(?) MFN: Winoa has just commissioned a new heat treatment line in Altena. What does this milestone represent?

(!) F. S.: This is a very important step for us, but also a very logical one. Over the past few years, we have clearly stated our ambition to develop our Specialties activities, especially our position in high-performance cut wire. With the new heat treatment line in Altena, we are now able to produce HD cut wire directly in Europe. This means we are bringing a key part of the value chain closer to our customers while reinforcing our industrial capabilities.

We are delivering on the strategy established one year ago with Turbo 2030, thanks to the commitment of the Winoa and Frohn teams and our long-term partnership with Toyo Seiko.

(?) MFN: How does this development fit into Winoa’s broader strategy?

(!) F. S.: It is fully aligned with the direction we have been building. We see strong growth potential in applications where performance and consistency are critical, such as shot peening.

Cut wire is a strategic segment for us, and this investment allows us to structure our capabilities in a more integrated way—from production to commercial approach.

It is about moving from a product-driven approach to a more complete solution offering, and Winoa is the only company able to offer such a global portfolio to its customers.

(?) MFN: What role does your partnership with Toyo Seiko play in this project?

(!) F. S.: The partnership with Toyo Seiko is a key success factor. Since 2018, it has allowed us to build a strong foundation in the cut wire business, with access to recognized technical expertise and proven production standards.

What we are doing today is extending this model. We are now producing in Europe using the same Japanese processes and maintaining the same level of quality.

So, this is not a change of direction, but rather a continuation and strengthening of our cooperation.

(?) MFN: What are the main benefits of producing cut wire in Europe?

(!) F. S.: The first benefit is proximity. Being closer to our customers means we can be more responsive and flexible.

At the same time, we reduce the need for long-distance transport, which has a positive impact both operationally and environmentally.

Most importantly, however, we are able to combine this proximity with a very high level of quality, thanks to the standards we apply. That combination is key.

(?) MFN: How does this investment support your customers, particularly in the automotive sector?

(!) F. S.: Automotive represents the majority of shot peening applications, and the industry is evolving quickly. We see trends such as lightweighting, new materials, and increasing performance requirements. All of this makes surface treatment even more critical. With this new capability, we are in a stronger position to support our customers with consistent, high-quality solutions that meet these evolving needs.

(?) MFN: What is the role of the Altena site within Winoa’s organization?

(!) F. S.: Altena is now our Center of Competence for cut wire in Europe. The integration of Frohn and the development of this new line allow us to cover the full value chain locally. 

We have strong expertise across the entire value chain here—in production, quality control, and application knowledge—and this is a key asset for our development.

(?) MFN: How does this initiative contribute to Winoa’s positioning in Europe?

(!) F. S.: Through our Specialties Business Unit, we are structuring a more unified and integrated approach. 

For our customers and partners, this means a simpler and clearer interface—a single entry point, a consistent portfolio, and strong technical support. 

This is an important step in reinforcing our position in Europe. Winoa has now evolved into a one-stop shop, capable of delivering everything from "product-only" solutions to complete solutions, perfectly matching the needs of our diverse customers.

(?) MFN: What are your ambitions for the future of the cut wire business?

(!) F. S.: Our ambition is clear: to continue developing our capabilities and strengthening our position in Europe.

We are building a platform that combines industrial expertise, strong partnerships, and close proximity to the market. This is not just about one investment—it is about creating the foundations for long-term growth in peening and surface preparation applications. It is a strong foundation from which Winoa will continue to develop and adapt solutions to match evolving customer demands.

With the commissioning of its new heat treatment line in Altena, Winoa confirms its strategic focus on high-performance cut wire and its commitment to developing a strong, integrated European platform—combining Toyo Seiko’s Japanese expertise with local industrial excellence.

Winoa is positioning itself as the one-stop shop for peening and surface preparation solutions.

For Information: 

Winoa

528 Avenue de Savoie

38570 Le Cheylas, France

Tel. +33.6.43 66 51 65

E-mail: candice.champon@winoa.com

www.winoa.com

www.winoa-2effe.com