UPDATED: Wittmann adds metal forming in Vienna to support dryer, loader production

Wittmann Kunststoffgeräte GmbH has added sheet metal forming at its Vienna headquarters, specifically capacity to fabricate round stainless steel components for products including its Feedmax conveying units and Silmax drying hoppers. The company sited "rapid sales growth" in materials drying and conveying equipment as the impetus for establishing its third sheet metal forming department.

Prior to this investment, Wittmann's Austrian operations purchased some of the components internally, via other Wittmann production centers, but the largest share came from outside vendors, Wittmann's Bernhard Grabner told PlasticsToday.

The 1500-sq-m space includes a 2.5-kW laser cutting machine capable of dealing with stainless steel at widths up to 8 mm. Furthermore, trimming presses, round bending, and longitudinal welding machines, as well as some other processing equipment, are also on hand. Grabner said Wittmann Austria invested more than Euro 2 million in the expansion, adding staff as well as equipment.

"Our material handling department is growing significantly with big potential for future growth," Grabner said. "We see the opportunity for our company to grow faster by shortening delivery times and being able to adapt products faster to individual demands."

The equipment allows the Vienna plant to fabricate sheet metal parts for the B100, B200, B300 and B400 Feedmax loader series, as well as hopper loaders for the Drymax compact dryers series. The Wittmann Group has seven production facilities and 20 branch offices in all major plastics markets in the world.

Wittmann Vienna sheet metal forming