At the forefront of innovation since 1982. 1982: WWS Metallformen is founded by Alois Weigel. With two employees, the company initially produces sheet metal parts as samples and welded constructions. 1983-1985: The number of employees increases to four. WWS produces deep-drawing parts and embossed parts using auxiliary tools made of plastic by casting plaster models. The subsequent years bring a technological change from manual processing to CNC milling technology. WWS produces deep-drawing tools for prototypes to be used in the automotive industry. 1987: All tools are constructed on modern 3D CAD systems at WWS. 1990: WWS has 19 employees and possesses five CAD workstations and three CNC milling machines in the production area. Main fields of activity: design and manufacture of prototypes and test samples made of metal, tool testing, definition of production steps and checking of process safety. WWS also makes recommendations to its customers for subsequent series production and offers remote data transfer of the CAD/CAM data for manufacture of the series-produced tools. 1998: Now with 30 employees, WWS Metallformen relocates to Hatzenbühl. At the same time a new 3D laser cutting system and a new CNC hydraulic press go into operation. Certification to ISO 9001 ensures that the tougher company organisation requirements are met. 2001: A hydromechanical deep-drawing press is used for the first time. 2002: Increasing quantities make the electronic processing of project data a necessity, leading to the introduction of an "InView" ERP system. All departments are gradually integrated into the system. Thanks to modern RFID technology, production even becomes paperless, as transponders replace working papers. The company now has 60 employees. 2008: Following investments in the company organisation, WWS Metallformen GmbH also expands its production. With the aim of cutting processing times, a flow washer is purchased in the spring. Furthermore, a new CNC press brake is put into operation. We acquire the technological innovation of a laser measuring arm. The laser scanner now enables our parts to be measured without contact, saving time and saving our customers a considerable amount of money. (Further information on the measuring arm is available under News). Towards the end of the year, the welding department relocates to the building next door, where a new welding robot is also installed. This move came as the result of an increase in orders in this area. (Further information on the welding robot is available under News). 2009: A new laser goes into operation in spite of the financial crisis. Now numbering 80 employees, we need the additional capacity in order to cope with growing numbers of orders. 2010: WWS takes part in the IAA for Commercial Vehicles trade fair in Hanover for the first time. To ensure customer satisfaction we have established a team responsible for final inspection. Furthermore, we have strengthened our quality management team by adding another member of staff. The rollout of a new ERP solution (Genesis) begins.