Maas-Jacobs, a company with a strong reputation in the Dutch construction industry and in the production of window frames, recently successfully integrated a new logistics solution into its production environment. For this, they called on German machine builder Stürtz Maschinenbau GmbH. It was quite a challenge to combine machines from different manufacturers into one. However, thanks to close consultation with the customer, good planning and a flexible concept, they were able to bring this project to a successful conclusion without any problems.
Maas-Jacobs was founded more than 45 years ago and has since developed into a versatile company with more than 200 employees. In addition to being a construction company and project developer, this company is also a valued manufacturer of high-quality plastic window frames. Meanwhile, the management continues to invest heavily in the optimization of the working environment. Recently, a new milestone in the success story was reached under the project management of Erik Bosters, namely the installation of an innovative logistics solution. This realization by Stürtz Maschinenbau provided a marked increase in efficiency on the shop floor right from the start.
"This was certainly not an easy task. Integrating machines from different manufacturers into one overall solution is often a complex challenge. To bring it to fruition, in-depth know-how and careful planning are crucial. After all, the diversity in technological standards, interfaces and software protocols between different machines can make seamless integration difficult," explains Marcel Boender, technical consultant at Stürtz. "We had to develop a well thought-out concept here that ensured that the logistics could be smoothly connected to the existing machines, regardless of brand. Despite the high degree of complexity and technical uncertainties, we managed to overcome all challenges and provide the customer with an optimal solution. Without careful planning and a flexible concept, we would never have succeeded."
Thus, after the welding process, a distribution table was first installed for selectively sorting oversized windows and doors. After all, these require further processing and thus do not fit directly into the logistics system. The interface with this welding device required precise communication to control external components correctly. A precise analysis of size and weight was necessary for the successful transfer of information and the realization of innovative solutions for the insertion or further processing of special elements.
"At the same time, the accepted elements were seamlessly integrated into the logistics solution," the technical consultant continues. "This consists of 70 buffer bays over 30 meters with four double conveyors and is optimally designed for the subsequent assembly of frames and sashes on external assembly tables."
Working out an optimal solution was a challenge, but its integration also had to be well thought out and discussed in advance. "Production at Maas-Jacobs continued to run without interruption and was allowed to experience as little disruption as possible," Marcel Boender concludes. "Through close consultation with the customer and careful planning, we were also able to complete the project in this area without any problems. The software and electrical system were integrated in such a way that Maas-Jacobs can continue to live up to its position as a versatile provider of all-round carefree solutions in window frame construction."
Hall 3a booth 223