What’s next for the service industry?

Many service providers have been hit hard by the lockdown measures. But there are also examples that are encouraging, such as SWT Services GmbH from Germany. The Swabian provider, which specializes primarily in maintenance for flexographic printing tension shafts, had to cancel some on-site assignments internationally due to the Corona measures.

But SWT offered alternatives: Instead of having SWT technicians travel to the site, flexo printers could also send their hydraulic impression cylinders and anilox rollers to SWT for a general overhaul or repair, where they were overhauled without contact. “We are pleased that some of the orders could be absorbed in this way and would like to continue to maintain or expand this option for our customers,” explains Managing Director Jörg Ehrenfeld.

In addition to services in the in-house repair shop, however, the focus of SWT’s service offering remains on on-site maintenance and minor repairs. Thanks to the temporary relaxations in 2021, service calls that were cancelled due to Corona have already been made up in full. “It wasn’t easy to fit all the assignments in during the periods without restrictions, but with our outstanding team and their great willingness to work hard, we managed to accomplish an extraordinary amount in 2021,” Ehrenfeld says. He is proud that already in 2021, revenue has increased by a good half compared to the previous year. “We would not have expected that. This is where it pays to be as flexible and fast as possible.”

In 2022, the restrictions have now been significantly reduced again and in some cases even completely lifted. The managing director is optimistic: “In the first half of 2022, we were already able to complete service assignments in more than 10 countries, and the order books are also as good as full for the second half of the year.” Thus, SWT technicians were able to actively support customers in Germany, Europe, the USA and, in some cases, Asia. We can only hope that the autumn will bring as few restrictions as possible. Then SWT Services will certainly be able to continue with a very good turnover in 2022.