KraussMaffei Group GmbH is continuing its work to restructure its European operations, with an extrusion metalworking plant set to open in July and construction underway at a new technical center in Laatzen, Germany.
KraussMaffei announced its was strengthening its "Made in Germany" commitment in 2019, with the construction of two new production plants.
The company also said it is taking steps to restructure itself into a more flexible organization able to respond nimbly and fast to changes and requirements of the markets it serves.
One of those previously announced projects was KraussMaffei Extrusion's plans to build a new plant at Laatzen, on the outskirts of Hannover, including a state-of-the-art TechCenter, production and office facilities, that will provide space for up to 750 employees.
Clustering all extrusion activities at one site will enhance the efficiency of the division, all the more so because at the newly built facility, the principles of Industry 4.0 are being consistently implemented throughout.
At Laatzen, KraussMaffei said it is realizing a smart factory with continuously networked production and data processing in real time, visualized processes and data evaluation. In addition, the plant will be equipped with ultra-modern machine tools, which will also reduce the throughput times in manufacturing extrusion components.
When completed, the TechCenter will house more than 20 machines ranging from a small laboratory system through a full-size production machine. At the center, technology will be specifically developed aimed at processing plastic waste into create new materials. Completion of the new factory is scheduled for 2022.
KM subsidiary Burgsmüller GmbH is building its new facility in Einbeck, Germany, not far from its current location in Kreiensen, where some 125 will be employed. The focus there will be on the production of wear parts for plastics processing machinery.
The company says parts built there will be globally competitive.
The factory will open July 8. KraussMaffei will host customer events on July 8 at Einbeck and July 9 at Hanover to show developments in plastics recycling.