Our two new presses are currently sailing from Taiwan to Rotterdam, with an ETA at the end of September. In order to install our two new presses, significant modifications are required in the factory. We are relocating a production line, constructing an extra-strong foundation, and much more.
Off to Taiwan
Before the presses were shipped, our director Wouter and our Operations Manager Jelmer flew to the PanStone factory in Taiwan to test the presses and approve them after a few adjustments.
The trip to the PanStone location in Taiwan got off to an exciting start: a typhoon warning. During the stopover in Shanghai, with a small detour through customs and extra passport stamps, the typhoon fortunately disappeared from the route. Wouter and Jelmer landed in Taipei without turbulence. The rainy season was in full swing and, with temperatures of 34 degrees and high humidity, they travelled to the hotel in a minibus. What a day of travelling!
The next day was the day it was all about: measuring, testing and admiring the presses. Two beautiful machines that will soon be producing even more beautiful rubber products. After a day of testing, adjusting and more testing, the presses were approved. The next day, the checks were done, agreements were made about transport and the paperwork was sorted out. The presses were then dismantled and packed so that they would fit neatly through the “door” upon arrival in Lelystad.
Before heading home, Wouter and Jelmer had a few hours to spare, so they paid a quick visit to Taipei 101 Tower. At 508 metres and 101 floors, this tower was once the tallest building in the world. On the 89th floor, at a height of 388 metres, they enjoyed a magnificent view of the capital. The tower can be seen in the photo above this post.
Meanwhile in Lelystad
To make room for the two presses in the factory…
… the entire department where we rubberise manhole covers and rims for TBS has been relocated.
… the space where the dispatch department used to be has been transformed into a production hall. All parts of the production line have been relocated, and the first manhole covers and rims are already rolling off the presses.
… the foundations have been modified at the location where the two new presses will be installed. Sawing, welding and pouring concrete: that does the trick.
The presses are currently being shipped from Taiwan to the Netherlands on the ONE Innovation (the third largest cargo ship in the world). For those who enjoy this kind of information, you can follow the ship and read facts about it via Vesselfinder.
When the presses arrive in Lelystad, Jan van Dam’s team will be ready to install them. PanStone will then take care of the complete connection and commissioning. Next, the firm ABUS will install a new overhead crane.
And then the time will finally have come: production on the two newest presses!
