PERFORMANCE MEETS PRECISION: The global promise of the CHIRON Group is fulfilled by around 100 employees in Charlotte under the leadership of CEO Steve Morris. In this interview, he gives an insight into the future of the site and talks about the growing importance of the North American market for global success.
Mr. Morris, you have been CEO of CHIRON America for six years. How has the site developed during this time?
Well, we have further strengthened our corporate culture in recent years. Our team embodies teamwork, shows a high level of commitment and offers excellent customer service. The quality of our services has further improved – thanks in part to our win-back program. This enables us to proactively address quality issues that could potentially affect our customers' machine use and parts production.
At the same time, we have further expanded our position in the area of turnkey solutions and automation. With our experienced engineering team here and the support from Germany, we have been able to significantly improve our performance in these increasingly sought-after areas of expertise.
Another focus was on our growth strategy for North America. We were able to significantly increase our reach in all market segments and sustainably strengthen awareness of the CHIRON Group brand.
What were your most special milestones and successes?
One important success is that we were able to clearly set ourselves apart from the competition in North America. Thanks to our improved support in sales and service, our customers feel well looked after all round.
We are also perceived differently. While we were previously known primarily as a CNC machine supplier for the automotive business, we are now well established and valued in numerous industries: Automotive, aerospace, medical technology, defense and, more recently, micro machining. Recently, a customer even described us as a machine supplier for medical technology. This is a good sign of how successfully we have positioned ourselves in important markets and that we offer our customers real added value here.
What specific requirements or trends do you currently see in the US and Canadian manufacturing industry?
A key trend is the growing demand for automation, turnkey solutions and outstanding performance in aftermarket and sales. We have therefore focused our improvement initiatives on strengthening these business areas. In view of the tense labor market situation it is our top priority to support our customers in every possible way so that they can maintain their leading position.
One last question: What makes working at CHIRON America special?
Well, we are a Center of Excellence here in Charlotte. This means: We have a team here that is completely focused on our customers, our technologies and providing uncompromising support for the installation of our manufacturing solutions. Our overriding goal is to ensure that our employees and our customers benefit from the strength and opportunities of the CHIRON Group at all times.
Overview of CHIRON America
Start
Founded in 1993, CHIRON America immediately wins a major order from General Motors for 50 machining centers. The growing success requires capacity, and in 2001 the company moves to a new location in Charlotte with striking industrial architecture.
Expertise
Turnkey solutions for machining centers, processes and automation from a single source
Automation technology and assembly
Customized fixture and tool design
Application technology incl. CAD/CAM services
CMM testing, test machining, pre-series production
Project and proposal management
Local pool of new and used machines
Key account management
In-house service for spindle and component refurbishment
Machine refurbishment and modernization
Management
Stephen »Steve« Morris
Steve Morris has been Managing Director of CHIRON America Inc. since 2019. The MBA graduate with a focus on strategic management has over 35 years of industry experience, including more than 25 years in management positions. He sees himself as an "innovation driver" and initiator of change for an even more efficient, even more customer-focused CHIRON Group location in Charlotte.
Employees
Total: 93
Executives: 10
Sales and marketing: 8
Project management: 4
Engineering: 16
Workshop: 7
Service: 17
Refurbishment of components: 3
Quality assurance: 2
Materials: 13
Application: 4
Trainees: 9
Size of the subsidiary
Total: 7,000 m²
Customers
The majority come from the automotive industry, with medical technology currently accounting for 20 percent of projects, and the trend is still rising. Other customers come from the aerospace, defense and consumer goods industries.
Systematic promotion of young talent
CHIRON America has been actively involved in training since 2012: In cooperation with the regional training program »Apprenticeship 2000« and according to internal standards developed along the German training system, the company qualifies young talents in mechatronics and CNC machining technology.
Apprentices at CHIRON America
So far, 12 graduates have successfully completed the four-year training program, many of them are now working in key positions at CHIRON America. Eight trainees are currently completing the program, and six new young talents will start the preparation program in the summer.
Things to see and do in and around Charlotte
Welcome to the Queen City! The city of Charlotte, named after Queen Sophie Charlotte of Great Britain and Ireland (1744-1818), wife of King George III, bears its royal nickname with pride – and combines tradition with a modern way of life. The largest city in North Carolina with over 900,000 inhabitants is picturesquely situated between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, is the economic center of the region and an up-and-coming technology and finance location. At the same time, Charlotte offers plenty of southern charm, a lively cultural scene and a wide range of leisure activities.
The perfect day in Charlotte? For Jessica Tornesi Korolev from the marketing department of CHIRON America, it starts with breakfast at Amélie's French Bakery, the best bakery in North Carolina according to Southern Living Magazine. This is followed by a walk through Freedom Park and a trip to the NoDa Arts District in the afternoon. And to finish? A Southern Brisket at Midwood Steakhouse. Together with spare ribs and pulled pork, the beef brisket, gently cooked in the smoker, forms the »Holy Trinity« of an American barbecue.
Picture credits: digidreamgrafix, espiegle, Jerry W, Jill Lang, J. Michael Jones / stock.adobe.com, CHIRON Group
Discover the Queen City: Things to do, eat & drink, places to stay, events, city guide – all information can be found on the website https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/
