The European market is evolving rapidly, prompting businesses to prioritise innovation and efficiency. With skill shortages affecting industries across the region, many companies are turning to automation to optimise their existing equipment and systems. Marcin Barwinek, Area Sales Manager and Product Sales Manager for Styli and Fixtures at Renishaw, shares insights into how the company is adapting to these shifting market conditions.
(See Renishaw at Machine Building North, 10 April 2025, on stand 78)
My journey with Renishaw began during my engineering studies at Poznan University of Technology. My final year thesis focused on comparing methods used in different standards to evaluate machine repeatability and accuracy.
During this project, I encountered Renishaw's equipment and was inspired by its reliability and precision. In 2014, I joined the company as an Area Sales Manager, later expanding my role to include Sales Manager responsibilities for product fixtures and styli.
The ongoing skills shortage in Europe is reshaping business priorities. A recent survey found that 75 per cent of employers across 21 European countries are struggling to fill vacancies due to a lack of skilled workers. This shortage is reducing productivity and slowing growth, making it more challenging for companies to invest in new products and services. At Renishaw, we address these challenges by providing solutions that improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness, helping customers maximise the potential of their existing equipment.
Working closely with a diverse range of clients, I see first hand the impact our products and services have in improving operational efficiency. Renishaw's commitment to cost-effectiveness and customer safety is embedded in all our solutions, ensuring we not only meet but exceed industry expectations.
Enhancing efficiency through innovation
Renishaw's probing, tool measurement systems, and diagnostic tools for CNC machines help businesses improve accuracy, reduce costs, and enhance quality. In recent years, I have observed a rise in the adoption of machine tool diagnostics, such as the QC20 ballbar diagnostic tool, which minimises downtime and inspection costs.
Similarly, the REVO system increases scanning speeds, significantly reducing cycle times, while the ToolWise broken tool detection system enhances reliability and speed by completing tool checks in mere seconds.
Recently, I worked on the installation of AxiSet systems, which provide multi-axis machine performance data to identify misalignment and enhance rotary axis accuracy. A crucial benefit of these systems is the improved safety they offer, eliminating the need for manual inspections and reducing workplace risks.
Recognising the market's shift towards automation and robotics, Renishaw has developed solutions such as the RSC product series, including the RMP40 probe and the RMI-QE wireless interface for industrial robots. These advancements enable machines to operate autonomously with minimal human intervention, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
By continuously developing forward-thinking, cost-effective solutions, Renishaw is not only meeting the current demands of the industry but also positioning itself for sustained growth in an ever-changing economic landscape. Our focus on efficiency, precision, and automation ensures that we remain at the forefront of innovation, helping businesses navigate market challenges with confidence.