founder Josef Ameres. A lot has happened
since then. The two managing directors report on recent years and look into
the future:
You
„
have both been at AKE for a long time now. Tell us about your careers.
Bernhard König: After studying mechanical engineering in
Regensburg, I started my first job in the Design department of the
Deggendorfer Werft shipyard. Soon after that an opportunity came to
work directly in Passau again, at AKE as a design engineer and project
manager. That was a very exciting time, during which I learnt a lot.
„
Even back then, I worked together with Boris on projects; he was a programmer and I was project leader. In 2001 my life moved
to Nuremberg where, after various roles, I finished up as technical manager in a cable works. During this time, I never lost contact
with AKE, and I had a constant wish to come back here at some time. Then the day came, and I had a meeting with far-reaching
consequences, with Mr Ameres. I applied for a job as production manager, and received the response, “That probably won’t be
quite enough...”. Mr Ameres then told me of his plans. And that is how I returned to AKE in 2008 as one of the two managing
directors. Since then I have been responsible for the operational business and for human resources.
Boris Schneidhuber: After my vocational training I joined AKE in 1988 in the area of electrical engineering; soon after that was
added joint responsibility in the area of software. In 1992 I then became department manager for electrical engineering and
software development, and was entrusted with the task of training new employees. A few years later came the responsibilities of
quality management representative in addition - I was faced with the challenge of introducing a quality management system as
per the ISO 9001 standard. In 2005 we successfully received certification for the first time. Having already for many years been
a member of the management team which had been assembled by Mr Ameres, in 2008 the company founder offered to hand
over to me the managing directorship, jointly with a former colleague, whom Mr Ameres wanted to bring back from outside the
company. In 2011 Bernhard and I bought AKE technologies GmbH, and since then my responsibilities have covered sales, finance,
and strategic product development.
When
„
you look back, what is it that you remember?
Bernhard König: First and foremost are of course the memories of the major events in recent years, both professional and
interpersonal. But very often the smaller things are also of far-reaching importance. When I’m asked about my lasting memories,
many occasions come to my mind. For example, the first company excursion, which became the seed for what is now a tradition
of many years. The first AKE pensioner - that doesn’t happen everyday in the life of a managing director. The establishment of the
second works in Passau, with all the organisational challenges which were felt by many. The establishment of the subsidiary in
Romania, and thereby the birth of the AKE Group. But there’s also the permanent growth of the AKE family - and here I particularly
„
mean the many weddings and births which enrich the social life of a company.
Boris Schneidhuber: One is to be permanently and ongoingly confronted with repeating obstacles, and with overcoming them.
The greater the development steps towards the future and the related challenges, then the smaller the problems already
experienced and solved appear to be. Apart from innovative force and visionary thinking, the greatest assets of our company are
our employees and their capabilities. I well remember how we were able to master one apparently insoluble situation or another,
thanks to team spirit and our outstanding, motivated employees. Something that has repeatedly been confirmed in recent years
is that without the support of our own families, much would not have been possible, or at best only to a restricted extent. When
I review recent years, there’s one thing above all that I remember: that Bernhard and I have been able to count on our families
and our team at any time!
In
„
your opinion what is/was the greatest challenge?
Bernhard König: That is probably the permanent readiness to throw overboard what was old, and always to readjust to changed
circumstances. At AKE, this characteristic is certainly one of the most outstanding above all. If you want to survive in a shark
tank, then you’ve got to be able to swim well and swim fast. Driven by the volatile automotive market and guided by our Sales
department, we are in a constant state of change, and we always match AKE’s outputs to the requirements of our customers. To
keep that up is the biggest challenge and at the same time the biggest success factor for our group of companies.
4
Managing directors Boris Schneidhuber (second from left) and
Bernhard König with their wives

OUR QUESTIONS ...
„
Boris Schneidhuber: I’m also of the opinion that it is a great challenge to continuously adjust oneself to the changing environment
and to recognise future trends in good time with the maximum motivation possible, in order to be properly prepared for them. For
this, our wish is to transfer our own motivation and inventiveness to as many employees as possible, in order to find innovative
solutions as a team. And it is often a challenge to face up to the geopolitical developments when we have relatively modest
potential influence.
What do you wish for yourselves in the future in terms of turnover, employee development, product development, and new
„
customers?
Bernhard König: As I said, if we can successfully lead the company into the future with the capabilities described, then that is
the fulfilment of almost all my wishes. I am sure that with such an outstanding team we will succeed in this, and it makes me very
thankful when I look at AKE today – I am proud to have been a part of it! For my partner, Boris, I wish that he continues to maintain
the necessary sense for the future needs of the market.
„
Boris Schneidhuber: I wish my partner Bernhard continuing success in the selection of our future workforce, hopefully to a great
extent from our own trainees. I also hope for the stabilisation of the automotive industry in terms of propulsion technology, in
order that we can restart long-term planning for that. In terms of product development, we wish to approach our aim of always
being able to offer the appropriate product portfolio, wherever possible at the right timepoint, in order always to be one step
ahead in the highly competitive market.
Company founder Josef Ameres speaks
Mr Ameres, how did you get the idea of founding your own company, and what were the
difficulties
„
at the start?
The reason was very simple: after eight years in Munich I wanted to return with my family to
my homeland of Lower Bavaria - but there were hardly any jobs available here in the area of
technology. I therefore had to create a job for myself, so I set up an office in my own home.
When I started as a one-man design office, I was luckily able to bring a few orders with me from
my time in Munich. However, the collaborative work turned out to be rather difficult, because
there still wasn’t even a motorway going all the way through from Passau to Munich then.
„
In your opinion, what were the key projects and landmark decisions?
For me, one key project was the job for automating the manufacture of video cassettes. That
was the first sizeable full contract that I landed. It was for three manufacturing lines with a fully automated manufacturing
capacity of 90,000 cassettes per day, with a cycle time of about two seconds. In addition to the design, I also received the contract
to take on the manufacture and installation of the systems. For that, I found myself two machine construction companies from
the region. However, the collaboration was difficult, above all because of the communication. For me, that was the key moment
in which it became clear to me that my own assembly and manufacturing facilities were essential. Shortly after that, the first
sod was turned at our current location in Patriching. At the start, with my team I was still implementing projects from completely
different industries such as electrical engineering, packaging technology, and also from the automotive industry. At some point,
for reasons of capacity, I then took the decision to specialise in the automotive industry. In retrospect, that turned out to be a
good decision because, for example, the edge-folding technology developed then is still today one of the core products of AKE,
in a further developed form of course. A pioneering step at the time also was a joint research project with BMW and a university;
they came to me because of background noise problems in the vehicle interior. By means of trials, we developed the AFC coating
process, still used today, and the lacquer used in it.
„
What makes you especially proud?
Obviously that I succeeded in having two long-term employees in a position not only to lead the company forward, but also to
develop it further and to extend it – and that they were ready to do so. That way, the company could continue to exist without
changing its character significantly. Today, when I see the state of the company after 10 years and more, I realise that it was one
of my best decisions to hand the company over to the current managing directors.
Mr
„
Ameres, what advice would you give us to take away today?
In pursuing one’s goals, always remain true to the original principles. With that, I wish Mr König and Mr Schneidhuber all the best.
I wish them and the AKE team every success!
5

1978
Josef Ameres founds
AKE Automation as a
one-man operation, and
operates as a designer for
special machinery and
applications. The company
headquarters are his own
four walls at Grubweg in
Passau.
1987
Occupation of the still
existing building at the
Patriching location, with
design office, and the
company’s own manufacturing
and assembly
facilities.
1996
Extension of business to
the whole European market,
including eastward
enlargement to Romania,
with assembly and testing
technology
4 0 Y E A
1986
Temporary move of the
company to Passau, Innstadt.
The first special machine
actually manufactured
by the company is
built here.
Also, the first sod is turned
for the company’s current
headquarters in Patriching.
1995
Development of the
USA market with the
Vehicle Interior business
division
2005
Introduction of the ISO
9001 quality management
system
First system for the
Asian market, in the
Vehicle Interior business
division
6

2008
C o m p a -
ny renamed
AKE technologies
GmbH and
operational company
management
transferred
to Bernhard König
and Boris Schneidhuber
2011
Purchase of AKE technologies
GmbH by Bernhard König and
Boris Schneidhuber
2019
Completion of our assembly
hall 4 and conclusion of the
renovation works in the administration
building
R S A K E
2010
Further production hall added to
the Patriching location
Development of the South
Africa market, Vehicle Interior
business division
2017
Extension of the
Patriching location
Completion of the new
office complex with an
open-plan office for the
Design and E-Planning
department
7

FIGURES - DATA - FACTS
Our locations, customers, and
partners worldwide
AKE locations
Partner subsidiaries
Our customers worldwide
Turnover
Employee and turnover trends over time
Employee
count
28 mill.
26 mill.
24 mill.
22 mill.
20 mill.
18 mill.
16 mill.
14 mill.
12 mill.
10 mill.
8 mill.
6 mill.
4 mill.
2 mill.
1 mill.
200
150
100
50
Year
1978 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
8

Current distribution of turnover in terms of region and business division
TURNOVER DISTRIBUTION BY DIVISION
TURNOVER DISTRIBUTION BY REGION
Assembly &
Testing Technology
Vehicle Interior
Squeak & Rattle
Environment
Germany
EU
International
9

BUSINESS DIVISION ASSEMBLY & TESTING TECHNOLOGY
Assembly systems for battery systems
E-mobility has long ceased to be a vision for the
future; indeed, for many vehicle manufacturers it
already forms part of the standard range. Numerous
OEMs are developing increasing numbers of models
using electric drive.
As a machine manufacturer, we were early in taking
the path towards assembly systems for electrical
components. The automotive suppliers and
manufacturers can now rely on our expertise in this
area.
Our portfolio covers the assembly of fuse boxes for
battery systems, the assembly of modules, and the
final assembly of the complete battery system. For
this, we process lithium ion cells in round, pouch,
or prismatic form. The assembly systems integrate
all testing to guarantee system safety and the safe
and correct processing of the battery systems or
components.
Currently, our particular emphasis is on all matters
relating to the manufacture of battery systems for
hybrid vehicles.
Whether for experienced manufacturers or complete
newcomers to the world of batteries, our goal is
to simplify project implementation by supporting
our customers from start to finish as an innovative,
reliable, and expert partner.
Assembly line for
battery systems using
prismatic cells
Assembly line for
battery systems
using round cells
10

BUSINESS DIVISION ASSEMBLY & TESTING TECHNOLOGY
Our standard cell for power distribution boxes
Within the Assembly & Testing Technology business
division, the standard cell has established itself as an
off-the-shelf solution which can be individualised.
Many of our systems are built as modules on the basis
of the patented AKE standard cell, and then tailored
to customer requirements. The cell protects the
circumferential workpiece carrier system, robotics,
and monitoring stations perfectly.
The AKE standard cell can be used for the assembly of
very varied components; one frequent application is
the manufacture of power distribution boxes.
The standard cell’s modular construction permits
a flexible layout and the adaptable extension of the
system. This means that, by building new cells into
the system, new component variants can easily be
integrated without excessive effort.
Various assembly and test processes are implemented
in our standard cell. The system can be implemented
in semi-automatic mode with workstations for
operatives, or else in fully automatic mode, linked to
an upstream injection moulding machine.
In the standard cell, we have created a flexible
system of modern design; through individualised
modifications it is suitable for almost all customer
requirements.
System concepts for the
manufacture of power
distribution systems
Structure of operative workstation:
Structure of standard cell:
Panel for
system
operation
Display for visualisation
of the components to
be inserted
Component feed
Small parts
Touch panel
Protective door
for system
Rejects
box
Component feed
Large parts
1400
1800
Terminal boxes for
electrics and pneumatics
Return of empty containers
Cable ducts
11

BUSINESS DIVISION ASSEMBLY & TESTING TECHNOLOGY
Assembly systems for HV boxes and module connectors
AKE has already developed and built numerous
systems for the assembly of high voltage boxes
(HV boxes).
These systems are designed as manual workpiece
carrier (WPC) lines. The worker pushes the WPC from
station to station. and performs the assembly steps
with the aid of the permanently mounted machinery
components. The cost-intensive parts are mounted
directly on the machine frame, and exchangeable
trolleys make it possible to process different
component variants.
Here it must be ensured that all system components
which come into contact with the parts are designed
as ESD (electrostatic discharge) components, in order
not to damage the sensitive HV boxes.
Our many years of experience in the assembly of HV
boxes make us an expert partner in this difficult area.
A further application in the area of electric
components assembly is the manufacture of module
connectors. These are used in electric vehicles, and
provide the complete vehicle with power.
The systems for the manufacture of module
connectors consist of up to three welding cells, an
intermediately positioned manual workstation and
downstream testing cells.
In the welding cells, power rails are connected using
so-called flex belts. At the manual workstation, the
previously manufactured welded assemblies are
installed in the casing. Finally a visual inspection for
correct workmanship and a high-voltage test take
place in the testing cells.
Our applications for the manufacture of electric
components have already been used for many electric
vehicles, including those of Audi, AMG, and Porsche.
Assembly system for
HV boxes
Assembly system for
module connectors
12

BUSINESS DIVISION ASSEMBLY & TESTING TECHNOLOGY
Assembly systems for door hinges and door catches
compact system structure, with accessible system
stage for control cabinets, promises space-saving
integration into the existing hall layout.
The AKE assembly systems for the manufacture of
door catches also impress through very short cycle
times. A component is assembled and tested in
only 5 seconds. Various component variants can be
assembled in the system. High-resolution camera
systems measure and recognise the components
fed to them. All assembly processes in the system are
monitored automatically, and the process data is then
saved.
In addition to assembly systems for electric
components, systems for the assembly of kinematic
components are a further significant source of
income.
AKE’s assembly testing system makes manufacture
and testing of door hinges possible with a cycle time
of only 4 seconds. The assembly of different types
can be performed using a single system. An operative
performs the insertion of the hinge bodies. Here,
the parts are inserted either directly into the rotary
indexing table integrated into the system or into
an upstream feeder station. Small parts are made
available via conveyor systems, with a buffer time of
2 hours.
Our assembly concepts are highly flexible because
of the use of operative/robotics combinations. The
The testing of components is decisive in the
manufacture of vehicle components. Below is an
extract from testing processes already implemented:
- 2D + 3D measurement
- Acceleration/vibration
- Image processing
- Testing of torque and turning angle
- Pressure testing
- Flow testing
- Electrical testing
- Colour testing
- Moisture measurement
- Weight testing
- Helium leak testing for leakproofness
- Force/displacement evaluation
- Temperature measurement
Assembly system for
door hinges
Assembly system for
door catches
13

BUSINESS DIVISION VEHICLE INTERIOR
Our Verinno - the edge-folding system available in different sizes
In the Vehicle Interior business division, our edgefolding
systems for processing arm rests, doorpulls, or
interior panels are a main application.
Our Verinno consists of a press system – called
a “clasp” – and as many rapid-change tools as
necessary. All component-specific functions for
processing the respective product are saved directly
in the tool. This means that any tool in any clasp is able
to function without programming effort.
The AKE systems can be used flexibly at different
locations, and are characterised by output of
components which are 100% free of reworking. On
request, AKE also supports its customers in the design
and construction of trimmers and of energy direction
sensors. The Verinno is used above all in edge-folding
processes for back-moulded column coverings, and
has established itself with many automotive suppliers
as the standard system.
We have now further developed the system: the
same principle, but much more space in the tool, and
32 tons press force. Amongst other things, this XL
variant of the Verinno is used for laminating car boot
load trays or parcel shelves. The system can process
components of sizes up to 1100 x 1700 mm. For this,
it is possible to link the system to various upstream
or downstream processes. Also for the larger system
the intelligence is located in the tool, similar to our
standard Verinno. Numerous manufacturing and
assembly processes can be implemented in the
Verinno, such as laminating, edge-folding, assembly,
stamping, welding, or riveting.
The AKE Verinno is now available in three different
sizes: our standard Verinno for numerous applications,
from arm rests to column coverings – a smaller variant
for special applications which have to implemented in
the minimum of space – and now, completely new,
the XL Verinno, which is used for large components
and where a higher press force is required. With
these three sizes, we can optimally cover the various
requirements of our customers and respond to their
needs.
Standard Verinno for
edge-folding processes
on column coverings
Assembly system for car boot
load trays using two integrated XL
Verinnos
Press system
Exchangeable tool
14

BUSINESS DIVISION VEHICLE INTERIOR
Coating and flame treatment - further Vehicle Interior core processes
AKE flame treatment systems are used for the
surface treatment of interior components such as
instrument panels, centre consoles, and interior
panels. In order to increase the surface tension of
various thermoplastics, and therefore to improve
their bondability, AKE technologies has developed the
flame treatment technology further. Space-saving
designs and the intelligent control of all parameters
minimise throughput times and costs. For flame
treatment, we place particular emphasis on safety.
These system concepts are flexibly structured with
two separate flame treatment stations. Quick-change
component holders are integrated into the system,
and this enables processing of different component
variants on a single system.
The Anti Friction Coating (AFC) systems from AKE
are a further variant of surface treatment. These
systems are used to spray interior components with
an anti-friction coating to prevent disruptive noises
in the vehicle interior. Depending on the customer
requirement, there are various models of our AFC
systems.
Our standard system with 12 workpiece carriers is
suitable for the rapid processing of up to 12 different
component variants. The double system is used to
achieve higher throughputs. Our AFC rotary indexing
table represents a compact, economical solution, and
is used when there is a smaller range of variants. One
special application is the combined AFC Clip system,
which is used above all for processing door trims. For
rapid processing, the clip process using a robot with a
clip star is implemented.
In order to ensure flawless production, air purification
in the area of the application station, a drying area, and
a service station are integrated into our AFC systems.
By avoiding overspray, we guarantee efficient coating
and a reproducible, process-optimised coating
process with fully automatic robotic control.
AKE’s AFC systems provide our customers with a longterm
solution in terms of parts quality, as well as large
potential savings in the price of parts.
Flame treatment system
for surfaces
AFC coating process
with integrated clip
installation
15

BUSINESS DIVISION VEHICLE INTERIOR
Gluing systems for various applications
AKE offers its customers gluing and joining systems
at any desired level of automation. It is also possible
to combine assembly steps or lamination and edgefolding
processes. This is where we bring together
many years of experience, innovative energy, and
complete customer orientation. At AKE technologies,
extensive test series are used to test the practicability
of newly developed processes. The result is products
of the highest quality.
Very varied components can be processed in our
systems. Gluing systems for seat backs are a frequent
application. Here, upholstery material is glued to
the seat back fully automatically, and in this system
even attached parts are installed. The system can be
operated by a single worker who inserts the metal
structures and seat catches. The upholstery material
pieces are removed from a magazine system using
robots and then, together with the metal structures,
laid on a rotary indexing table. This is where the gluing
process takes place, with heating followed by pressing
of the components. For this system too, all process
data is documented and saved.
A further development in the area of gluing technology
is our gluing/laminating system for arm rests. With
this innovation, a fully automatic, reliable treatment
has replaced a laborious clamping process, difficult to
implement manually, bringing our customer huge cost
and quality benefits.
In the application, an injection-moulded part and
fabric décor are placed in the system by the operative,
using positioning aids. After a plasma pretreatment
to increase the bondability, the adhesive application
takes place. The components are then laminated and
edge-folded fully automatically. The system delivers
components which require absolutely no rework.
This system can be operated by just one worker. In
addition, by means of a simple tool change, different
component variants can be processed quickly and
simply.
Gluing/laminating system
for arm rests
Gluing system for
seatbacks
16

BUSINESS DIVISION SQUEAK & RATTLE
Vehicle shaker
Through the use of our patented High Power Shaker
(HPS) in test bench design for Squeak and Rattle
analyses, disruptive noises can be uncovered and
corrected in good time.
By mounting accelerometers mounted on the
bodywork, all movements of the vehicle can be
recorded during a real test drive along a stretch of
rough road. From this, a so-called drive file is created.
With the use of the HPS it is now possible under
laboratory conditions to induce the excitations in
the vehicle which were recorded on the test track.
In addition to these time/history signals, testing
can also be performed using random and sinusoidal
signals. Excitation in the vertical direction is created
in the vehicles on the AKE shaker system by means of
two or four High Power Shakers. Here, the ability to
reproduce the road profile is almost 100%.
Advantage of the simulation: there are no distracting
secondary effects, such as wind, engine, or rolling
noises. Another advantage is the exact reproducibility
of the journey - as often as you require. Subsequent
integration into existing test and production lines is
also possible.
With our patented Shaker technology, we are amongst
the world’s leading providers in the area of disruptive
noise acoustics, because our Shaker systems were
developed for disruptive noise analysis, and are
accordingly extremely quiet.
Component shaker
The test bench for vehicle components – our
EvoCarb – is a winner because it has been completely
redesigned and because the technical performance
has been increased through the carbon vibration
table; this promises particularly effective Squeak
and Rattle analyses. The unrivalled properties of
the carbon material have had an immediate positive
effect on our component shaker. The low weight of
the vibration table, a mere 20 kg, makes it possible
to test components with a higher dead weight than
before. In addition, the rigidity and extraordinary
durability of the carbon guarantee a precise and very
high transmission of power into the component.
Thanks to the corrosion and climate resistance of
the material used, and the retention of form during
temperature changes, our component shaker is
optimally suited for Squeak and Rattle tests in a
climatic chamber.
In spite of its singular capabilities, the EvoCarb is
whisper quiet while in operation. Its negligible noise
output makes it possible to pinpoint potential sources
of disruptive noise and enables our customers to take
corrective measures at an early stage.
17

BUSINESS DIVISION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
Assembly systems for filter modules
As one of the leading specialists in sophisticated
systems engineering, at AKE technologies we have
made it our business to bring economy and ecology
together in a meaningful symbiosis, and thus to
contribute significantly to the development of new
green technologies. In partnership with an innovative
membrane filter manufacturer, we have developed an
economically and ecologically practical membrane
manufacturing technology.
The concrete result of this is a completely new,
patented, energy-saving system for filtering and
cleaning waste water without the use of chemicals.
For this manufacturing process, AKE has taken on the
further downstream processing of the membrane
into an enclosed, tested filter package. The system
processes endless filter membranes into multilayer
filter modules, using automatic cut blank manufacture,
with sealing of cut edges using ultrasound rotary
cutting units. The handling of the cut filter blanks and
the gluing of the connecting elements is performed
using robotic systems with modular gripper units. At
the end of the process, the packaged membrane filter
units are removed from the system.
As well as the manufacture of waste water filters,
we also offer our customers production lines for
the assembly of paper filters. Cutting and gluing
processes are integrated into the system, and the
installation of attached components also takes place
in this production line. The system impresses with a
cycle time of a mere two seconds. This is achieved
through the combination of special workpiece carrier
systems and so-called delta pickers – particularly
rapid and flexible robots.
The area of filter technology has become ever more
important in recent years. We wish to make our
contribution to environmentally sound lifestyles by
means of innovations in this sector.
Production line for
membrane filter modules
18

A GLANCE INTO THE FUTURE
What we wish to achieve with our systems
The AKE managing directors report on their plans for
coming years, and describe how they wish to achieve
their goals:
The principal goal for the coming years is, in the next
investment step, to reunite the two plants 1 and 2 in
Patriching. We are promising ourselves that this will
give us a significant reduction in the manufacturing
costs of our system technology.
A further major step which we plan for the near future
is the foundation of our own subsidiary in the USA, in
a reflection of customers’ wishes. Many factors affect
the end result. AKE’s system technology reflects the
current state of the art. Whatever has been proven
through many years experience in special mechanical
engineering feeds into continuously new components
which, after thorough testing, are integrated into our
company’s special applications. Our systems provide
a balance of practical, manageable technology and
economical, innovative, technical solutions adjusted
to the budget.
We place great value on fulfilling the customer’s needs
order to secure our market share in the States.
In terms of our system technology, we definitely want
to ensure that we continue in the e-vehicle sector as
one of the market leaders worldwide for assembly
and testing technology. In addition we are focussing
on developing innovative systems which can be used
for a wide range of applications.
However, AKE’s machine construction is and remains
in terms of flexibility and profitability. We achieve
this only through the ongoing further development
of standards and processes, and through the
continuous further training of our team. The machine
construction of AKE technologies is a reflection of the
creativity and performance of our employees.
We are looking forward to the next 40 years!
19

OUR DEPARTMENTS
Design
The Design department creates 3D layouts, taking
into account the requirements of Sales and of the
customer’s order. The CATIA program is our internal
standard; here simulations and tests can be performed
at an early stage on virtual prototypes. In extensive
development steps, the individual components, the
assembly groups, and finally the complete system is
defined.
Manufacturing
The use of very modern manufacturing technologies
and the high level of education of our employees
ensure dimensionally accurate single part
manufacture. Through the continuous expansion
of our production capacities and procurement of
the latest machine technology, it has been possible
to optimise the flow of parts, from delivered semifinished
items to the finished 3D moulded part. This
increases productivity, creates enhanced planning
flexibility, and gives us the necessary lead for the
subsequent assembly and commissioning processes.
Mechanics
Our experience of over 40 years in special machinery
and tool building creates the basis for short
development times and punctual processing for
assembling individual and purchased parts into
complex complete systems. The know-how of our
engineers and mechanical engineers is a further
building block for economical and customer-oriented
project implementation.
Electrics
Our Electrical department consists of electrical
planners and hardware electricians. The electrical
planners develop the circuit diagrams for the systems,
and create the control cabinet design. Our electricians
then take on the electrical installation of our systems
on the basis of the previously created plans. They
then support both the pre-acceptance and the
commissioning of the system at the customer’s site,
in order to ensure problem-free processing.
20

OUR DEPARTMENTS
Programming
From the robotics technology implemented to
the camera systems used and the required data
technology, and on to laser technology, it is our
employees’ many years of experience which gives our
customers the decisive advantage. We have created
our think tank within the Software department; this
is made up of our most experienced employees.
They develop and test new components, support our
programmers in-house or at the customer’s site, and
continuously work on improvements.
Service
First-class services are an essential component of
being a valuable partner. We provide a wide range
of options so that everything runs smoothly. Of
course, we are available to our customers even
after delivery and system set-up. From installation
and commissioning, to training, maintenance, and
inspection, from supply of original replacement parts
to 24/7 product support, AKE provides everything
from a single source.
Order centre
The order centre groups together Work Preparation,
Purchasing, Goods Inwards, Despatch, and Export.
At the start of the project, Work Preparation decides
what will be manufactured internally and which parts
will be obtained by external sourcing. Purchasing
is responsible for the punctual procurement of all
purchased parts. Goods Inwards tests the supplied
goods for quality and correctness. Despatch and
Export look after the despatch of the goods, so that
the customer receives them safely at the end of the
project.
Quality
In order to ensure the satisfaction of our customers,
we pay close attention to punctual delivery and
optimised process workflows. For this, we introduced
quality management as per ISO 9001 many years
ago. In annual internal and external audits, we ensure
compliance with our requirements and work together
with all departments on continuous improvement.
21

IMPRESSIONS OF THE REBUILD
2017
Building a 600 m²
office complex,
including open plan
office, onto hall 1
2019
Conclusion of the
conversion and
renovation work in
the administration
building
2018
Erection of a new
hall with social
areas and a surface
area of 1000 m²
22

WHAT WE HAVE CREATED FOR OURSELVES
As part of our reconstruction works, we have
renovated the administration building at our company
headquarters in Patriching near Passau, extended an
existing hall by adding an office complex, and built a
further assembly facility.
We wanted to create a workspace for our team in
which they feel good and work happily. We have
The redesign of the administration building allowed
us to reassign the spaces. The advantage of this:
Departments between which there is a need for
active coordination were placed on the same floor.
Thus, Purchasing and Accounting are on the ground
floor, and this makes work much simpler. Project
Management and Sales are located on the first floor,
which allows the project managers to be included
achieved this through offices with a lot of wood, open
working areas, good light and ambient conditions, and
warm, pleasing colours.
Design has now been accommodated in the openplan
office in the new office complex. The open
spatial design allows the project teams to exchange
information actively, and simplifies coordination. The
individual rooms are often separated only by glass
elements, in order to impart a sense of open space.
The extension created 600m² of office area in which
there is space for Design, E-Planning department
managers’ and directors’ offices, and a large
conference room.
in planning as early as the acquisition phase. After
receipt of an order and its transfer to the respective
project leader, our sales people are also easily
available for questions. This is intended to ensure as
smooth a project execution as possible.
Through the expansion of our facilities, we have been
able to increase our assembly facilities hugely. In the
new hall, which has a surface area of 1,000 m² and
two integrated hall cranes, we are already working on
large-scale production lines. Excellent light conditions
and the high-quality technical outfitting of the hall
guarantee outstanding working conditions for our
employees.
23

CHRISTMAS PARTIES
&
COMPANY OUTINGS
Company outing 2018
We went with the whole team to Furth
im Wald. There we saw the Furth dragon
and walked in the natural biotope.
Company outing 2017
We travelled into the Bavarian Woods
on the Ilztalbahn railway. Then we went
hiking in the Buchberger Leite or visited
the Gabreta Celtic village.
Company outing 2016
This year we went to Burghausen, where
we visited the longest fortifications in
the world.
Company outing 2015
After paddling in inflatable boats across
the river Inn, we then stopped onboard
a small ship for a bite to eat.
Company outing 2013
This year it was “Up into the hills!” - even
though the weather wasn’t exactly kind to
us. But on the other hand we were rewarded
with a snack break at Dreisessel.
Company outing 2014
We had really great fun during this
excursion - we formed small teams in
hilarious competition with each other.
Company outing 2012
Our annual excursion was to Stein an
der Traun, where we visited a brewery
and a mountain cave.
Company outing 2010
High up in the sunshine - after our hike
we were able to relax on a sunny terrace
and enjoy the mountain specialities.
Christmas party 2018
24
Christmas party 2018
When work
becomes a
bit less
important . . .
Christmas party 2018

SPONSORING & SOCIAL
AKE supports the Hals kindergarten. Reconstruction
was required after the disastrous floods of 2013;
further funds were provided for new facilities.
The young athletes in the Leichtathletik-Verein
Passau club receive support from AKE in the form of
a financial contribution to a club bus.
AKE makes an annual donation to the Dritter Orden
children's hospital in Passau for the construction of a
new centre for premature babies and their mothers.
AKE participates in the 24h indoor cycling
sponsorship marathon every year. The sponsorship
receipts assist needy families and social institutions
in the region.
We support the knowledge workshop in Passau. The
amenity introduces children and young people to
the subject of technology.
We accept responsibility for the
world around us . . .
AKE has supported a regional football club with new
strips. The young players are very proud of their new
outfit, and are heading to the top of the table in AKE
kit.
25

~ What the press reports ~

THANK YOU
We would like to thank all employees, partners, and customers who have supported us over the years.
Our team is the core of our success. Through their outstanding work and commitment, our motivated employees
are the foundation of AKE’s success. We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for this - we look forward
to many more years together!
We also wish to thank all partners, whether suppliers, banks, external advisers, or other partners who have
supported us in important matters. We can always rely on the best performances and depend upon our partners.
The relationships with our customers have made a large contribution to AKE’s success. Many customers have
supported us for many years already, and others have become valued partners only recently. We want to say “thank
you” for the collaboration characterised by respect and trust.
And so today we look back with pride on challenging, exciting, and very successful years - but our focus is also
clearly directed at what the future holds for us. We look forward to taking this path together with all of you!