Melotte, the Zonhoven, Limburg, technology company, which specializes in high-tech precision parts, 3D metal printing and more, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since its establishment in 1970, the company, which became part of Picanol Group (Euronext: PIC) in 1990, has continued to develop through continuous investment in cutting-edge technologies in the field of high-tech precision parts. An example of this is Melotte’s recently completed investment program of EUR 2.5 million for amongst others the installation of a new cylindrical grinding machine.

Melotte has focused for more than 50 years on the development and production of small runs of high-tech precision parts, often with complex shapes and in difficult-to-machine materials. The company is also active in the construction and overhaul of molds. Melotte breathed new life into the world of technology some ten years ago when it became one of the first companies in Belgium to pioneer innovative 3D printing techniques for metal parts – to complement traditional milling, turning, and grinding. Whereas at the beginning the focus was on dental prostheses, custom-made spectacle frames and other accessories, in recent years the attention has mainly been on industrial components for a variety of industries. In the process, Melotte has built up an excellent customer portfolio of international players, such as Exxon, Sabic, Pfizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and many more.

“In recent years we have invested around half a million euros per year in new technologies, in order to be able to serve our customers even better. In 2017, we took 3D metal printing a step further by purchasing the SLM Realizer. This machine also offers the possibility of printing aluminum parts, which allowed us to increase the scope of our work. In 2018, we purchased the Okuma LB3000, a rod-feed lathe, which enabled us to finish larger runs more cost-effectively. This was followed a year later by a new pendulum milling machine. And this year we invested in a new Studer S41 cylindrical grinding machine with automatic cobot loading. This ultra-precise, cylindrical grinding machine not only ensures that we can grind eccentric cams in the micron range, in addition to high-precision conventional cylindrical grinding, but it also enables us to work with more precision and accuracy in fully automatic mode.  In conclusion, we upgraded our building and invested in sustainable LED lighting,” explains a proud Peter Perremans (CEO).

“As well as keeping our machinery up-to-date, our biggest challenge for the coming years lies in securing our production knowledge. Many of our technical specialists are gradually approaching retirement age and new employees are needed in their place. We recently started a project with external partners, with the aim of retaining as much of this knowledge as possible. We are very much looking forward to what the next 50 years will bring us,” continued Mr. Perremans.

For more information please contact:
▪ Peter Perremans (Melotte), on +32 (0)/11 539 956 or peter.perremans@melotte.be
▪ Frederic Dryhoel (Picanol Group), on +32 (0)/57 222 364 or frederic.dryhoel@picanol.be