Innovation drive in door land

Customer-oriented, flexible and versatile. These are qualifications that fully apply to Deurenfabriek Van der Plas. Since its start in 1973, the company has grown into a leading manufacturer of wooden exterior doors and windows.

Products that are the result of unparalleled craftsmanship and advanced manufacturing techniques. Regardless of whether they are applied during new construction or renovation projects. All this makes the specialist operating from Hardinxveld-Giessendam an ideal supplier with a great innovative capacity. Duly noted.

Constant innovation: at Deurenfabriek Van der Plas it is a matter of course. This is demonstrated by various initiatives with which the company is currently storming doorland. "First of all, we recently put into operation a fully automated paint shop," says technical manager Matthijs Mulckhuijse. "Within this, two robots ensure that our products are finished and delivered even faster, more efficiently and with consistent quality."

The robots fill in the entire production process themselves, from start to finish. Thus, without any human intervention, they select the necessary recipes and colors and know how long the applied paint must dry. When that last step is completed, the treated products are also automatically forwarded to the assembly line. "The new flagship product allows us to provide products with a three-coat thick curing finish within one day. The two-component final coat used also guarantees a harder, more scratch-resistant end result and minimal moisture penetration."

Nice steps

Van der Plas is also making great strides in other, non-machining areas. In response to the rising demand for plastic window frames, the company developed a new door with a triple gap seal. "This invention not only represents design freedom, the insulation value and airtightness are also at a very high level. Furthermore, there is hardly any shrinkage," Mulckhuijse said.

Almost parallel to the development of the 80-millimeter-thick door, a new renovation concept also saw the light of day. In addition to doors, this also allows windows to be digitally measured. The basis for ultimate customization. "Especially when there are is of runaway rebates or frames that are no longer quite right, it is important to be able to apply the correct dimensions and detailing. And that is possible with this concept, within which, after measuring, the products are digitally milled over so that the window fits completely within the frame," Mulckhu concludesijse.

Service app

Door factory Van der Plas will soon launch a special service app. With this, buyers around product-related complaints are kept tiptop informed about their handling. "After the complaint has been reported, we immediately pass it on to one of our mechanics via the app. The latter then takes immediate action to adequately resolve the problem," Mulckhuijse said.