Pesmel was the natural partner when ADFORS needed to expand their fiberglass roll production line thanks to applicable expertise and customizable packing solutions.
ADFORS, part of the Saint-Gobain group of companies, offers technical textile solutions for construction and industrial customers based on a wide range of technologies. At their factory in Litomyšl in the Czech Republic, fibreglass mat is produced in large rolls. But when it came to expanding their production, ADFORS needed to address some challenges in their processes.
Quality and safety through automation
“We needed to improve our packaging systems when we built a new production line next to the old one,” explains Garry Kitchen, Key Project Leader at Saint-Gobain ADFORS. “Our existing line is semi-automated. In addition, we have a rewinding department which in terms of packaging is a manual operation. We envisioned the possibility of improving efficiency while standardizing packaging in this area. To improve the situation on the new line, we wanted to set up a fully automated packing line that would benefit us in terms of both quality and safety. These were our challenges.”
In Litomyšl, fibreglass mat is produced in large rolls for applications such as wall coverings, insulation, roofing, and LVT flooring. The material is delicate and can easily be damaged on conveyor belts. Any solution had to take this into consideration, requiring in-depth knowledge of the material and production process.
“When we visited trade shows, we realized that nobody could offer us a full turnkey project like Pesmel could,” Kitchen says. “Other companies could do smaller parts of the overall project, but not everything, and it proved impossible to find another company that really understood our business.”
“No other company offered what Pesmel did.”
Garry Kitchen, Saint-Gobain ADFORS
Pesmel’s solution consists of a fully automated handling and packing system with foam and stretch wrapping. Automated plugging and board header inserting functions are also included. The aim was to provide a customized solution to ADFORS’ challenges.
“When we explained what we required, Pesmel not only met our needs but surpassed them by working with us to identify other possible areas of improvement in the system. Cost wasn’t a consideration simply because we couldn’t find a comparable offer that took all our requirements into account,” Kitchen continues.
Discussing solutions in partnership
Not only was Pesmel’s offer comprehensive, but the whole project was easy to implement.
“For me as project manager, it was a really simple cooperation. Pesmel were open to conversation, and even though starting a project like this in the middle of a pandemic probably wasn’t the best timing, communication was easy. We needed a bespoke solution because our products are not standard. I can’t fault Pesmel at all – working with them was a breeze.”
Now that the project is completed, Kitchen is quick to notice resulting benefits.
“One of the biggest advantages now is safety, and another is efficiency. We need less people on the line but we’re packing more rolls per hours that look better and more professional. We can use many different types of packing and they all look great. The system can easily be updated, and our employees feel it’s easy to operate. Also, Pesmel’s aftercare is excellent,” he concludes.
The ADFORS Litomyšl project is a fine example of the cooperative spirit that makes Pesmel automated packing solutions the best on the market.