Gerdes now with even more clout in production

The positive development of recent years gives Gerdes the opportunity to think bigger and further. With a new, added factory in Lengerich, 40 km from the Dutch border, the German frame manufacturer is now setting a new milestone in this development process. And this benefits not only the employees but also the customers.

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. Since 1998, the Lengerich-based manufacturer has not only focused on the German market, but has also manufactured systems for new construction and renovation projects in the Benelux. Meanwhile, more than 80% of the orders come from the Netherlands, and the growing brand awareness ensures a constantly increasing demand from Dutch dealers, processors, architects, project developers, construction companies and construction consulting firms.

New production hall in Lengerich completed

To accommodate steady growth, Gerdes continues to invest continuously in facilities and machinery. Thus, most recently in August 2022, Gerdes inaugurated a new production facility, where custom-made plastic window frames and doors are produced with state-of-the-art machinery. The new hall expands the existing production by 3,700 m². In addition, the new building includes 500 m² of offices and social areas, including a canteen.

High investment in technologies and automation

"With the new building we have the opportunity, not only to increase our production capacity and number of employees, but also to optimally upgrade our production technology," says proxy Peter Simon-Höke. And he emphasizes, "In the future, this location will house one of the most modern window production facilities in Europe. To this end, we have recently invested in forward-looking technologies and automation."

Environmentally friendly and climate efficient construction method

In terms of sustainable construction, the new building is also state-of-the-art. Solar panels on the roof provide the building with green energy, and value was placed on modern rainwater management. In addition, a large charging park for electric vehicles is planned. "Environmental protection is an important issue for us," so Peter Simon-Höke. "In this way, not only our Schüco products are ecologically sustainable, but the entire production process."

Employees and customers benefit from new construction

According to Gerdes, both employees and customers benefit from the new building. The production workers are physically relieved by the new machines and have larger workstations with more daylight. In addition, there is now a canteen with 50 seats, which makes socializing during breaks possible. "But the new building is also an asset for our customers," explains Sales and Marketing Manager Anthonius Gabeler. "We have even more clout in production and can make our processes and production lines even more efficient. The green power also ensures greater independence from the power grid and thus more stable prices," Gabeler concludes.  

No downtime in the future either

And development continues. According to Gerdes, in addition to a new warehouse, a new production hall is planned for the aluminum division. In addition, the company will continue to invest in people. Since May, one employee has been exclusively responsible for recruiting, retaining and developing personnel. In addition, more work is being done to build and expand the employer brand. "We want to create the best prospects and perspectives, not only for our customers, but also for our employees," says Peter Simon-Höke. "This is what we work on every day with great passion and motivation. After all, our employees are our greatest asset!"