ARNOLD UMFORMTECHNIK manufactures connecting elements such as thread-forming screws and cold-formed parts made of copper and aluminum, as well as feeding systems and processing technology. An innovative and sustainable approach has been a high priority since the very beginning. As early as 1898, the production of the first screws was based on renewable energies: ARNOLD operated the first production machines with water power, at that time from a mill, today from the company's own waterworks. This forms an important pillar of the energy supply at ARNOLD.
126 years after its foundation, the company is pursuing a similarly sustainable, albeit more diversified, approach. In addition to consistent climate protection, ARNOLD focuses on intelligent forecasting technologies for the carbon footprint of its products and on innovative fastening solutions with reduced material requirements. “For over 125 years, we have been harmonizing economic, ecological and social aspects – and thus securing not only our own future, but also that of future generations,” says Bernd Weidner, COO of ARNOLD UMFORMTECHNIK and responsible for sustainability, explaining the company's situation.
Committed to the environment
In 2024, ARNOLD signed a ten-year climate protection agreement with the state of Baden-Württemberg. The Ministry of the Environment (on behalf of the state of Baden-Württemberg) and ARNOLD UMFORMTECHNIK are thus committing to mutual support in order to achieve political and corporate climate protection goals, above all the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and energy consumption in the company. “The Baden-Württemberg climate protection agreement is a further step for ARNOLD in fulfilling its responsibility towards the environment and society,” says Weidner. To this end, ARNOLD is reducing and avoiding CO2 emissions. At the same time, the company is working on innovative technologies that contribute to more efficient, lower-emission processes in the industry.
CO2-optimized development
CO2-optimized development using digital forecasting tools plays a decisive role here: using special simulation and analysis methods (e.g. FEM simulation), ARNOLD can determine exactly which material and thus cost optimizations exist during the development of its solutions – for the lowest possible emission production along the entire value chain. In addition, the modern prediction options prevent an unnecessary variety of samples and prototypes.
Sustainable innovations
Ecological aspects also remain a constant in production: cold forming - one of ARNOLD's key areas of expertise – has always proven to be an environmentally friendly production method. The focus is not on machining, but on material-saving forming at low temperatures. This drastically reduces the technical effort and material requirements. The result: CO2 reductions of up to 45% in some cases and therefore fastening solutions that optimize the carbon footprint of the individual element and its customers. “Every screw can make a contribution to climate protection,” emphasizes Weidner. “We are aware of this lever and use it consistently”. Successful technologies such as direct plastic screw fastening and parts series such as Conform® Next are evidence of this successful approach.
Social-ecological commitment
The fact that this long-established company with its focus on sustainability is also looking at the bigger picture is demonstrated by its wide-ranging social commitment. A milestone in this respect was the co-founding of the WIN Charter of the state of Baden-Württemberg ten years ago. The sustainability business initiative requires its members to consistently implement sustainability principles in climate and environmental protection, a high degree of social responsibility and a commitment to economic success and employee concerns, including equal opportunities and anti-discrimination. ARNOLD's commitment to this is demonstrated by its own WIN project, in which the company has sponsored waterways, cycle paths and hiking trails in the Ernsbach district since 2014.
Another regional highlight is the permanent exhibition “Kocherwerk - House of Joining Technology” in Forchtenberg-Ernsbach. Here, visitors can find out about the sustainable development and production of the fastener industry in Hohenlohe and its origins. The Kocherwerk has been operated by the Verein der Förderer des Schrauben- und Befestigungsclusters Hohenlohe e.V. since 2021.
Regular carbon footprints since 2020 and annual climate monitoring in accordance with the Global Report Initiative (GRI) guidelines since 2021 further underline the company's commitment to an environment worth living in. In the same year, ARNOLD signed the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact. The guiding principles provide the basis for uniform action by all 20,000 members from 167 nations in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption.
Strong in the group
The integration of ARNOLD into the Würth Group, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024, also proved to be a lasting success. On July 1, 1994, the screw production of the L&C ARNOLD Group was taken over at the Forchtenberg-Ernsbach site. Over the three decades, ARNOLD not only developed new products, but also expanded its production capacities and successfully entered international markets. Today, the ARNOLD GROUP is a global player with 1,500 employees, supporting companies worldwide as a manufacturer and developer of complex parts.
About ARNOLD UMFORMTECHNIK
The ARNOLD GROUP, internationally renowned for innovative fastening technology, has developed into a leading supplier and development partner for complex fastening systems thanks to its extensive expertise in the production of intelligent fasteners. Under the umbrella of “BlueFastening Systems”, the company positions itself as a comprehensive provider of engineering, fasteners, functional parts, feeding systems and processing technology. This holistic combination of experience and know-how offers efficient, sustainable solutions on an international level. ARNOLD has been part of the Würth Group since 1994.
