Harderwijk, the Netherlands – At the Industrial LaserEvent 2013 recently held in Enschede, the Laser Innovation Award 2013 given to AWL Techniek as the company that has applied laser technology most successfully. A total of 12 businesses had been nominated for this award.
"There's a strong trend towards laser welding in the automotive industry," said Rik de Muinck, automotive sales manager at AWL-Techniek on receiving the award. "Out of the machines supplied by AWL, more than 60% now have laser welding incorporated. It's good to see that our efforts bear fruit and that the industry recognises us for that by way of this award."
After its presentation, AWL-Techniek was declared the winner over formidable competition when the jury selected them on account of the strong growth realized by the company in a difficult market during the past few years. The fact that AWL continues to innovate in the field of laser welding also played a role. The award (a sum of money and a work of art made available by the Chamber of Commerce for the East Netherlands) was handed out by Paul Braakhuis, chairman of District East of the Royal Metal Union.
The jury commented, "AWL convincingly demonstrates that you can be successful with the application of modern technology. Stronger still, it is the way of securing continuity and growth, even when times are hard. Other companies booked successes with laser welding and laser cutting, and it was a difficult choice. The fact that AWL-Techniek uses R&D strategically ultimately tipped the balance in their favor."