Franke focuses on system solutions and European supply chains

Machinery manufacturer Franke is focusing its strategy on customized system solutions, digital services, and resilient supply chains in Europe. The company is tapping into new growth areas, including the pharmaceutical, medical technology, and defense sectors.

Franke GmbH is focusing its strategy on customer-specific system solutions, digital services, and a resilient European supply chain. The family-owned company aims to strengthen its market position in its core segments of wire roller bearings and linear guides and to tap into new growth areas.

These components serve as central integration elements in complex motion systems and are designed to accelerate development and implementation processes for customers. In addition to the established markets of mechanical engineering, automation, intralogistics, and automotive manufacturing, the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors are increasingly coming into focus. Furthermore, the defense sector is now among the company’s strategic growth areas. According to the company, all activities in this segment are conducted in accordance with strict export and compliance requirements.

Three Key Areas Define the Strategy

The corporate strategy centers on three key areas: the expansion of customer-specific assemblies rather than individual components, data-driven and connected services, and a sustainable and resilient supply chain in Europe.

From this, Franke derives three priorities: expanding market share in core markets, developing integrated system solutions—including after-sales offerings—and improving the efficiency and resilience of internal processes. The goal is to create added value for customers more quickly, increase satisfaction, and secure stable margins.

Response to Volatile Markets

The economic environment continues to be characterized by rising demand for automation and intralogistics, as well as fluctuating costs for raw materials, energy, and logistics. Added to this are geopolitical risks and increasing regulatory requirements.

To safeguard its supply chains, Franke relies on strategic supplier partnerships, long-term procurement contracts, a broader supplier base, and the expansion of local manufacturing capacities. In doing so, the company adheres to sustainability and environmental standards as well as compliance requirements and reporting obligations such as RoHS, REACH, and ESG.

According to the company, transparency, auditability, and robust processes are at the heart of its supply chain strategy.

Digitalization as a Growth Driver

Digitalization plays a central role in both product development and the service business. Franke relies on digital twins for product and process optimization, as well as AI-supported applications in engineering—for example, in design optimization, component selection, and tolerance analyses.

Digital services such as remote diagnostics, condition monitoring, and configuration and simulation tools are available to customers. The solutions can be integrated into existing ERP, MES, and CAD/PLM systems via API interfaces.

Through the “MeinFranke” customer portal, the company also offers digital features related to orders, delivery times, technical specifications, documentation, and instant quotes.

Focus on Sustainability and Product Development

Sustainability remains a central component of the company’s strategy. According to Franke, the company is working toward energy-efficient production, utilizing waste heat, and optimizing the life cycles of its systems to reduce total costs and CO₂ emissions. Now that Scope 1 and 2 emissions have already been addressed, the focus is shifting more toward Scope 3—particularly in collaboration with key suppliers.

For new products, the company is focusing on high-performance roller bearings with direct drive, improved running smoothness, higher load capacity, and longer maintenance intervals. Intelligent sensor technology for monitoring temperature and lubrication status is designed to enable predictive maintenance and increase system availability.

Linear guides are also undergoing continuous development. Improved seals, reduced friction, and modular mounting systems are intended to boost performance.

High Degree of Customization

Approximately 90 percent of the products are custom-made. The company relies on modular systems, configurable interfaces, and standardized quality criteria.

The product portfolio is complemented by after-sales services such as engineering support, documentation, training, spare parts programs, and refurbishing. According to the company, closely supporting customers throughout the entire development and deployment cycle is considered an essential component of its business model.

For the coming years, Franke is focusing on integrating engineering expertise, digital infrastructure, and regional value creation. A robust European supply chain is intended to ensure short response times and increase resilience to economic and geopolitical risks.