Production Starts at Krampe’s New Manufacturing Facility State-of-the-Art Production Technology Goes into Operation
With the completion of its new production halls, covering a total area of 7,600 m², Krampe has reached another important milestone in the expansion of its production site in Coesfeld. After approximately 16 months of construction, the project was completed on schedule at the end of May. Since then, the commissioning of the machines and equipment has been underway, along with the gradual start-up of production. Over the coming weeks, series production of the new FlexBody three-way tippers, Radium silage transport trailers, and components for Krampe’s established product lines will commence.
“The commissioning of the new production halls mark an important step in the continued development of our company. I am especially happy that we were able to keep to our ambitious schedule and can now ramp up production of FlexBody and Radium,” says Managing Director Robin Krampe.
The new TruLaser Center 7030 flatbed laser system is already producing its first components. The fully automated machine performs laser cutting of sheet metal parts and enables largely unattended production. It is complemented by an automated STOPA storage system providing an additional 450 storage spaces. The high-bay warehouse stores large-format raw sheets and cut parts, supplying the connected machines with material as required. This also includes the existing BendCell 5000, an automated robotic press brake cell for the precise processing of laser-cut sheet metal components.
At the same time, additional production systems are being commissioned step by step. A new laser welding system is currently carrying out its first welding trials to determine optimal welding parameters. It enables highly precise joining of components at welding speeds of approximately 3.8 m/min. In addition, an existing robotic welding cell for component production has been relocated to the new facility and is already manufacturing welded assemblies for series production.
Another robotic welding system is being used for the pre-production of components for the new FlexBody and Radium product lines. The first Radium crossbeams for the trailer floor assemblies are already being manufactured in series. A further milestone will follow shortly, when a 30-metre robotic shuttle welding system will go into operation, producing tilting platforms and chassis for the new FlexBody three-way tippers.
The surface treatment area is also being expanded. In addition to a mesh belt shot blasting machine for larger components, a tumble blast machine has been installed to prepare smaller parts for further processing. The existing continuous shot blasting system is being upgraded with an in-house developed robotic automation system to reduce repetitive and physically demanding tasks for employees.
“The new production halls combine state-of-the-art laser, welding and storage technology with our high level of in-house manufacturing expertise. This creates the foundation for maintaining the flexibility, efficiency and premium quality that Krampe is known for,” explains Robin Krampe.
At the start of production, Krampe is operating the new facility with a team of experienced employees and newly recruited colleagues. The team in the new production halls will be expanded step by step over the coming months in line with increasing production volumes.
The new building also sets new standards in sustainability and working conditions. A photovoltaic system is being installed on the roofs of the new production halls to cover a significant share of the site's electricity demand. This will increase the company's total installed photovoltaic capacity at the Coesfeld site to 1.6 megawatts.
At the same time, employees benefit from state-of-the-art working conditions. A hall air purification system provides 100% fresh-air, which is efficiently heated in winter using district heating supplied by a neighbouring biogas plant. During the summer, the entire building complex is air-conditioned using renewable energy through an innovative absorption cooling system. Sound-absorbing ceiling elements create a pleasant working environment, while generous skylights provide abundant natural daylight. An architecturally attractive laminated timber structure completes the modern and sustainable design of the new production halls.
With its expanded production capacity, Krampe has created the conditions for the serial production of the FlexBody and Radium product lines while reaffirming its long-term commitment to the Coesfeld production site.
“This project is the result of a tremendous team effort. Within a very short period, we have created a highly modern production facility that not only provides space for new products but also offers attractive opportunities for new colleagues joining our Coesfeld site,” Robin Krampe concludes.
More images
