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Friedrich Daniels GmbH is a fourth-generation, family-owned company based in Solingen, Germany, that has been in business for more than seven decades. Co-CEOs Bernd and Armin Daniels discussed their team’s ability to produce custom-made instruments that meet the evolving needs of international customers, the comprehensive capabilities they provide and the synergistic benefits of integrating with the Acrotec Group.
Friedrich Daniels GmbH has been in business for 75 years. Can you tell us about the company’s origins and where you stand today?
Bernd Daniels: The company was founded in 1948 by our grandfather, Friedrich Daniels. Several key milestones have occurred during the company’s journey. First, our father joined the company. Then I came on board, followed by my brother. Now, my son has also joined the business.
We have around 50 employees and joined the Acrotec Group in 2023. Acrotec currently comprises 31 companies, 12 of which are dedicated to medical technology. The group operates 3,000 CNC machines and employs 2,800 people. Thanks to this integration, our product portfolio has significantly expanded — from 5,000 products to more than 50,000 components and articles in the medtech sector. By leveraging the synergies within the group, we aim to serve the needs of other companies in the network, and so far, it’s proving to be successful.
Aside from your Solingen site, do you have any other locations?
Bernd Daniels: No, we don’t have additional sites within the Acrotec Group. We do work with suppliers in southern Germany, some of which use our name, but they are not officially part of the Acrotec network.
How exactly do the synergies with other group companies work? Can you share some project examples?
Bernd Daniels: I can’t mention specific names, but a U.S.-based company has been supplying implants to a particular customer for years. Thanks to our integration into the Acrotec Group, we can now provide the necessary instruments to complement their implants. That’s the power of synergy.
Armin Daniels: We now have access to a customer base that would have been out of reach without the Acrotec network.
Before joining the Acrotec Group, were you focused solely on the German market? Are you planning to expand into the U.S. market?
Bernd Daniels: Actually, it’s the other way around. Previously, 98% of our business was U.S.-based. We still have a strong presence in the U.S., but thanks to the synergies within Acrotec, we now have a broader international reach.
You describe yourselves as a “one-stop shop.” What does that mean in practice?
Bernd Daniels: This is one of Acrotec Group’s strategic goals. Within the group, we have companies specializing in implants, others in instruments and now we have a company with a cleanroom facility. Essentially, we can offer every service that’s required in the medtech sector.
You’re currently expanding your production site in Solingen. What’s the status of that project?
Bernd Daniels: We’re in the process of doubling the production space. The new facilities are scheduled for completion in August this year. Once finished, we’ll determine which projects and customers will be served from this site and what specific machinery will be installed.
How do you handle highly specific customer requests and support clients throughout their projects?
Bernd Daniels: From initial request to final delivery. For example, we recently had a video conference with an Austrian company that wants us to produce silicone handles. The process starts with a to-do list: What are the client’s requirements? What do they envision? How can we make it happen? If they need a custom-designed handle, we assess tooling costs and move forward accordingly. This type of project typically takes about six months.
Another example: A company approached us needing a complete instrument set for spinal surgery. Since we specialize in orthopedics — particularly spinal applications — we helped them design and develop the set. We can make it happen if a company comes to us with a highly specialized request.
What about your tooling portfolio? Specifically, can you tell us about your drill production?
Bernd Daniels: Last year, we launched our own drill production, investing around €1.5 million. This not only allowed us to acquire new customers, but was also a response to direct client demand. Fortunately, other customers followed suit once they saw the results.
What’s next for Friedrich Daniels GmbH?
Bernd Daniels: The goal is to double Acrotec’s medtech division in the coming years — and we’re well on our way to achieving that.
