Platform on window, door, frame technology, hardware, roof and facade technology, security
To keep growing, manufacturing companies must continually invest in product and technology, machinery and facilities as well as people. At Gerdes Fenster und Türen, they understand this well. As a long-time Schüco Premuim Partner, the German manufacturer of windows, doors and sliding doors in plastic and aluminum can rely on the innovative products of the window and door specialist, as well as on the many digital solutions, such as the IoF ID. Gerdes itself also continues to invest in the future. For example, the company recently built a new production hall, including offices as well as a canteen. This represents added value for customers and personnel, but is also an additional asset in the recruitment of technically skilled employees.
Gerdes has been a Schüco Premium Partner for decades and knows the features and capabilities of the products inside out. For example, they were the first Schüco partner worldwide to manufacture an electrically driven lift-slide system type LivingSlide. The manufacturer can of course count on direct support from Schüco Germany for innovative product solutions, as well as many additional tools, including a range of digital solutions, which are constantly being developed and expanded.
"One of those recently developed tools is the IoF ID, a small tag that gives each part of the façade its own digital identity and yet has quite an impact for the processor. After all, that ID includes all the information, documents and processes related to the façade, and that remains available throughout the lifetime of each Schüco element," says Anthonius Gabeler, sales and marketing manager Benelux at Gerdes.
"One can also give each facade element a part number this way, so contractors can track where the building element is on schedule. And after installation, they can take photos and link them, which means they already have simple proof available in case of defects. It is ultimately a handy tool, part of Schüco Internet of Facades (IoF), a software that lays the foundation for the digitization of the building envelope."
Gerdes is experiencing tremendous growth. In 2016, there was only one factory and a total of 32 employees. Now there are multiple production facilities in Germany and the company has more than 100 employees. These can use state-of-the-art technology, machines and machining centers. Work preparation for Dutch customers is done in the Oldenzaal office. Recently a new facility was opened next to 'Werk 1' (1000 m²) in Lengerich, good for 3700 m² of production space and another 500 m² of offices and social areas.
"In this new hall, we produce custom plastic frames and doors on three production lines. After all, we want to expand one of the most modern facilities for the production of windows, doors and lift-and-slide doors at this location. Efficiency and productivity will only increase in this way and our customers will fully benefit from this," Gabeler explains.
"Moreover, a lot of attention was paid here to the people on the shop floor. They now have larger workstations, which are also better worked out ergonomically. There is more daylight and the machines ensure that they are more physically relieved. And we integrated a spacious canteen equipped with a terrace with 50 seats and a lounge area. There we serve meals with fresh and healthy ingredients every day."
All these investments have a positive impact on deliveries to customers and the comfort and health of current staff, but should also be an additional asset to attract new people.
"The search for technically skilled personnel remains a challenge. We have employed a colleague since May with Dirk Brinkmann, who is only concerned with recruiting, retaining and developing personnel," concludes Anthonius Gabeler.
"For this, we also look beyond national borders. Technology and machines are important, but our employees are and remain our greatest asset. Without them and their team spirit, we cannot succeed in our objectives and that is just very important to maintain and further strengthen our market position."
