HERMA has now created the conditions required for a considerable increase in the production volume of label applicators at their Deizisau location. “We have inaugurated a production line with a brand-new design, and are therefore now able to almost double our capacities if required”, said Martin Kühl, head of the Labelling Machines division. “This enables us to fulfil the sharply rising demand from customers without making any structural changes to our buildings before our move to Filderstadt in 2019.” In addition to increased capacities, HERMA also aimed at further optimization of efficiency and quality processes. “With regard to that, HERMA is once again sure to set new standards in our field”, said Kühl. This likely also applies to production figures: in the course of the last year, more than 3,000 HERMA 400 and HERMA basic applicators left the production facilities for the first time.
Workstations for top quality
There are firm plans for further growth:”The new production line has a very flexible design, which allows us to double-staff workstations during times with a high workload in order to increase production.” For that purpose, the synchronized assembly line which used to be arranged in a semi-circle has now been re-designed as a linear assembly line. “This makes it much easier and faster to manoeuvre especially large modules”, explains Giancarlo Lipari, who is responsible for HERMA’s new line and played an important role in its development. On top of that, the height of all workstations can now be freely adjusted electronically by each individual employee for the first time. “The tasks involved in production require the utmost precision and quality. The fact that workers can now adjust their stations exactly according to their requirements has been proven to improve concentration”, says Lipari. Moreover, state-of-the-art LED technology provides daylight-like, fatigue-reducing lighting and prevents disruptive heating from above.
Integrated high-voltage test
The new station for high-voltage tests is a special highlight. Unique in this form, the high-voltage test station was built exactly according to HERMA’s specifications. “Since the test station is directly integrated into the assembly line, applicator modules can simply pass through it on their mounting frame”, explains Lipari. “Previously, the modules had to be lifted onto special testing tables which were not part of the assembly line.” The packaging of the applicators is now also integrated into the assembly line. “This results in the shortest possible production route – from the assembly of the drive unit to applicators that are ready for shipment. We thereby underpin our goal of being a leader in the field of process and manufacturing excellence”, says Kühl, summing up the new possibilities.
