TPT January 2012

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12 January 2012 ›
Industry News
SMS Meer, Germany, has announced that it
will invest around €60mn in the expansion of
its Mönchengladbach site by 2015.
“We are increasing productivity, reducing
delivery times and thereby safeguarding
jobs at the site over the long term,” said Dr
Joachim Schönbeck, president and CEO
of the plant construction and mechanical
engineering company, at the symbolic
groundbreaking on 14 July.
The modernisation of the machinery will
reduce unit costswhile shortening lead times.
The expansion of the heavy-equipment bay
will further improve production processes.
“Overall we will be able to improve our
ability to deliver considerably and can offer
our customers an even better service,”
explained Dr Schönbeck.
Extensive training measures and the
modernisation of the workshop will ensure
that staff can operate the machinery perfectly,
right from the outset. While other companies
are shifting production to Asia, SMS Meer
is demonstrating its belief in Germany
as a production location. Dr Schönbeck
commented, “Germany as a location offers
benefits, particularly thanks to our committed,
well-trained employees. If we can retain our
place at the top here, then Germany, too, still
has a good future in front of it as a production
Boosting productivity and delivery times
location.” The investment is not linked to a
reduction in the workforce.
SMS Meer GmbH – Germany
Fax: +49 2161 350 667
Email:
Website:
The symbolic
groundbreaking
ceremony
ROLL-KRAFT is pleased to announce
that Patrick J Hopkins has been selected
to be a part of the Young Professional
Council. This is a group sponsored
by the Fabricators & Manufacturers
Association (FMA). Their mission is to
identify, create, and establish mentoring
and networking opportunities to reach
potential entrepreneurs, business owners,
and those interested in a manufacturing
career.
The group provides speakers for
manufacturing conferences, local schools,
and various other opportunities, to
enumerate the advantages and benefits
of being involved in the manufacturing
community.
Often, the group works directly with
school guidance counselors to answer
questions and challenge America’s youth
to investigate the field of manufacturing.
Their effort is to dispel the old stereotypes
of dirty and dangerous factory workplaces,
and expose them to the updated, modern
factory floor, with automated systems,
and clean working conditions. There are
many advantages in pursuing a career in
manufacturing these days. Roll-Kraft is a
leading producer of tube and pipe tooling
and roll forming tooling. With 48 years of
manufacturing experience, Roll-Kraft is
very dedicated to the efforts of this council.
Roll-Kraft – USA
Website: roll-kraft.com
Roll-Kraft staffer named to Fabricators
and Manufacturers Association
Patrick J Hopkins