Despite the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the global market, the Swiss-based Oerlikon Group investments are continuing. The group has made important openings for the manmade fibre business segment in Germany and China, to strengthen itself in both production and marketing processes.
Oerlikon Group investments continue despite pandemic: new logistics centre for the Manmade Fibres segment
The Oerlikon Group has made an important investment for the Manmade Fibres segment in Neumünster, Germany. In order to further optimize the material provision for the Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven business units and to strengthen internal processes, the Group decided last year to invest in a state-of-the-art logistics centre with a new lift centre.
With its construction completed, this centre started working quickly. This is tremendously helpful for speeding up the processing of the numerous orders for meltblown systems for manufacturing high-quality nonwovens for protective masks and apparel that Oerlikon Nonwoven has received over the past months alone.
This investment made by Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven in a new logistics centre will be very beneficial. In the first week after the centre has come into operation, the processing speed achieved while producing new systems for the benefit of customers is the result of optimized processes and material usage. Oerlikon’s paternoster warehouse was too small for new projects, beyond just continuing with repairs after 25 years. Approximately 12,000 pieces could be stored in this 90 m² area. In turn, the new logistics centre now offers more than 250 m² of storage space, where more than 25,000 pieces can fit. In this way, there is now room for all the small parts that have to be stored on high shelves due to lack of space. With its new logistics centre, Oerlikon also introduced new digital processes that will help cope with increasing production volumes.
Oerlikon Neumag’s new technology centre counts days for operation
The construction of the new technology centre, in which Oerlikon Neumag did break ground in Neumünster at the beginning of February, was also completed. Despite the difficulties made by the coronavirus crisis, a high level of participation was provided to the ceremony, which was completed in accordance with the plan. Oerlikon Neumag facility manager Matthias Pilz underlined the success of the construction process and announced that they were eagerly awaiting the transition to the new centre at the beginning of 2021. There is more work to be done before the start of the activity. After the 2100 m2 facility is completed in autumn this year, new laboratory facilities will be established and commissioned. From now on, R&D studies and customer trials can begin here.
The new building, which has a two-digit million investment volume, documents the Oerlikon Group’s clear commitment to future research and development.
Construction of Oerlikon Barmag’s new pump production building has been completed
The construction of the new pump production building, at which Oerlikon Barmag laid its foundation in Remscheid Lennep at the end of February, has been completed. Despite the corona crisis, the construction progressed in accordance with the planned schedule. Starting in December 2020; the high-tech spinning, feed and metering pumps will then be manufactured and tested in the new hall. For this purpose, around 80 employees; from the incoming goods, logistics and prefabrication departments; will move into the new building with 40 machine tools. With this investment in the future; Oerlikon Barmag is setting new standards in the areas of profitability, process stability and logistics in pump construction.
Klaus Lorenz, Head of Oerlikon Barmag pump construction; at the topping-out ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2020; in Remscheid Lennep, said; “We are proud that the construction project is still fully on time schedule; and that we look forward very positively to commissioning at the end of the year. The expansion of our production for pump construction will not only secure the future of the site and jobs for around 150 employees; but will also help us to achieve our growth targets in the pump construction sector”.
Oerlikon is now closer to Chinese customers
Oerlikon Group Manmade Fibres Segment moved to its new office; after more than eight years at the Intercontinental Business Centre on Yutong Road in Shanghai, China. The new sales and service office is located near the international airport and Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC). Oerlikon’s business activities in China focus on Manmade Fibres Segment, Surface Solutions and Additive Manufacturing.
Intense city traffic, which is important in terms of logistics; was effective in the transition from Yutong Road to the new address in Zunyi Road. Oerlikon China President Wang Jun said; “Now we are closer to our customers”.