Your Partner for Next-Generation Manufacturing

From September 22 to 26, Hanover will once again be the global meeting place for production technology: EMO 2025 opens its doors. For five decades, the world's leading exhibition has been the meeting place for innovation, inspiration and exchange. And of course the CHIRON Group will be there for the anniversary edition!

Future perspectives: Planning investments with foresight

Challenges such as volatile sales markets, rising quality requirements, a shortage of skilled workers and increasing cost pressures are currently shaping the situation in many manufacturing companies. Investments in new production technologies therefore, more than ever, require partners who not only supply machines, but also holistic, sustainable solutions for individual production tasks. The CHIRON Group sees itself as just such a partner: With experience, expertise and the ambition to make your production processes successful and economical in the long term.

In live operation: Experience manufacturing expertise first-hand

Visit us in Hall 12, Booth C 50 - and see for yourself how we live up to our exhibition motto »Your Partner for Next-Generation Manufacturing« and design manufacturing solutions for current and future requirements. A special feature: While many manufacturers rely solely on virtual presentations, the CHIRON Group remains true to the live experience. We also continue to demonstrate our manufacturing expertise in action, with live machining operations. Advantages such as dynamics, precision and process reliability can be experienced directly.

Machine highlights for demanding applications

One of the highlights: The new Micro5 XL, making its first major appearance in front of an international trade audience following its successful premiere at OPEN HOUSE. The very compact machining center consistently continues the proven principle of the Micro5 – with extended possibilities for highly dynamic micro machining for precision parts in medical technology, electronics and other demanding applications.

High-strength materials such as titanium alloys, full power in 5-axis machining: The FZ 19 S five axis shows how this works together in the machining of workpieces for aerospace.

Manufacturing expertise live at EMO 2025

Comprehensive expertise from a single source

We also provide information about the entire range of our products and services. For example, automation solutions ranging from flexible to customized, in-house spindle technology for optimum performance and services for long-term high machine availability.

»Interactive Showroom«: Discover series and technologies digitally

The »Interactive Showroom« provides a comprehensive overview of the technology portfolio. This is where the new DZ 22 W speed+ celebrates its digital premiere, a particularly dynamic version of the double-spindle 5-axis machining center for cost-effective complete machining of large components in volume production. The digital presentation is supplemented by the machine pool, with refurbished used and new stock machining centers for a quick and cost-effective upgrade of your production with top technology.

We look forward to exchanging ideas with you!

EMO Hannover 2025 offers the ideal setting to meet in person, talk about new projects and jointly develop solutions for your individual production requirements. We look forward to seeing you in September - Hall 12, Booth C 50!

Click here to register.

Review EMO 2023

News from the CHIRON Group

What has happened since the last issue of speedfactor? Quite a lot! Whether further progress in terms of sustainability, promoting young talent worldwide or providing manufacturing impetus for the aerospace industry: You will find a compact summary of the latest news in the news ticker. As usual, with the option of delving deeper into individual topics directly in the magazine or on the CHIRON Group website.

+++ WE ARE ONE: Sustainability Report 2024 published +++

Together into a sustainable future: The new report of the CHIRON Group shows how ecological and economic action can be combined – concretely, transparently, verifiably. The focus in 2024 is on progress in CO2 reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3, new PV systems in Neuhausen, Taicang and Zadar and a complete green electricity supply in Germany. Products such as the new Micro5 XL actively contribute to the sustainability strategy through energy efficiency. The reduction targets of the CHIRON Group officially recognized by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) underline the ambition to be climate-neutral in Scope 1 and 2 by 2025 – with measurable successes by 2024: 407 tCO2 saved and 2,138 MWh of electricity generated in-house.

Read now: Sustainability Report 2024

+++ Easily determine the product carbon footprint for machining centers +++

How can the carbon footprint of a complex machine be calculated in a reliable, comparable and simple way, even for small and medium-sized companies? A new VDMA guideline – co-developed by the CHIRON Group – now offers a standardized calculation framework. The Product Category Rules (PCR) guides users through the calculation process step by step, from individual components to the total value – which can be used for sustainability reports according to CSRD.

Detailed information on the topic

+++ World premiere of the new Micro5 XL +++

The CHIRON Group held the world premiere of the new Micro5 XL at OPEN HOUSE 2025 in Tuttlingen to great applause and on a large stage – celebrating the successful transfer of the revolutionary Micro 5 concept into a new dimension. With more traverse path, higher cutting performance and greater workpiece capacity on a footprint of just 1.7 m². CTO Dr. Claus Eppler and Senior Product Manager Michael Wurster presented the Micro5 XL and give an insight into its development in an interview in speedfactor.

To the article: Clear the stage for the Micro5 XL

World premiere of the new Micro5 XL at OPEN HOUSE 2025

+++ Career at the CHIRON Group: Performance meets Precision – with passion +++

The CHIRON Group is an attractive employer and the new careers page makes the arguments in favor of the group even clearer: With a strong presence, clear structure and a video in which employees in various positions talk about why working at the CHIRON Group is much more than just a job. Flexible working models, targeted further training, health services and a culture that focuses on appreciation and development – these are just some of the plus points. Cornelia Braun, Senior Vice President Global HR, puts it in a nutshell: »Our focus is on people. We create an environment in which everyone can make the best possible contribution and grow with us.«

More than just a job

+++ 25 and 40 years CHIRON Group: Cheers to those celebrating anniversaries +++

28 employees celebrated their 25th or 40th anniversary with the CHIRON Group in 2024 – a strong sign of solidarity in action! The celebration in Tuttlingen was filled with appreciation, recognition and pride. Markus Unterstein, CFO and Speaker of the Group Executive Committee, paid tribute to the long-serving employees: »The CHIRON Group benefits enormously from their experience, and the management is greatly indebted to them. Now we need to seamlessly pass on this wealth of knowledge to our younger generation, who can build on it and make our products even better with new ideas.«

 The jubilarians in 2024
The jubilarians in 2024

+++ Training with a future – international +++

Well-trained specialists secure the future, which is why the CHIRON Group continuously invests in training at the highest level. In 2024, 27 young people began their professional journey in technical and commercial professions in Tuttlingen. China, France and the USA are also training apprentices, and the locations were able to fill all open apprenticeship positions last year. Head of Training Herbert Mattes outlines what makes a good apprenticeship: »It's not just about specialist knowledge, but also about personal development, teamwork and responsibility.«

 The new apprentices in 2024
The new apprentices in 2024

+++ speedupdate – compact and up-to-date information +++

competent, smart, innovative, sustainable: The new speedupdate supplements the customer magazine speedfactor with regularly updated content in four sections, providing compact news from the CHIRON Group. How does automation work with maximum flexibility, what is behind the KEFF+ label award, a link to the livestream for the all-inclusive PerformanceFinance package: Just some of the topics in the first issue. All clearly structured for quick information. What does the recently released speedupdate 2/25 have in store? Just click here!

+++ Focus on Aerospace: mav web session with the CHIRON Group +++

As part of the mav web session »Aerospace – Boom in the Sky« on June 4, 2025, Axel Boi, Global Key Account Manager Aerospace, and Eugen Bergstreiser, Project Engineer Aerospace, presented innovative manufacturing concepts from the CHIRON Group for the aerospace industry. Their lecture highlighted industry-specific requirements and tried-and-tested solutions, key words being precision, efficiency and automation. The web session is available online.

Watch now in our MediaHub!

+++ Awarded – for technology and an innovative working environment +++

A double honor for the CHIRON Group: At Micronora 2024, the Micro5 was awarded the prestigious »Micron d'Or« as one of the best innovations in the machinery and equipment category. The jury's reasoning: »The Micro5 machining center from the CHIRON Group, with HSC spindle and extraordinary rigidity, achieves outstanding results in all materials, with precision to the nearest micrometer and excellent surface quality.«

In addition, the F.A.Z. Institute nominated the CHIRON Group as one of the »Innovative Workplaces 2025« in mechanical and plant engineering. The jury was impressed by the modern working conditions, culture of innovation and employee-oriented thinking. »A big thank you to our team – this wouldn't be possible without you!« says Cornelia Braun, Senior Vice President Global HR.

The »Micron d'Or« award for the Micro5 and the proud team with the certificate

+++ CNC milling at the top level – WorldSkills Germany 2025 +++

Germany's best young talents in CNC milling were on show in Tuttlingen from July 7 to 18, 2025: The CHIRON Group hosted the grand final of the German Championships as part of WorldSkills Germany. The participants were determined in two qualifying rounds. What was required? For example, creating executable CNC programs, defining and measuring the machining tools, setting up the machine and manufacturing the workpieces with quality inspection.

The big goal: A place on the national team and the opportunity to represent Germany at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026and EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027. The CHIRON Group supports the competitions with infrastructure, know-how and commitment – and sees the promotion of young talent as an investment in the future of German industry.

Impressions of WorldSkills 2025

From Tuttlingen to Beijing, from premiere to performance

Whether at OPEN HOUSE 2025 or leading international exhibitions such as CIMT in China, at local events or industry get-togethers such as EPHJ in Geneva: The global focus has been on innovative manufacturing solutions, new machine highlights and an intensive exchange with customers and partners. The CHIRON Group presented itself around the globe as a trendsetter and full-service provider for future-proof manufacturing processes.

read time: 10 min read this article on one page

Presenting innovations, demonstrating technologies live, addressing markets in a targeted manner: For Matthias Rapp, Vice President Global Marketing, »there is simply no substitute for personal, intensive dialog. The large and small exhibitions and events around the world enable us to demonstrate our technological expertise in a targeted manner. And just as importantly, to speak directly with our customers about their current and future requirements.«

OPEN HOUSE 2025 in Tuttlingen: Impulses for tomorrow

»Innovations for future demands – explore our machining world premiere«: Under this motto, the CHIRON Group opened its halls to trade visitors from all over the world from May 13 to 15, 2025. The focus of OPEN HOUSE included the world premiere of the Micro5 XL – the new machining center for micro machining with an extended range of applications and a very compact footprint. Details on the new machine in the article »Clear the stage for the Micro5 XL«

In addition to the Micro5 XL, the CHIRON Group presented manufacturing solutions in all dimensions in live operation using exemplary workpieces. Many of the practical applications were accompanied by compact keynote speeches. With the MT 715 two+, the focus was on the integration of gear cutting technologies – for precise and efficient complete machining on just one machining center. The combination of an FZ 12 S five axis with the compact Variocell MOVE robot cell demonstrated what intelligent workpiece handling can look like. Top speed and top performance when processing large components could be experienced on the new DZ 22 speed+. And the FZ 19 S five axis was also impressive: It demonstrated its strengths in terms of precision, dynamics and productivity when manufacturing struts for an aerospace landing gear assembly from grade 5 titanium.

The theme islands on digital solutions, refurbishment and services were also very popular. Here too, the CHIRON Group provided answers to the requirements of tomorrow. The expertise area Services provided information on maintenance contracts for consistently high machine availability and repair packages for spindles, among other things. The combination of machine financing, data-based condition monitoring and full service offers companies, particularly those with a limited budget, maximum technical and financial security for their production.

New and very positively received: The 35 partner companies were present directly in the machine hall, in the vicinity of the production solutions. Catering also took place there. The relaxed atmosphere around the food trucks encouraged interaction, facilitated spontaneous conversations and many new contacts.

CHIRON China at the CIMT 2025: Technological strength for the local market

From April 21 to 26, 2025, CHIRON China presented itself with great success at the 19th China International Machine Tool Exhibition in Beijing. The focus of the company's presence at CIMT was on high-performance five-axis technologies and processes for micrometer-precise machining – tailored to the requirements of the electromobility, aerospace, medical technology and watch and jewelry industries.

Impressions CIMT 2025

A special highlight was the premiere of the Micro5 in front of a large audience. With a spindle speed of 60,000 rpm and an energy consumption of just 500 watts – comparable to that of a coffee machine – its »desktop format« opens up new perspectives for intelligent precision manufacturing.

The DNA of the CHIRON Group made in China: In addition to the Micro5, a number of locally produced machining centers were on display in live operation. For example, the 25 Series with single and double-spindle machine variants for the large-scale production of components for electric vehicles and aerospace. Also built in the Taicang Innovation Factory: The MILL 800 five axis for the complete machining of complex component geometries. The presentation was rounded off with an FZ 15 W precision+ with linear motors in the X and Y axes, a spindle speed of 24,000 rpm and a tool change time of 0.9 seconds.

»Together with customers and partners, we at CHIRON China are actively driving forward the industrial transformation – with local development, sustainable production and a strategic vision for the growth markets of the future.«
Jiaping Ren
CEO of CHIRON China

Global Performance: In dialog with users worldwide

CHIRON America was also represented at important industry events in 2025 such as EASTEC in West Springfield. At the well-attended booth, the team offered a varied insight into the service portfolio. The focus was on the DZ 16 W machining center and µm-precise production for medical technology. Special little highlights also attracted attention: Miniatures of machining centers with automation and a kit with the »LEGO® Man«, which playfully captured the team's enthusiasm for technology.

CHIRON America at EASTEC 2025

In addition to technology, the focus was on dialog: About production targets, automation solutions and how the CHIRON Group can best support its customers in North America. Because precision begins – as at all global locations – with the people on site.

Another highlight in the 2025 exhibition calendar was the Swiss Micromachining Academy in Isérables in February. At the highest location of the CHIRON Group, everything revolved around micro machining – with a focus on the requirements and applications in the watch and jewelry industry. The central themes of the event at CHIRON Swiss were sustainability, precision and compactness. Key factors with which the CHIRON Group is shaping the small revolution in micro machining. With machining centers and solutions that are technologically pioneering and provide answers to ecological and economic challenges.

Swiss Micromachining Academy in February 2025

Experience micro machining in the mobile showroom?

»Efficiency inside« now, with the Micro5 in action and expert advice. All information, tour dates and appointments here.

Welcome to exhibitions and events worldwide!

In the second half of the year, the CHIRON Group will once again be present at important industry events around the world – with new technologies, practical solutions and exciting innovations. The schedule includes:

  • EMO Hannover, Germany: September 22 – 27, 2025

  • Westec, Anaheim, USA: October 7 – 9, 2025

  • Southtec, Greenville, USA: October 21 – 23, 2025

  • Tech Industry, Riga, Latvia: November 27 – 29, 2025

In addition, there are numerous technology days and special events in close cooperation with partners – both local and international. Wherever you visit us: We're ready!

Click here for all dates: https://chiron-group.com/news/exhibitions-and-events

»Understanding, optimizing and developing processes«

With Christian Kurtenbach, the CHIRON Group has had a COO on board, since June 1, 2025, who is responsible for the operational processes globally and plays a decisive role in shaping them. With his extensive experience in mechanical engineering, manufacturing and various management positions, he is ideally positioned to optimize operational processes and make the CHIRON Group fit for the challenges of the future. What are the important factors here and what does he see as important in collaboration? speedfactor investigated.

Mr. Kurtenbach, a warm welcome to the CHIRON Group! You have been COO for a few weeks now. What are your main tasks?

Thank you! I am very happy to be part of the CHIRON Group now and to be part of the big global family. As COO – Chief Operating Officer – I represent CHIRON Group SE. This means that I am responsible for all operational processes and locations in the Group.

What does this statement from CFO Markus Unterstein mean to you: »In an industrial environment like ours, operational management is not a background task – it is at the heart of our success«?

For me, this means that we have to constantly work on the efficiency and improvement of our processes in this very dynamic and complex environment. It's about not taking processes for granted, but constantly questioning and optimizing them. We rely on clear structures, measurable results and the courage to break new ground. Operational excellence not only stands for success today, but also for the long-term competitiveness of the CHIRON Group.

What is particularly important to you in your daily collaboration at the CHIRON Group?

I wish for open and honest cooperation. It's about everyone in the team taking responsibility and committing to the common goals. A positive working environment in which everyone feels at ease and enjoys their work, greeting each other with a smile, is very important. The CHIRON Group has a great responsibility for its almost 2,000 employees, and I and everyone on the management team are very aware of that. We have to be successful as a Group and earn money – this secures our jobs and enables us to fulfill our social aspirations and mission. And we need to create the right environment for this.

Where do you see the CHIRON Group in the competition?

To put it in sporting terms: In the »Champions League«. We have a special team spirit, outstanding products and services. I would like to use my experience to help us consolidate and strengthen our position. To achieve this, it is important that we continuously work on ourselves and – to stay with the sporting image – step it up here or there to provide our customers with the best possible support.

Do you have a motto that characterizes the way you work?

My motto is »There is a solution for every challenge.« I always try to tackle problems constructively, incorporate and integrate new ideas and developments – without losing sight of what has been tried and tested. I am certain that we will only remain successful in the long term through continuous adaptation and innovation.

If you were to describe yourself in two sentences, what would they be?

I am honest and direct, determined and hard-working, supportive and demanding, consistent and persistent. You can rely on me, even and especially in difficult times.

A final question: What makes you special?

To put it bluntly: I have »chips in my blood«. In training, at university, as a master craftsman: I have worked with metal-cutting machining centers all my professional life. I automated some of the machines myself and also developed, built and sold mechatronic robot kits. Also in my management positions at various companies: Machining centers! This passion for mechanical engineering accompanies me in everything I do – and at the CHIRON Group I feel that I am in excellent hands.

Personal details:

Christian Kurtenbach, COO.

57 years old, married, father of three adult children.

Studied mechanical engineering and production technology at Ulm University of Applied Sciences and master craftsman in precision mechanics.

1993 Start of self-employment.

2014 change to Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik as Head of Project Management of the Management Board, from 2018 Production Manager and CEO of the subsidiary Paatz Viernau.

From 2023 Managing Director at Starrag AG & Starrag GmbH.

Quick-fire questions:

Mountains or sea? Both

Cook or be cooked for? Be cooked for

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Wine or beer? Little of both

Saturday or Sunday? Sunday

Television or book? Television

Call or email/chat? Call

Comedy or drama? Comedy

Playing sports or watching sports? Playing sports

Rock/Pop or classical? Rock/Pop