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From manual lathes to automated CNC

When Peter Scharff started as an apprentice at IRON Pump in 1984, the production floor looked very different. Manual lathes were common, and CNC technology was just beginning to appear in production facilities.

Over the last forty years, Peter has seen production change quite a lot. What started as hands-on work with traditional machines has become highly automated with advanced CNC systems. At IRON Pump, Peter has been part of bringing in new machines and updating how things are done.

“It was mostly manual machining back then. The CNC machines we had were nowhere near as advanced as the ones we operate today. But even then, the focus was the same: precision and doing things properly. Every time new equipment came in, it felt like a fresh start. You must learn about the system, see what it can do, and find better ways to work. That ongoing development has been interesting for me to be a part of,” Peter says.

While technology has changed significantly, Peter emphasizes that craftsmanship remains central. Accuracy, quality, and professional pride continue to define the work in production.

About 15 years ago, Peter took on responsibilities beyond machining, stepping into a purchasing support role, contributing to the development of a structured material management system for production, and, in addition, ensuring that materials are available when needed, which is essential for maintaining flow and efficiency.

Along with his technical work, Peter has also helped with the company’s safety and environmental initiatives. As production has modernized, expectations for safety and the environment have grown too. For Peter, these changes are a natural part of ongoing progress.

“If materials aren’t ready at the right time, production stops. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead. We’re always looking for ways to improve, whether it’s making work safer or finding better solutions,” Peter says.

Even with technological and organizational changes, Peter highlights one constant: the people. For him, IRON Pump is a place where knowledge is shared openly, experience is valued, and new ideas are encouraged.

When asked what makes someone stay at the same company for forty years, Peter’s answer is clear:

“It is simply a good place to work. The company develops, the technology develops, and you develop with it. There is always something new to learn. There has always been a strong team spirit here. Many of my colleagues have been here for decades, while new apprentices continue to join. That mix creates stability and renewal at the same time."

For Peter, IRON Pump’s story is defined by steady progress. The company has moved from manual machining to advanced automation and from old ways of working to organized material management, all through gradual, steady development.

After forty years, Peter’s motivation still comes from the same things: craftsmanship, working together, and being curious about lies around the next corner.

“There is always something new to learn and new challenges to solve. That’s part of what has kept me here for 40 years,” Peter Scharff, production technician at IRON Pump.

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