If you want to be future-proof you need to automate

Christian Post is responsible for the nationwide production operations that are essential to HANSA‑FLEX's ability not only to supply the market with the products that customers need, but also to offer the solutions that make our company so successful as a systems provider.

We have to respond to dynamic market changes faster and more flexibly, because our customers are faced with the same challenge. Our customers want to receive the first prototype of the pipeline or special fitting they need without delay and, of course, for series production with the relevant material to start as quickly as possible. They are looking for a high level of repeatability and a cost-effective product. It’s our job to make this possible for them. That's why the biggest challenge for me in the production field is to produce even more intelligently by the automation of recurring tasks and the production of high volumes.

We have to invest in automation in order to be future-proof. The aim is always to increase flexibility in order to be more resistant to volatile market conditions, and automation plays a key role in this. But of course, that isn’t a new insight for us. For example, we invested in robotics for the series production of hose lines in Bremen at a very early stage. Innovation is simply part of our DNA: we have the inner drive to optimise all our processes for the greatest possible customer benefit. This applies to all production areas.

Yes, we have also invested in robotics here. There continues to be a shortage of skilled workers in all areas of production, including welding, so we simply have no choice but to use automated manufacturing processes. Due to the complex applications for our metal hose lines, the necessary special designs for the automatic welding systems were very challenging for the suppliers of the machinery. In order to ensure that the required quantities would be produced in the specified time and quality, it took time to complete the prototyping, test phases and configuration, as well as the final approval according to our specifications and requirements. But the effort was worth it, because if necessary we can now also produce without personnel during night shifts in this area.

We have not lost any employees at any of the workstations that have now been automated. On the contrary, we have provided further training for the existing skilled workers to enable them to supervise the automatic processes. While the robots are then doing the repetitive tasks, our employees can turn to the tasks that require human judgement, such as special welding jobs. We are therefore developing employees for more demanding tasks and in this way securing jobs.

Our customers are currently ramping up their prototype production for the BAUMA fair, and of course they need material for this, which is why we are currently experiencing an increased volume of prototype parts. However, even apart from the trade fair, the construction machinery industry is demanding and fast-growing, so it is important for us to be innovative with our products and to continue developing new ideas together with our customers. 

On the one hand, the know-how and experience gained from over 60 years in hydraulics. On the other hand, the fact that we have our own design engineers and production facilities. This enables us to react very flexibly to customer requirements, adapting components and also producing them as special designs or on a large scale. Many customers are now focusing on their core business and outsourcing everything else. As system providers in the field of fluid technology, we can offer a wide range of products and services, and basically provide everything from a single source. In addition, attractive solutions such as EDI interfaces, ready-to-assemble kits or in-line delivery are available to actively support the customer's supply chain.

With our X-CODE labelling system, for example. The X-CODE enables every individual hose line to be clearly identified. So it doesn't matter where in the world the hose line was produced or installed. Each branch can see exactly what components have been fitted and quickly arrange for the right replacements. All HANSA‑FLEX branches use standardised CAD programmes and SAP, so that customers who manufacture in Germany and then market their machines or systems globally, for example, can also access our expertise and services abroad.