HWI Machining: Strength and precision since 1991

Interview Ton Wolvers - Managing Director HWI Machining

It is 2020 and at HWI Machining we continue to look ahead to the future. Great strides are being made in automation and towards sustainability. The latest cutting-edge machinery is in place and being acquired.

But where does HWI actually come from? HWI (Han de Wind Instrumentmaker), Precision and customisation that is! And that has been in our DNA from the beginning, says Ton Wolvers.

“In 1991, HWI -then still as HWI Techniek- started in Koudekerk with three employees in a rented 75-square-metre shed,” Wolvers says. ”Five machines were available to make seat and coupling bushings for Frames with great precision.”

“And that customisation stood out! HWI got more and more orders and already in 1994 had to move to a larger in-house production hall of no less than 450m2.”

While customisation is still lovingly cared for today, the numbers have changed considerably. More than 40 people are now employed to make a wide variety of products with 25 machines on some 2,000 square metres. Larger products are made in larger series for the oil and gas industry, but also for demolition companies, shipbuilding, filter industry and hydraulics.

“Surely the craziest request we have received in all this time is to make swords for the Archeon,” says Wolvers. “Although the Pole Cracker we developed in collaboration with Vlasman B.V also deserves a place of honour. This squeezes the concrete around the reinforcement of a pile's protrusion, leaving only the reinforcement. The ultimate combination of power and precision!”

Proudly watching at HWI Machining now looking forward to its latest purchase: the ultra-precise and flexible NTX2500 multitasking turning machine.

“In 2020, we are again taking big steps in automation, sustainability, innovative machinery and corresponding growing output. It's great to witness the growth of this fine company and guide it into the future.”