In 1961, Faulhaber ventured into the North American market, a big step for a business that made the small drives. The company specializes in developing, producing and deploying high-precision miniaturized and miniature drive systems, servo components and drive electronics with up to 200 watts of output power.
The decision made some 60 years ago has proven its worth and has resulted in a successful company. Founded as Micromo in Cleveland, Ohio, the company moved to Clearwater, Florida, in the early 1990s.
Equipped with a large production facility, an extensive machine workshop and its own test laboratory, almost anything is possible in Clearwater. From the development of customer-specific solutions to the manufacture and assembly of various components to technical support and troubleshooting, each project follows a schedule that begins with understanding the device's requirements, includes process development with the team and is handled in close communication with the customer until the end.
Particular attention is paid to product and manufacturing expertise in medical technology and the requirements that must be met. This includes applications for medical imaging, like those used for X-rays, surgical devices and robots. Understanding this market segment and complying with the international ISO 13485 standard for medical devices are just as much a part of the standard as fulfilling the strict requirements of the FDA.
Customized, customer-specific drive solutions account for around 70% of orders, while the remaining 30% are standard products or slightly adapted products from the company's portfolio.
In this interview, Lance Horta, CEO of Faulhaber Micromo, discusses his first year on the job, how the American and European markets differ, and the challenges the drive experts face.
Q: In January 2023, you took the helm as CEO. What is your assessment after about a year at the wheel?
Lance Horta: I have been very fortunate to be with Faulhaber for over 18 years. During that time, many wonderful achievements have been realized through investment in the team, perseverance and a spirit that success is the only option. COVID, political tensions and economic uncertainty have led to enormous challenges all over the world in the recent past, including critical circumstances that occurred overnight and without warning. Based on our core values, we were able to achieve new important milestones during this turbulent and uncertain time. We have remained very strong and prepared for future success and growth.
Q: How did you experience the COVID-19 period, and what opportunities or hurdles did it bring for the business?
Horta: Without question, the impact of the coronavirus affected all areas of life. Perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome was the fear of the unknown. We had to deal with rapidly changing information and regulations during this time and faced great challenges with little knowledge. In everything we did, the safety of our employees and customers was paramount. However, we were also pleased that we were able to make a contribution with our products and help in the current situation. Although we were faced with challenging delivery deadlines and quantities, we wanted to give our customers the confidence that Faulhaber is strong and reliable as a strategic, long-term partner. And, we were also able to gain new business in the medical sector, which has brought us good capacity utilization and growth.
Equipped with a large production facility, an extensive machine workshop and its own test laboratory, almost anything is possible in Clearwater.Faulhaber Micromo
Q: How do the American and European markets differ?
Horta: From a technical perspective, American engineers focus on rapid development, often emphasizing innovation, flexibility and adaptability in project execution. In contrast, the European market, with its strict regulatory framework and emphasis on sustainability, requires engineers to consider regulatory compliance and environmental considerations, resulting in a more methodical and sustainable product development process. Both markets require a high level of technical skill and innovation, but the approach and project delivery priorities reflect the different business cultures and regulatory frameworks in the U.S. and Europe.
Q: Where do you see great potential in the future?
Horta: We have recently launched new product families and we have more new generations of motors in the pipeline for this year and next. I am convinced that these products, together with the latest BXT and GPT product lines, will give us an advantage in the market.
Q: Where do you see particular challenges or trends?
Horta: I think one of the challenges is staying true to our core values without being distracted by external influences. As one example, I see many articles and studies asserting what is most effective: remote work and/or hybrid working as part of the big return-to-office debate. Additional studies look at what employees value most like flexibility, pay, benefits, company culture or purpose. Our core values have always been investing in and caring for our team members. By adhering to these core values while understanding external influences, we will continue to be able to make the best decisions.
As drive experts, we are able to offer our customers tremendous added-value and knowledge in value analysis and value engineering. Our assembly and manufacturing capabilities enable customers to reduce costs, risks and supply chain complexity. In the future, the use of the newest artificial intelligence solutions available could help us providing innovative solutions and excellent value to customers, including the opportunity to expand our customer base more efficiently.
Production at Faulhaber Micromo in Clearwater, Florida.Faulhaber Micromo
Q: What do you wish for the future of Faulhaber Micromo?
We want to continue the long-lasting legacy of innovative, significant and world-changing applications made possible by Faulhaber drive solutions. In doing so, we want to be an organization where people spend their careers adding to our legacy and then retire while fulfilling their own personal goals and dreams. Ideally, this will result in the achievement of sales targets year after year.
Q: What fascinates you most about Faulhaber products or a particular application?
Horta: I think it's impressive what is achievable and what power is contained in these very small drive systems. With the ability to perform extremely precise and controlled movements, it is possible to improve a patient's surgical outcome, quality of life, or even lead to a cure for their medical condition.
