Production hall with record dimensions - groundbreaking in Netphen!
In December, we broke ground for the new construction of our EVERDRY adsorption dryer production facility. Therefore we spoke to our colleagues and project managers Stefan Müther and Jürgen Huetter to find out:
- Which products are manufactured in Netphen
- Why a larger manufacturing site is urgently needed
- Why the decision was once again made in favor of the Siegerland site in Germany
- What special challenges have to be mastered in the new construction process
Have fun reading!
Stefan, Jürgen - thank you very much for taking the time! One question in advance: Where exactly is Netphen?
Netphen is a German town in the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein, a strong business location and belongs to the industrial region of Siegerland with its many industrially influenced companies. In this economic region, metal container construction has a tradition that goes back to the 19th century and thus to the time of the industrial revolution. One reason for this was the many iron and zinc deposits in the region. Thus, over the course of time, a large body of knowledge related to metal processing and container construction developed here. In recent years, this industry has been increasingly supplemented by modern and innovative technologies and is still an important and promising branch of industry today.
Which products does BEKO TECHNOLOGIES manufacture in Netphen?
All products for which welded components are required come from our Netphen plant. These include first and foremost the EVERDRY heat-regenerating adsorption dryers, which we are producing in ever greater numbers. Other products include the CLEARPOINT filters and water separators with flanged connections, our CLEARPOINT V activated carbon adsorbers, and our latest product line, the EVERDRY PCU pre-cooling units.
All products, whether "large caliber" or sometimes a little smaller, are manufactured by our team with great craftsmanship and a lot of heart and soul.
Of course, we also keep an eye on the necessary maintenance and servicing. From the Netphen plant, we not only supply our customers with replacement fillings for adsorption dryers and activated carbon adsorbers, but also ship spare parts all over the world.
Why the new building now?
It has been clear to us for a long time that we would need a more modern and larger production hall in the future to be able to handle further growth. In the past, we were able to enjoy continuous, organic growth in all product areas. Through ongoing efficiency improvements, warehouse optimization and lean production approaches, we have made the most of our current production space.
We see the greatest growth, currently and in the future, in energetically highly efficient adsorption dryers. The high energy prices make the investment in an EVERDRY adsorption dryer more worthwhile than ever. Another aspect of our success is EVERDRY for drying and processing CO2. These systems are indispensable components in biogas plants or breweries. With new and innovative processes, BEKO TECHNOLOGIES has become a "hidden champion" in this area as well. All these points make an expansion of the production and logistics areas absolutely necessary.
Why did you choose the location in Netphen again?
We have been manufacturing in Netphen since 2006 and currently employ 11 people here.
For the new building, we also looked at alternative locations in other regions, although relocation abroad was never an issue for BEKO TECHNOLOGIES. Proximity to our engineering department and to our customers was important to us. But the domestic options could not convince us either. We are staying in Netphen because we have a well-established team here with motivated and qualified colleagues who will remain loyal to us at the new location. The excellent local infrastructure with tank manufacturers and other suppliers is also a strong argument in favor of Netphen.
However, the search for a suitable site was not without problems. We examined many different options. Existing properties and land were evaluated according to criteria such as transport connections, energy costs, space reserves, availability of suppliers and accessibility for our employees.
Taking all criteria into account, the construction of a new and modern production facility was finally the best solution for us. We will construct a highly energy-efficient building on a site that offers sufficient reserve space for future growth.
Do you have any more facts about the new building for us?
- Groundbreaking December 2022
- Designed for 30 employees
- Start of building construction at the beginning of April 2023
- Handover planned for early 2024
- Production hall with almost 5000 sqm production area on 160m length
- 5 overhead cranes and other cranes close to the workplace
- Technical building with compressed air generation and treatment
- Photovoltaic modules on the hall roof for CO2 -free power generation
- Showroom with many products from BEKO TECHNOLOGIES
- Office building with training rooms
What special challenges are there in the course of the construction work?
The special topography of the site presents us with major challenges. The slope makes it necessary to level the building site in order to obtain a reasonably usable area.
Specifically, this means:
- A 23,000 sqm area needs to be regulated.
- Around 40,000 cubic meters of soil must be moved and reapplied in other places.
What opportunities do you want to take advantage of with the new building, is there anything that will be different?
Above all, the new site will offer us optimal conditions for producing our products effectively and sustainably. Our customers will benefit from higher capacities with shorter delivery times at the same time.
