After two years of construction, KraussMaffei receives the keys for the new site in Laatzen near Hanover from project developer VGP. Covering an area of around 97,000 m², the new plant offers space for up to 750 workplaces for the production of extrusion systems and recycling equipment for the plastics and rubber processing industries.
Dr. Michael Ruf, KraussMaffei’s CEO, says he is thrilled that „with the commissioning of this ultra-modern site now underway, we are opening a new chapter in the 184-year history of KraussMaffei. In our new extrusion and recycling technology center, we are placing an even stronger focus on circular economy. This means that in Laatzen we are going to develop new solutions to make recycling processes even more efficient and thus more attractive. For example, we are going to work on a variety of digital products designed to optimize the energy efficiency of our customers' machine utilization,” Ruf continues.
Relocation started in July and is expected to be completed by December. During the entire relocation period, production is continued.
Jan Van Geet, CEO of the VGP Group emphasizes: “After the sites in Einbeck near Göttingen and Parsdorf near Munich, the new plant in Laatzen is the third project for which KraussMaffei has partnered with VGP to benefit from our experience and expertise. And we are very pleased about this. It makes us proud to be part of the largest investment and modernization program in the history of this traditional company, but at the same time our involvement is also a mission and commitment for us. We support KraussMaffei in implementing their vision of a ‘new KraussMaffei’, but at the same time we use our technical expertise to live our own vision of ‘improving building design for a sustainable future’.
The Smart Factory established in Laatzen impresses with consistently networked production, data processing in real time, process visualization and data evaluation. The use of state-of-the-art machine tools significantly increases efficiency in production. Manufacturing times for extrusion components are simultaneously reduced, so that customers will benefit from shorter delivery times. “In the new Laatzen plant, all extrusion technologies – from pipe and profile extrusion through sheet and flat film extrusion to rubber and foam extrusion – as well as compounding and recycling technologies are combined at a single location,” explains Dieter Thewes, CEO of KraussMaffei Extrusion GmbH, emphasizing the benefits of the new site.
