My first contact with Witte dates back to 2015. At that time, we had decided to go with another manufacturer. That made it all the more interesting to me that in the summer of 2021—in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—the opportunity arose once again to collaborate on a project.

Despite contact restrictions, we were able to arrange an on-site visit in Montabaur. At that time, there was a comparable BT 3700 bed type milling machine on site. This visit was important for building trust and discussing the requirements in detail. In the months that followed, the proposal was continually tailored to the specific needs—particularly to the very limited space available on site.

One unique feature—though not a challenge—was the required swing diameter of 2,300 mm within the working area. For a conventional bed type milling machine with an integrated rotary table, that is already a considerable dimension.

Key Technical Specifications of the MTE KT 3200-R Bed Type Milling Machine

• Travel paths:
  X = 3000 mm
  Y = 1500 mm
  Z = 1500 mm
• Clamping table: 3200 x 1200 mm
• Integrated rotary table: 1200 x 1400 mm (integrated in the center of the table)
• Milling head: diagonal design

The negotiations themselves clearly reflected the turmoil of that time. It was nearly impossible to schedule in-person meetings in the fall of 2021. After numerous phone calls, the contract was finally finalized in December 2021 via Microsoft Teams.

At that time, I was in quarantine due to a COVID-19 lockdown, because someone sitting near me on a flight to the plant in Spain had tested positive. This was already the third order I had received under these circumstances, entirely online. To be honest, that’s not my style when it comes to selling milling machines—nothing can replace face-to-face interaction on site.

Delays in Delivery and Open Communication

Like many other companies, we were also affected by global supply chain disruptions—first due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, shortly thereafter, also due to the war in Ukraine. The delivery of several machines was delayed, including the KT 3200-R bed type milling machine for Witte.

It was important to me to deliver this message in person. The customers’ disappointment was understandable, but at the same time, they were sympathetic to the extraordinary circumstances.

The machine was finally delivered in December 2022, and final acceptance took place in January 2023.

Operational Challenges—and How We Handled Them

After a generally smooth start, a technical issue arose with the milling head during the first few months of operation, which our service team was able to quickly diagnose and resolve.

“Of course, that was really frustrating, but the speed with which MTE responded—including providing a loaner milling head—was truly impressive. The head was sent back to the factory and overhauled.”
– Franz Josef Bette

Thanks to the quick installation of a replacement head, production was able to resume shortly thereafter.

Another defect in a drive component made another service call necessary after about a year. Here, too, the response was prompt, and the machine was quickly brought back online with a replacement head.

In both cases, the key factor was that assistance was provided quickly and pragmatically. After all, a production shutdown always results in economic losses.

Since this second overhaul, the bed type milling machine has been operating reliably for about three years—without any significant malfunctions. Exactly as it should be in day-to-day operations.

What Really Matters

In my view, this project clearly shows that anything can happen—regardless of the manufacturer. What matters isn’t whether a problem occurs, but how quickly and easily the customer is assisted.

Ultimately, service, responsiveness, and reliability are the factors that determine whether a long-term partnership will succeed.

“MTE has proven itself to be a reliable partner. The service they promised has lived up to expectations in practice, and that is exactly what has built our trust. The machine has been running with high availability for three years, and we feel very well supported.”
– Franz Josef Bette, Managing Director

A Partnership with a Future

Another important aspect of this collaboration is the intergenerational perspective on the future. In addition to Managing Director Franz Josef Bette, his son Björn Bette is also actively involved in the company, bringing new ideas and fresh perspectives.

The combination of many years of experience and new ideas creates a solid foundation for the company’s continued growth. For us as partners, this is a clear sign of continuity and a secure future.

About Witte

Witte is a trusted specialist in the development and manufacture of customized solutions in the fields of mechanical engineering and toolmaking. As a medium-sized company, Witte is known for its flexibility, precision, and close collaboration with its customers.

The focus is on the development and manufacture of high-precision special-purpose machines as well as customized solutions for specific requirements. From design and technical development through to final implementation, Witte supports its customers throughout the entire project process. Based on sketches, dimensional specifications, or existing designs, the company creates precise technical drawings and 3D models.

In addition, Witte has extensive expertise in toolmaking. Tools, molds, and gauges are manufactured precisely according to customer specifications. The range of services is complemented by modern CNC milling and turning technology in contract manufacturing, which enables cost-effective and on-time production at the highest quality standards.

Our commitment is clearly defined: to deliver the highest quality—and, whenever possible, to exceed it. This is made possible by our reliability, technical expertise, and an experienced team with in-depth knowledge of machining technology. Customers benefit from end-to-end support—from manufacturing to service.

With Franz Josef Bette and his son Björn Bette, the company’s succession has also been arranged well in advance. The generational transition is proceeding in an organized manner and ensures the company’s continued growth.

As part of the “Modernization of Production in the Automotive Manufacturing and Supplier Industry” funding program, Witte received a grant—financed by EU funds—for the purchase of the new MTE milling machine.

Conclusion

In my view, this project—despite all the challenges—was a very good example of a successful partnership in mechanical engineering. Openness in difficult situations, the ability to respond quickly, and a machine that performs reliably in everyday use.