Combining the old with the new
It has been quite some time since we’ve carried out an expansion of this scope at our plant in Osterode (Germany). The new production hall at the company’s original location is 66 meters long and 30 meters wide, and it is emblematic of the balancing act that is necessary in many parts of the company: combining the old with the new.
The new manufacturing hall in Osterode
When the plant in Alsfeld was shut down, it was clear that we would be transferring a great deal of machinery to Osterode. However, the existing capacities were insufficient to accommodate both the new machinery planned for Osterode and the old presses to be transferred from Alsfeld. As a result, a decision was quickly made to build a new production hall – known as the “Blue Hall”.
Now, after construction lasting less than a year, the first machines have already entered operation. And they could hardly be more different. On one side, a press produces conventional collar fasteners – large parts that are destined for commercial trucks and utility vehicles from MAN, Daimler, Scania, and Volvo Truck. These are primarily chassis bolts, something that we have been manufacturing for quite some time. And right alongside this production: our brand new AMBA system. This system is producing the products that will safeguard our future: long, thin fasteners – known as KXpanded – destined for electric vehicles and fuel cells (link to KXpanded article). These fasteners are used, for example, to secure batteries in electric vehicles.
The first wire already arrived in the new hall a few weeks ago
"Seeing the new production hall is a great feeling. The people working in Osterode have really earned it.”
Wolfgang Müller, member of the works council in Osterode
Creating new jobs
Nearly 15 people in all will be working in the new hall, a mix of experienced personnel and younger/new employees. They will be operating two Nedschroef presses, the AMBA system, and an SLP-1200 furnace that has been overhauled by a small team from our Tools department. Wolfgang Müller, a member of the works council in Osterode, summed up the importance of this investment for the location quite nicely: “Seeing the new production hall is a great feeling. The people working in Osterode have really earned it.”
According to Plant Manager Wilko Hinrichs-Stark, this positive development seemed extremely unlikely not too long ago due to sharp fluctuations in the overall economic situation: “This new facility is very, very important for Osterode. We’ve accomplished a great deal in recent months. Two years ago, I would never have thought that we would be where we are today.” Our compliments also go out to the employees, who have accomplished a great deal. Now they are faced with the task of combining the old and the new in the Blue Hall – both with regard to the products being produced and the organization of their work.
KXpress
