Advanced production plant will build 9000 enclosures daily

4th November 2016

Rittal

Peter Smith

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Rittal is expanding its production capabilities and has begun building what it says will be the World’s most advanced production plant for compact enclosures. It is under construction in Haiger, Germany and completion is scheduled for 2018. Haiger will act as a pilot and model for upgrades at other Rittal sites throughout the world.

According to Rittal, total capital expenditure will amount to 250 million euros, making it the largest single investment in the company’s 55 year history. When complete, the 24000m² Haiger facility will manufacture 9000 enclosures a day from 300 standard types, in accordance with each customer’s specific needs.

Digital technology will play a key role, as will machining and assembly tools from Rittal Automation Systems’ portfolio. Materials will be transported across the plant by means of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), dispensing with human operators. Intelligent systems, with machine-learning abilities will be deployed to continuously increase system availability, and to predictively order spare parts, reducing the likelihood of unplanned downtime due to wear and tear.

There will be corresponding upgrades to two other plants in the region, and the construction of a further plant for large stainless-steel enclosures.

Picture shows: The ceremony to mark the laying of the foundation stone for the facility in Haiger. From right to left: Premier of the State of Hesse, Volker Bouffier; Debora Loh; Dr Friedhelm Loh, owner and CEO of the Friedhelm Loh Group; Wolfgang Schuster, chairman of the local council; Mario Schramm, Mayor of Haiger; Dr Köhler, CEO of Rittal International; and Carsten Röttchen, Executive Vice President, Production