Optoelectronics Giant Jenoptik Wins Multiple Orders For Its Automation Business

Recently, Jenoptik, a German leader in the field of photovoltaics, announced that in the second quarter of 2024 the group successfully secured multiple orders for automation solutions worth more than 17 million euros.
It was revealed that the orders originated from a Tier 1 OEM supplier (unnamed) and were handed over to the group's automation specialist Prodomax for delivery.
Prodomax, a member of the Yena Group of companies (acquired by Yena in 2018), will be responsible for the production of automated welding systems for structural steel components including bumpers, body side assemblies, and body parts, which will be partially applied to emerging electric vehicle (EV) platforms in the North American market.
Deliveries to customers in the U.S. and Mexico are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025 and are expected to be fully completed by the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the report.
These orders not only further strengthen Prodomax's position as a strategic optimization partner for the automotive and automation business, but also highlight the outstanding performance of our solutions," said Dr. Stefan Traeger, President and CEO of Jenoptik. But more importantly, Barrie's team, with their expertise and tireless efforts, has successfully assisted our customers in optimizing their automation system integration, process automation and quality control."
Headquartered in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, Prodomax utilizes industry-proven technology and strong robotics design and engineering best practices to customize automotive parts production lines to meet its customers' unique staffing, quality and quantity requirements.
With more than 52 years of automotive industry experience, the company specializes in the design, engineering and turnkey integration of automated manufacturing solutions for OEMs and Tier 1 automakers, with customers including well-known automakers like Honda, Volkswagen, Ford, BMW, Mercedes, General Motors, Toyota, Nissan and Fiat Chrysler.
In order to significantly increase output speeds without sacrificing precision, Prodomax has skillfully integrated the latest laser welding and laser cutting technologies for automated manufacturing. This innovation not only brings unprecedented precision and speed to automakers, but also ensures accuracy in the production process while greatly expanding the capacity scale of the production floor.
Laser welding and laser cutting technologies are widely used in Prodomax's automotive production systems. These systems demonstrate excellent performance and efficiency, especially in critical areas such as cutting hydroformed tubes and automotive body panels.
As a global optoelectronics group, Jenoptik's core business encompasses optical technologies, with two divisions, Advanced Photonic Solutions and Smart Mobility Solutions. It has a presence in a number of key markets, including semiconductors and electronics, life sciences and medical technology, and smart mobility.
Headquartered in Jena, Germany, the Jenoptik Group employs around 4,600 people and is listed on the Deutsche Börse in Frankfurt and traded in the MDax and TecDax indices. In fiscal year 2023, Jenoptik realized revenues of €1,066 million.
In addition, Yena's executive team is confident about future performance and expects the company's sales to grow by approximately 5% in the current year, laying a solid foundation for achieving its goal of surpassing €1.2 billion by 2025.
Yehner has crafted the Opticline CA, AMV and WMS series of optical measurement systems that are designed for automated production. With advanced intelligent hardware and optimized software interfaces, they can be easily and smoothly integrated into your automated production processes. What's more, these systems provide highly accurate and reliable measurement results, even after long periods of operation in harsh production environments, ensuring the accuracy and stability of your production process.
Notably, its major new production facility in Dresden is nearing completion and shipments are expected to significantly boost the company's sales. After an investment of nearly €100 million, construction of the plant is expected to be fully completed by the end of June and production of micro-optical and sensor products will begin in early 2025.
In view of the high order backlog that the company is currently facing and the strong momentum in its core optoelectronics business, in particular the significant performance in the field of semiconductor equipment, Yena is optimistic about further profitable growth this year. Despite the high cost of relocating part of the business to the new site in Dresden, the management is confident that the margins will remain stable as revenues continue to grow.