The KHS Group has modernised its production headquarters in Dortmund, Germany following a total investment of €20 million.
According to KHS, the automation and digitalisation of its production processes were essential in strengthening its position as a provider of filling and packaging systems for the beverage industry.
In a series of measures underway since 2015, KHS has built a new 4,300 square-metres production shop and fully renovated another.
KHS plant manager Joachim Konrad said: “As a company active worldwide we find ourselves in a competitive situation and want to carry on manufacturing in Germany. We’ve therefore further digitalised and automated our infrastructure and processes in production.”
The new shop now enables the relevant technology for container and pack conveyors to be merged and order processing to become more efficient.
As part of a €6 million project, KHS has also modernised one of the oldest production buildings on the company premises. The company has optimised its sheet metal manufacturing department by incorporating new technology that includes a more efficient fibre laser, a combining punching/laser machine and a larger sheet metal warehouse.
By extending the Dortmund production area and renewing the machine park, KHS said production sequences have been considerably simplified.
With the renewal of the factory canteen and various office complexes, local employees will also reportedly benefit from the site’s modernisation.
Konrad added: “We cater for the huge individualism of each customer with our cleverly compiled, standardised product modules that allow systems to be designed and constructed in automated processes.
“The Dortmund plant is extremely important to the KHS Group, also because of its standing as our international company headquarters. With our investments we’re making it fit for the future. This sends out a strong signal to the regional economy.”
