New factory for German window frame manufacturer

Employees and customers benefit from this new building

Gerdes Fenster und Türen has been a Schüco Premuim Partner for decades. Since the end of the last century, the German manufacturer has also been manufacturing systems for new construction and renovation projects in the Benelux countries, where more than 80% of its products now find their application. Thanks to the positive developments of recent years, the company can now note a new milestone in its history. In Lengerich, 40 km from the Dutch border, a third factory with a 3,700 m² production hall with modern machinery and 500 m² of offices and social areas was put into operation. This immediately means an extra boost for the employees, but also an extra asset for the customers.

New production hall completed

For 45 years, Gerdes, also called "Gerdes Kozijnen" in the Netherlands, has been a renowned manufacturer of Schüco frames, doors and sliding doors in plastic for projects in Germany. In recent decades, however, a lot has happened. For example, the manufacturer established a solid reputation in the Netherlands and it was decided to produce aluminum systems in addition to plastic. To cope with the steady growth, the company continues to invest continuously in facilities, machinery and people. In 2016, there was only one plant with a total of 32 employees. Meanwhile, they total more than 100 employees and have multiple production facilities with state-of-the-art machinery and machining centers. In Oldenzaal there is a work preparation facility for the Dutch customers. 

"At the beginning of August we commissioned another new production hall next to 'Work 1' (1000 m²) in Lengerich, where custom-made plastic window frames and doors are produced. This new hall includes a production area of 3700 m², where we realized two production lines with existing sawing machines, machining centers, double HVL machines and welding lines, and also purchased new machining centers for the construction of an additional third production line. These new machines allow our employees to be more physically relieved and thus enjoy their work even more. They will also have larger workstations with more daylight. In addition, the new building includes 500 m² of offices and social areas, including a canteen with 50 seats equipped with a terrace and a lounge area," says sales and marketing manager Anthonius Gabeler.  

"In addition to our employees, customers benefit from this investment. We will now have even more clout on the shop floor and will be able to make our processes even more efficient, increasing productivity even more."

Attraction pool for new employees

Gerdes wants to expand one of the most modern facilities for the production of windows, doors and lift-slide doors at this location. Thus a smooth circulation was considered. The building is located between two streets. Gerdes' own trucks enter from one street with empty bucks and along the other street the full trucks leave for the customers. Schüco and other suppliers drive in along the same route with their full trucks to unload their trailers and semi-trailers empty. 

Investments were also made in future-oriented technologies and automation. This gas-free new building with super-insulated walls and floors is also very sustainable. Solar panels on the roof provide the building with green energy and attention was also paid to modern rainwater management. 

In addition, a large charging park for electric vehicles is planned. "With this, our plans are not yet fully realized. After all, in addition to the new production hall for the aluminum division, a new warehouse still needs to be built," Gabeler points out. 

"All these investments should be an additional asset to attract new people. Since May, one employee has been exclusively responsible for recruiting, retaining and developing personnel. We are also looking beyond national borders for this purpose, because in addition to local people, an Iranian and a Ukrainian have recently joined our team. Our employees are and will continue to be our greatest asset."