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05/28/2025 - Oliver Hagenlocher - Press

Comprehensive machining expertise: EMAG VL lathes in the PENN GmbH production chain

The increasing complexity of requirements in metal processing and international cost pressure pose particular challenges for manufacturing companies in high-wage countries. The Austrian company PENN GmbH has established itself as an internationally active metal processor through a high level of vertical integration and consistent automation. Vertical turning machines from EMAG's VL series, which have been in use at PENN for over a decade and have now grown to 43 spindles, play a key role in the production chain.

Images

Portrait of Gernot Penn, Managing Director of PENN GmbH, in a blue suit with white shirt and glasses, standing in the company's production hall.
Since 1965, Managing Director Gernot Penn has grown PENN GmbH from a small forging shop into a global high-tech supplier with over 700 employees. His focus on automation and EMAG’s high-quality manufacturing systems helps the company stay competitive in Austria’s high-wage market.
Aerial view of the PENN GmbH industrial complex in Stratzdorf with several modern production buildings and red and white façade elements, surrounded by parking lots and agricultural land.
PENN GmbH’s Stratzdorf site will consolidate all Austrian production operations by 2028. As part of its strategic expansion, the company plans to merge its three Austrian locations here—streamlining operations and boosting efficiency. State-of-the-art production systems, including a Hatebur forging plant and 43 EMAG VL-series spindles, form the technological core of this forward-looking facility.
Series of interlinked EMAG VL 2 vertical turning machines in the production hall of PENN GmbH for the automated machining of forged parts.
Inside production: Fully connected EMAG VL 2 systems automate the machining of forged parts in 20-shift operation. These specialized vertical lathes have been central to PENN GmbH’s strategy since 2010, enabling near-continuous material flow with pick-up technology and the TrackMotion system. Consistent automation plays a key role in maintaining international competitiveness at Austria’s high-wage location.
Skilled worker with blue gloves operates workpieces on an automated EMAG VL 2 manufacturing cell with robot technology behind safety fences.
Automated EMAG production system: Consistent automation enables PENN to produce competitively even in the high-wage country of Austria. While the highly developed manufacturing systems carry out the majority of the machining processes autonomously, the skilled workers concentrate on quality assurance and process monitoring. This strategy offsets the higher wage costs and secures the company's position in international competition with low-wage countries, some of whose wage costs are only 30 percent of the Austrian level.
Production hall with EMAG VL 3 DUO and VL 2 lathes, connected by a TrackMotion system, with an employee in the foreground monitoring the automated machining of automotive parts.
EMAG VL 3 DUO and VL 2 lathes with TrackMotion system during OP 10/OP 20 machining of automotive components. This connected production line enables the automated passage of workpieces through various machining stages without manual intervention. The integration of the TrackMotion system is a key element in PENN GmbH's automation strategy and makes a significant contribution to increasing process efficiency. This technology allows a single employee to monitor several machines simultaneously and focus on quality control instead of manual workpiece handling.
Rows of evenly arranged, precision machined, ring-shaped metal components on a light-colored base, ready for delivery to the automotive industry.
Finished rotationally symmetrical forgings for the automotive industry after machining on EMAG machines - ready for delivery. At PENN GmbH, these high-precision components pass through the entire process chain from forging to fine machining. Thanks to the combination of high-performance forging systems and the automated EMAG VL machining centers, the company achieves maximum repeat accuracy for quantities in the millions. Dimensionally accurate production and a consistently high level of quality are decisive factors for the company's success as a supplier to the demanding automotive industry.
Bird's eye view of a large production hall with numerous white EMAG lathes in rows, demonstrating the extensive production capacity of PENN GmbH with a total of 43 spindles.
View of the production hall with various EMAG lathes, comprising a total of 43 spindles in the VL 2, VL 3 and VL 5 versions. This impressive machine park forms the technological backbone of PENN GmbH and is the result of over a decade of collaboration with EMAG, which began in 2010. The vertical turning machines run in 20-shift operation and achieve an exceptionally high level of availability, which is crucial for profitability in the high-wage location of Austria. Thanks to their vertical design, the machines enable a particularly compact footprint with maximum productivity.
Two-image combination showing a container with unprocessed, dark forged parts on the left and precision-machined, shiny metal rings as a finished product on the right.
Complete process chain: from forged raw-parts (left) through various processing stages to the ready-to-install end product (right) - everything under one roof at PENN. This vertical integration from the Hatebur forging line, which produces up to 70 components per minute, to finishing on the EMAG VL machines, is a decisive competitive advantage for PENN GmbH. By controlling all production steps, the company ensures the highest quality standards and optimum production processes. This combination of high vertical integration and extensive automation enables the company to operate competitively on an international level despite Austria being a high-wage location.
The Hatebur AMP70XL forging machine at the Stratzdorf plant - the heart of the production of rotationally symmetrical forgings with a cycle rate of 70 components per minute
The Hatebur AMP70XL forging machine at the Stratzdorf plant - the heart of the production of rotationally symmetrical forgings with a cycle rate of 70 components per minute. This high-tech system, installed in 2007, marked a milestone in the company history of PENN GmbH and enables an annual production of up to 10 million forged parts. The enormous production capacity required the parallel expansion of the machining technology, which led to the long-standing partnership with EMAG. The seamless integration of forging technology and downstream precision machining forms the basis for the company's high level of competitiveness on the international market.
Two-part image composition from the toolmaking department at PENN GmbH: On the left an employee at a CNC machine, on the right a technician fine machining a precision ring-shaped tool.
Almost all components for the production tools are manufactured in-house in PENN GmbH's toolmaking department, which guarantees short reaction times for production adjustments. This strategic decision for a high level of vertical integration in the toolmaking area also strengthens the company's irrespective and enables quick adjustments in the event of product changes or optimizations. In-house toolmaking perfectly complements the production chain from forging production to precision machining and final assembly and underlines the Austrian company's comprehensive technological expertise in international competition.
Portrait of Gernot Penn, Managing Director of PENN GmbH, in a blue suit with white shirt and glasses, standing in the company's production hall.
Aerial view of the PENN GmbH industrial complex in Stratzdorf with several modern production buildings and red and white façade elements, surrounded by parking lots and agricultural land.
Series of interlinked EMAG VL 2 vertical turning machines in the production hall of PENN GmbH for the automated machining of forged parts.
Skilled worker with blue gloves operates workpieces on an automated EMAG VL 2 manufacturing cell with robot technology behind safety fences.
Production hall with EMAG VL 3 DUO and VL 2 lathes, connected by a TrackMotion system, with an employee in the foreground monitoring the automated machining of automotive parts.
Rows of evenly arranged, precision machined, ring-shaped metal components on a light-colored base, ready for delivery to the automotive industry.
Bird's eye view of a large production hall with numerous white EMAG lathes in rows, demonstrating the extensive production capacity of PENN GmbH with a total of 43 spindles.
Two-image combination showing a container with unprocessed, dark forged parts on the left and precision-machined, shiny metal rings as a finished product on the right.
The Hatebur AMP70XL forging machine at the Stratzdorf plant - the heart of the production of rotationally symmetrical forgings with a cycle rate of 70 components per minute
Two-part image composition from the toolmaking department at PENN GmbH: On the left an employee at a CNC machine, on the right a technician fine machining a precision ring-shaped tool.

From forged part production to complete-machining

Founded in 1965, PENN GmbH has developed from a small forging company into a high-tech supplier with over 700 employees. A milestone in the company's history was the investment in a Hatebur forging plant at the Stratzdorf site in 2007, which produces rotationally symmetrical forgings at a rate of up to 70 components per minute. This corresponds to an annual volume of up to 10 million forged parts.

The high production volume requires equally efficient machining technology. This is where the machines from EMAG come into play, as Managing Director Gernot Penn explains: "The majority of our forged parts are then machined in-house. We use our connected EMAG VL manufacturing systems for this, which run practically around the clock."

Customized machine concepts for large-scale production

The cooperation between PENN and EMAG began in 2010. The first systems - two connected VL 5i machines - were put into operation in 2011 and used for the machining of rotationally symmetrical forgings for the automotive industry. This was followed in 2014 by the first VL 2 machines for gear blanks, also for the automotive industry. The machine portfolio has been systematically expanded over the years and now includes over 30 EMAG VL 2 machines for machining small to medium-sized rotationally symmetrical workpieces, VL 2 DUO line machines with TrackMotion system for automated link-up, VL 3 DUO machines for larger workpieces and VL 5i systems for machining complex geometries.

Technical features of the EMAG VL series at PENN

The VL series from EMAG is characterized by its vertical design, which enables a particularly compact footprint. The vertical turning machines offer several technical advantages that are crucial for PENN's production requirements. First and foremost is the vertical pick-up spindle, where workpieces are picked up directly from the work spindle by integrated conveyor belts, eliminating the need for additional handling systems and minimizing non-productive time. The TrackMotion system allows several machines to be linked-up to form a flexible production line, ensuring an automated workpiece flow. 

The powerful EMAG turret with turning and driven tools also enables complete-machining in a single setup of complex components. Last but not least, the machine body made of mineral casting and the vertical concept offer high thermal stability, which is particularly important in 20-shift operation.

Maximum machine availability - the decisive economic factor!

For a company like PENN, which has to hold its own against international competitors in the high-wage country of Austria, plant availability is a decisive economic factor. "We work in 20-shift operation for most of the year. With this production volume, machine availability and reliability are absolutely crucial," emphasizes Gernot Penn.

EMAG machines achieve an exceptionally high level of availability at PENN. This is made possible by several factors: The robust machine design with high rigidity forms the basis. In addition, there are preventive maintenance concepts that minimize downtimes, as well as fast service support from EMAG. Last but not least, the well-trained maintenance personnel at PENN also contribute to the high availability.

"As far as service is concerned: cheaper is always possible, there are cheaper machines everywhere. But it's the service that makes the decisive difference. You have to look at the machines in terms of life cycle costs," explains Penn. The close cooperation between the EMAG service team and the PENN maintenance technicians is a key success factor.

Automation as a competitive factor

In order to remain competitive despite the higher wage and non-wage labor costs in Austria, PENN also consistently relies on automation. "To be able to compete internationally, especially with low-wage countries, we need to implement smart automation solutions," explains Gernot Penn. "In Europe, there are countries with only 30 percent of the wage costs of Austria or Germany. We have to compensate for this difference with intelligent automation and high plant availability."

EMAG machines support this approach with their sophisticated automation concepts. The integrated workpiece feeding and removal significantly reduces manual effort. At the same time, the automated measuring technology ensures continuous process monitoring. The interlinking options provided by the TrackMotion system allow a continuous material flow without manual intervention. 

These automation solutions enable PENN to use employees primarily for quality monitoring. "Above all, we expect our employees to have a high level of quality awareness. The actual work should be done by the machine. The employee must be able to concentrate on monitoring the quality produced."

Complete process chain under one roof

A particular advantage of PENN GmbH is its comprehensive vertical integration. From forging production and machining to assembly and final inspection, all process steps are carried out in-house. The EMAG machines are a central element in the value chain.

Future prospects and further development

PENN GmbH plans to merge all three Austrian sites at the Stratzdorf location by 2028, which will mean a significant rationalization boost. EMAG machines will play an important role in this, as their compact design enables high productivity per unit area.

In terms of market development, PENN is positioning itself broadly. "We are not focusing exclusively on the combustion engine or electromobility, but are keeping our eyes open in all directions," emphasizes Gernot Penn. This flexibility is also reflected in the versatility of EMAG machines, which can be used for a wide variety of workpieces and materials.

Economical production through optimized machine systems

The long-standing collaboration between PENN and EMAG demonstrates how modern machining technology can help to produce competitively even in high-wage countries. By combining high-performance forging systems, highly automated vertical lathes and comprehensive vertical integration, PENN has created a production system that combines maximum efficiency with maximum flexibility.

The 43 EMAG spindles in the VL series, some of which are in use around the clock, form the backbone of PENN's machining technology and underline the importance of reliable machine systems for economic success in metalworking.

Contact

Oliver Hagenlocher

Area

Press and Communication

Phone

+49 7162 17-4267

E-Mail

communications@emag.com

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