TRUMPF was founded in 1923 as a mechanical workshop for flexible shafts. Ever since, it has developed into one of the world's leading companies in production technology. Being a truly high-tech company, it currently has three business divisions: Machine Tools, Laser Technology, as well as Medical Technology.

On the sideline of 3rd Annual China Aircraft Development Summit held on August 30-31, 2012, I had the opportunity of talking to Mr. Markus Lindemann, Director of Sales & Marketing - Laser Technology, TRUMPF China, where he explained some future plans for the TRUMPF name to potentially become more well-known in the Chinese aviation sector.

WCARN.com: Can you please tell us why you are here at the 3rd Annual China Aircraft Development Summit?

Mr. Markus Lindemann: Well, one of our target markets for laser applications is the aerospace industry, and I can share with you that there are already TRUMPF laser and laser system in China. For instance, we sold a machine to Shenyang. Honestly, I think it's a relatively small business circle, so we are here trying our best to meet with customers and parts suppliers etc. It's quite obvious that we will capture this opportunity by introducing our products and services to the not only prospective clients, but also the industry professionals in China's aircraft manufacturing sector.

WCARN.com: In order to let our readers get better understanding about your company, is it possible for you to talk a bit more about the exact products and services your company provides to the aircraft manufacturing sector?

Mr. Markus Lindemann: Sure, no problem. It's quite broad as to what you can do with lasers, and a lot of those functions can be seen in our daily life. Let's pick laser pointer and laser scanner as examples, they can be used for matters like event presentations and shop item scanning etc. However, not so many ordinary people understand that laser applications are widely utilized for industrial processes, there you have laser welding, laser brazing, laser cutting and laser marking, just to name a few.

As for aircraft manufacturing sector, you certainly do have a lot of things can be carried out with the help of laser applications. For example, we can apply laser cutting for both the traditional titanium as well as the increasingly popular carbon fiber parts widely used for aircraft manufacturing. Additionally, a lot of aircraft parts and electrics also require applications such as laser marking, surface treatment and so on. So, we are here to provide a broad variety of laser sources that are perfectly designed to fulfill the high end customer demands.

WCARN.com: We all know by now that TRUMPF already operates in China as you aforementioned some business deals as well as the products and services you provide in the Chinese market. Nevertheless, there are some foreign enterprises considering the Chinese market as one that's too difficult to operate in due to various reasons, so do you think there are some challenges your company faces in terms of operating in China?

Mr. Markus Lindemann: Personally, anyone operating a business elsewhere instead of the home country always comes with certain issues, because there are some daunting cultural differences. As for China, foreign companies may think it's difficult because most of them simply don't have the relevant experience here and a lot of things are indeed unique.

Moving back to TRUMPF, we actually started investing and operating in China over a decade ago in the very early 2000, we are noticeably producing sheet metal products on TRUMPF machines here. Of course, there are some differences in terms of culture and how things are being carried out etc., especially in the aircraft developing sector where a large proportion of the existing firms are either state-controlled or affiliated to the government, therefore you have to figure out how to do business with them, and it's understandably different to dealing with private companies. Nevertheless, once you have accumulated some experiences in that area, then there is nothing special anymore.

WCARN.com: Okay, this next question is probably more sensitive as we all know that China is trying to quickly develop its own aircraft manufacturing capabilities and this trend is clearly evidential by just looking at projects such as the ARJ21 and C919. So, would it be possible for you to shed some light with us on the future plan of TRUMPF in terms of partnering or collaborating with the Chinese side in this field?

Mr. Markus Lindemann: Firstly, our company TRUMPF is known for its close relationship with all our customers and partners, so we are always willing to talk to other parties. Secondly, it's important to note that TRUMPF is a company that is providing advanced technologies. It can take a long time to prepare, which is especially true in the aircraft-related fields. Consequently, we will have to cater to market needs but it's clearly going to take time for us to figure out the most suitable applications or solutions which mean a lot of preparations and lab testing etc.

At this stage, I have to say we don't have any work for projects like the COMAC C919 here in China, but we are looking forward to the future generation of aircraft, which we believe will require much greater laser applications, that's actually another reason why we are here. Our company certainly aims to start pushing our name out whilst trying our very best in building up the industrial relationship and exploring potential opportunities. We firmly believe advanced laser technologies can further enhance China's fast-developing aviation sector and our future is looking brighter day-by-day.

WCARN.com: Terrific! Many thanks for talking to us, Mr. Markus Lindemann.