STIHL has once again recognised its top-performing suppliers this year and, for the first time, presented an award to the paint manufacturer.
STIHL and FreiLacke have been linked by a partnership spanning more than 60 years, which dates back to the 1960s. It was founded by Emil Frei Junior, Franz Frei and Erwin Frei. Following an enquiry from STIHL, FreiLacke achieved a decisive breakthrough at that time: the company developed a coating based on powder coating technology, which was still untested at the time.
The development required courage, perseverance and significant investment. The testing phase lasted five years before the new technology was ready for series production. The effort paid off: FreiLacke succeeded in coating die-cast magnesium housings without any bubbles for the first time. This laid the foundation for the continued success of powder coatings to this day.
For STIHL, the innovative coating brings numerous benefits. It ensures improved corrosion protection, a high-quality finish and more robust, longer-lasting housings. At the same time, it lays the groundwork for cost-effective mass production – and establishes the foundation for a partnership that remains successful to this day.
“Our suppliers are far more than just suppliers. They are co-creators, enablers and often also catalysts – for innovation, for quality and for the continuous development of our products and processes,” has stated Martin Schwarz, STIHL’s Executive Board Member for Production and Materials Management.