WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 05/2018 (EN)

Automatic sheet metal storage
system ensures efficient processes
LOGISTICS
Gebr. Blum GmbH, a company that specializes in sheet
metal working and switch cabinet production, decided
to build a new plant in the German town of
Hettenleidelheim in order to create space for future
growth. For this purpose it invested in modern storage
technology. The company now stores sheet metal and
finished parts in a Uniline in-line storage system from
Kasto, saving valuable space. The system ensures safe
and reliable material handling and efficient
provisioning of the connected stamping and laser
cutting machinery.
Hettenleidelheim is located in an idyllic rural setting in the Palatinate
region, just a few miles from the German Wine Route.
Vineyards and castles dominate the scenery. The town has only
about 3,200 inhabitants, but economically it is very well positioned.
One reason is its direct access to the A6 autobahn. Another is the
fact that it is home to a number of long-established, successful
companies. One of these is Gebr. Blum GmbH. Founded in the
1960s, it specializes in sheet metal working and construction of
switch cabinets. Its reputation has spread throughout the region
and beyond. Today Blum supplies a large number of prestigious
customers in areas such as mechanical engineering, systems engineering
and robotics. Its portfolio includes individual parts, small
batches, large batches and complete assemblies.
However, the company’s continuing success created a problem:
As time went by, its existing location no longer offered enough
space. “When the company was founded, our premises were on the
edge of town, but over the years they were increasingly surrounded
by residential areas,” says managing director Jörg Neu, who took
over the company in 2003. “We were completely encircled. Large
trucks were finding it harder and harder to enter and leave. What’s
more, the buildings were showing their age and weren’t high
38 WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 2018