ARNOLD UMFORMTECHNIK has officially opened its new surface treatment center at its Dörzbach location. With this investment of approximately 30 million euros, the company is expanding its expertise in surface treatment technology, strengthening supply security, and providing a significant boost to the long-term development of the location. Among those attending the opening were Robert Friedmann, Spokesperson for the Würth Group’s Executive Board; Rolf Bauer, Honorary Member of the Würth Group’s Advisory Board and former member of the Würth Group’s Executive Board; Dirk Döllner, CEO of the ARNOLD GROUP and Executive Vice President (EVP) of the Würth Group; Bernd Weidner, the responsible Managing Director at ARNOLD; Thomas Müller, Head of the Heat Treatment and Surface Technology Competence Center, and Lukas Franz, Head of the Surface Technology Department.
Highly Automated Zinc-Nickel Plating
At the heart of the new surface treatment center is a highly automated zinc-nickel barrel plating line with integrated tempering and topcoat processes. Automated process monitoring, state-of-the-art inline bath analysis, and validated procedures ensure consistently high and reproducible coating quality. The surface treatment center comprises more than 4,000 square meters of production space. With this expansion, ARNOLD is strategically further developing its value creation at the site. At the same time, with this significant investment, the Würth Group is underscoring its confidence in ARNOLD and in the future of the Dörzbach site.
Significant CO₂ Savings
In addition to technology and quality, the efficiency of the new center plays a key role. Energy-efficient plant systems, state-of-the-art building technology, and shorter transport routes reduce annual CO₂ emissions by approximately 1,740 metric tons. “The expansion of our production capabilities makes an important contribution to securing the site in the Jagst Valley,” emphasizes Robert Friedmann. Lukas Franz reflects: “This project has been a part of my life for nearly a decade. From the initial idea to the start of operations, our goal was to create a sustainable and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Seeing today how this vision has become a reality still feels a bit surreal—yet at the same time, it’s impressive and makes me proud.”
Greater Process Control and Supply Security
For ARNOLD’s customers, the new Surface Center opens up additional opportunities to coordinate processes and coating requirements collaboratively at an early stage. In-house expertise enables streamlined workflows, a high degree of process control, and a reliable supply.
During a guided tour, guests gained insights into the technology and quality assurance as well as the energy and resource management of the new Surface Center. The official opening was then celebrated with a joint symbolic launch ceremony.
About the ARNOLD GROUP
Since 1898, the ARNOLD GROUP has been a global leader in intelligent and forward-looking fastening technology. Drawing on many years of expertise in the production of highly complex extruded parts and innovative fasteners, ARNOLD has long established itself as a comprehensive system provider and development partner for holistic fastening solutions.
For more than 30 years, ARNOLD has also been offering machinery and processing technology for the automated assembly of fasteners—tailored to individual customer requirements, efficient, and reliable.
The BlueFastening Systems philosophy underscores this holistic approach: The close integration of engineering, high-quality fasteners, precision functional parts, and state-of-the-art feeding and processing technology ensures maximum efficiency, sustainability, and global innovative strength—all from a single source.
ARNOLD has been part of the Würth Group since 1994 and is driving the future of fastening technology forward with the highest precision and innovative strength.
