Thanks to its agile project management, IMO Oberflächentechnik GmbH was able to put a state-of-the-art new system for strip electroplating into operation after just nine months of project time. Two further systems will complete the partially renovated Hall 1 in the foreseeable future.
From left to right: Armin Müller (Member of the Management Board), Markus Klingenberg (Head of R&D), Thomas P. Henle (Managing Director) and Bernd Müller (Managing Director)"We are delighted that we have now been able to commission the A135, the first of three newly planned systems in Königsbach-Stein," explains IMO Managing Director Bernd Müller. "We had the foresight to start renewing the hall floor and preparing the hall technology for a new generation of systems at a time when order intake was low." In general, the wastewater sub-streams in Hall 1 were reinstalled and divided up. This allows the recyclable materials/metals to be treated and recycled in an even better and more environmentally friendly way.
The new plant is an enrichment for the IMO plant park. It can be operated at high speeds and can apply nickel, tin and silver coatings. Thanks to its low-pressure blow-off system, the A135 is particularly energy-saving and energy-efficient. The ultra-modern system also has an electrolyte heating system, which is operated using hot water instead of electricity, thus eliminating the risk of fire. Downtimes are also minimized as maintenance is automated and carried out at the touch of a button. Markus Klingenberg, Head of Research + Development at IMO and also project manager of the A 135, is proud that the new conveyor system was commissioned on time and on budget despite the difficult supply situation: "I would like to thank all colleagues involved for the well-functioning agile project management, which laid the foundation for the successful implementation with weekly meetings of the core team and topic-related participation of the extended team. This enabled any difficulties to be identified and resolved at an early stage."
A further plant A125 is being built and is scheduled for completion in mid-2022. Plant A115 is also being planned and is due to go into operation at the beginning of 2023. The three new plants will then be located next to two existing plants.
