In order to secure the business model and the approximately 800 jobs in Hellenthal, we have decided to set the necessary course for our further corporate development. The aim is to achieve higher productivity and profitability. To achieve that, we will invest a three-digit million euro sum in our own competitiveness and future viability over the next 10 years.
The investment program includes the creation of an optimized factory structure while maintaining the technology bundling in the core competencies of welding, drawing and cutting to develop productivity potential. To this end, material and production flows will be optimized, processing times shortened, transport and handling costs reduced, primarily by investing in the automation, standardization and digitization of the machinery. A successive restructuring and modernization of production halls, facilities and infrastructure is therefore planned at the Hellenthal site. The expansion of future viability also includes investments in Schoeller’s climate neutrality in order to be able to make an active contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions. At the same time, we are aiming for a largely self-sufficient energy supply for the plant and thus greater production and supply security.
“With the investment in an efficient, integrated production design, we want to further expand our leading role as a manufacturer of welded and re-drawn stainless steel tubes in premium quality on the European market. To do this, we need the highest level of consulting expertise, customer-centric development work and, above all, more efficient and better processes,” says Frank Poschen (CEO), describing the motives behind the investment program.
Implementation will start in the first quarter of this year with the dismantling of the first systems and the purchase of new laser welding machines and the standardization of existing ones.