SIAMS 2022: Update From the Swiss Machining Show in Switzerland

by Matt Saccomanno

Check out this optometrist office in Moutier— displaying an antique screw machine in between the eyeglass bunnies

Hi everybody!

It’s been a fantastic trip and an amazing closing day to the SIAMS 2022 exhibition! A hectic schedule and more talking and trying to decipher French than I’m built for, but super worthwhile. 

SIAMS is in the village of Moutier, in the heart of the “Jura” region, which spans a distinct area in the lower mountains overlapping the border of Switzerland and France. It is the historic center of the Swiss watch industry, but also is a dense cluster of high precision manufacturing like probably no other in the world.

​For our customer base of “Swiss-type” machining (“décolletage” in French), you literally can find the best of everything, including the awesome products of a particular company in Oceanside California. ​

​We are represented here by Dunner SA, based about a half mile from the exhibition hall in Moutier.

The Swiss approach to selling is amazingly low key. They didn’t even have any actual product displayed at the Dunner booth!

When I asked Daniel Dünner about this, he said “If we show the product, everyone will immediately recognize it as a collet (“pince” in French, pronounced pin-seh), and then they will assume they already know what it is and keep walking.

​Instead, we show only the video and brochure, so they must stop and ask about it.” I was skeptical at first, but his method works!

Sébastien Dünner, passionately explaining the Microconic system

Unlike in the past, Masa is now known and very much respected. I was often introduced almost like visiting royalty as “Mr. Masa”. Several people even commented “You cut your hair” (in French of course), having seen the early video Bernie took of me describing the product at IMTS 2016.

We are still the new kids on the block, but known and perhaps even admired. 

Daniel Dünner (center) receives the plaque for continuous exhibiting at every SIAMS

Dunner SA, founded in Moutier for 4 generations, is very respected. Daniel and his son Sébastien Dünner, now transitioning into being the managing director of the company, basically know everybody who’s anybody.

They received a plaque and bottle of champagne to celebrate that they are one of only 14 companies that have exhibited continuously at every SIAMS (photo attached).

​Later today, I was introduced to the mayor of Moutier, who graciously tried to converse with me (he speaks French and German). ​

I can’t say this without tears in my eyes how so very proud and grateful I am for the integrity and effort everyone puts into making Masa the literal BEST in the world at what we do!

With joy and gratitude,

Matt

About SIAMS - 

The trade fair for microtechnology production tools located in the center of the regional Jura industry, SIAMS unites every two years the players of the industry and presents the means of production of microtechnology. This fair created to respond to the specific concerns of precision-industry entrepreneurs presents an ideal technology platform with more than 450 specialized exhibitors.

Even today, however, SIAMS still focuses and shall continue to focus on its core competencies: the means of production of microtechnology, establishing contacts between visitors and exhibitors, and the industrial pragmatism that characterize it since 1989.

​As a trade fair for the entire production chain of microtechnology for a total of 15 events, SIAMS has always been a pioneer in the development of synergies between exhibitors.

At SIAMS, the entire microcosm or "ecosystem” of microtechnology is represented:
Machinery equipment, assembly measurement, control, and quality assurance automation tools, accessories, mechanics raw materials semi-finished products metalworking – suppliers plastics processing installation service companies organizations.