Successful event around manufacturing automation

Klaes has been developing innovative software solutions for the window industry for more than 30 years. An essential factor for success is the unique cooperation with machine builders and suppliers. Joint customers thus benefit from the experience and know-how from very many joint projects. In mid-October, window manufacturers from southwest Germany were able to discover the power of this common knowledge. All suppliers involved in the CNC machine project at Trüb Fensterbau GmbH invited window manufacturers who have plans to invest in automation. During lectures and a company visit, participants received practical knowledge around the automation of the manufacturing industry.

A program of lectures

The event began with lectures by employees of GUTMANN Bausysteme GmbH, Horst Klaes GmbH & Co. KG, Leicht Fenster und Türen GmbH, Michael Weinig AG, Trüb Fensterbau Gmb and Zuani Deutschland GmbH. Due to Corona's own guidelines, representatives of Roto Frank Fenster- und Türentechnologie GmbH were not present, but nevertheless a video of the Roto NX was shown. Consultant Raimund Drißner also took the floor. Special guest was former professional footballer Marco (Toni) Sailer, who is now part of the hk2 GmbH team.

The first speaker was Thorsten Leicht, a customer of Klaes. Using his own company as an example, he explained that a manufacturing company remains a manufacturing company even after automation. At Leicht, production was automated and all business processes are digital with the help of ELO and the Klaes Info-Manager. Achim Binder from Klaes presented this and other Klaes software solutions and outlined the course of a project discussion. Whether it was adjustments in steering or the implementation of the entire software, the same points kept recurring: the possibilities to optimize operation, the speed of implementation and Klaes' extensive experience.

Siegfried Weber (Michael Weinig AG) listed the challenges for window manufacturers, including the production of various systems in small series, high quality and flexibility, high efficiency requirements and punctual production and delivery. As solutions, he spoke of, among other things, investing in modern machinery with digital control, avoiding or reducing set-up times, automating production, reducing the number of employees and performing all operations in-house. Martin Rauscher of Zuani Deutschland GmbH, a tool manufacturer and supplier to the producers of wooden windows, impressively demonstrated the extensive tasks and services: modern geometries, machine parameters and tooling requirements based on the Trüb project example. 

Former professional footballer Marco (Toni) Sailer, who today specializes, among other things, in company pension plans, together with his colleague Daniel Röber of hk2 GmbH looked at the growing shortage of skilled workers: employee turnover, staffing needs and control tools. Manufacturing companies in particular need meaningful and affordable incentives to compete with other companies.

Company visit

Host Klaus Trüb elaborated on his own project as an introduction to a company visit after lunch. All the theoretical information from the lectures could thus be tested in practice. Individual questions were answered during or after the tour. The joint planning led by Jens Johanni (Klaes Sales South) and the support by Leicht made this event possible despite the current situation with Covid-19. The very positive feedback from the participants confirmed that the choice for a small-scale event was right and meant an incentive to organize more of these activities.