Supplier transitions from automotive sector to space industry
In a groundbreaking move, Rigo, an automotive supplier based in Sersheim near Vaihingen/Enz, is currently venturing into the space industry. One of its parts is on its way to the fastest planet in our solar system, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
This transition is not unprecedented, as many automotive companies are finding opportunities in the space sector due to the overlapping technological requirements and manufacturing capabilities. Rigo's move is part of a broader trend, as automotive suppliers worldwide are looking for new customers, including in the aerospace industry.
The space industry offers several opportunities for automotive companies. With their expertise in precision engineering, lightweight materials, and electrical systems, these companies can leverage their experience to produce components for spacecraft that require high strength-to-weight ratios and efficient power systems. Moreover, transferable technologies such as precision engineering, electronics, and software systems can be adapted for space applications.
However, the transition is not without its challenges. Companies must navigate regulatory compliance, adapt to different design standards, and develop expertise in new areas like space-grade materials and vacuum-compatible systems. For Rigo, the transition was particularly challenging, requiring employees to produce absolutely flawless parts and investing in new machines and technologies. The company spent a million euros on measurement technology alone during its transition.
Despite the challenges, Rigo's bold move has paid off. The company has built precision parts for missions by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, and its team is involved in the planned new space mission. For instance, Rigo produced 27 golden camera housings for the Plato mission.
Rigo's transformation is supported by Baden-Württemberg's initiative THE aerospace LÄND, which aims to help companies and startups tap into the space industry. The initiative comes at an opportune time, as a forecast by investment bank Morgan Stanley predicts that worldwide spending on space will reach one trillion dollars by 2040.
The transition to the space industry 17 years ago was a daring move by Rigo, which was founded in 1972 as a supplier for corporations like Porsche, Bosch, and Dürr. Today, the family-owned company is a testament to the potential of companies diversifying into the space industry.
As the automotive industry faces challenges, Rigo's success serves as an inspiration for other companies looking to diversify and tap into new markets. Today, a transformation summit is taking place in Stuttgart, where companies and experts will present their developments to help businesses become more efficient and navigate the changing landscape.
- Rigo's diverse background in precision engineering, lightweight materials, and electrical systems from the automotive industry is being utilized to produce components for spacecraft that require high strength-to-weight ratios and efficient power systems in the space industry.
- The company spent a million euros on measurement technology alone during its transition from the automotive industry to the space industry, showcasing the significant investments being made to meet the regulatory compliance, adapt to different design standards, and develop expertise in new areas like space-grade materials and vacuum-compatible systems.
- Рigo's successful partnerships include supplying precision parts for missions by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, with the company producing 27 golden camera housings for the Plato mission.
- With the forecast by investment bank Morgan Stanley predicting that worldwide spending on space will reach one trillion dollars by 2040, initiatives like Baden-Württemberg's THE aerospace LÄND are vital in helping companies and startups tap into the growing space industry, as demonstrated by Rigo's transition from the automotive industry 17 years ago.
