HOMAG received the “Factory of the Year 2019” in the category “Outstanding small batch production”. For the HOMAG in Holzbronn it was the first participation in this industry competition, which is one of the most renowned in Europe. “The fact that we land among the award winners the first time surprised us,” says Florian Kälber, who initiated the competition entry of the HOMAG Holzbronn site. The joy is justified, this shows already a look at the winning companies. The main prize went to Mercedes-AMG, in addition to the HOMAG panel division technology, the other podium finishers include Continental, Brose, Voith and Kärcher. The award ceremony will take place in March 2020.
The history of this HOMAG success began about ten years ago. Even then, a holistic production system was installed in Holzbronn. “In the past three years, we have put all the processes of this production system to the test again, optimized and streamlined,” says Jens Held, site manager of HOMAG Plattenaufteiltechnik in Holzbronn. The focus was on the principles of clocking, flowing and drawing in production in order to design flow assembly for small series. “As a result, we achieved a high degree of agility and flexibility. Our production is so breathable today that we can absorb fluctuations in capacity of up to 30 percent at any time, “says Held.
“We think in change”
Of these, as well as the essential participation of all employees in the change processes, an audit team of A.T. Kearney convinced on the spot during the competition. The audit experts know – just like the jury of the competition, which is composed of well-known experts from industry and science – that lean culture and continuous improvement can not be prescribed, but must be actively practiced by all employees at the respective location. This has been achieved with the HOMAG panel division technology. “We are a team that seeks and shapes change,” says Held. In order to prove this and the effectiveness of the numerous process optimisations, the HOMAG team completed a multi-page questionnaire during the course of the competition. He was evaluated by the jury together with the impressions gained on site.
For good and safe jobs in the region
“We are very pleased that in comparison with the best, we have been voted number 1 in the category of ‘outstanding small batch production’, says Held, emphasizing:” In line with our Swabian mentality, we will only enjoy the award briefly and ourselves get back to work. The analyzes of the jury are a treasure chest for us, from which we draw important impulses. We will use them and exchanges with other competitors to make our plant here in the region efficient and resource efficient: good and safe jobs. ”
