Milwaukee-based Gardner Denver Inc. is building what it calls a global center of excellence for screw compressors in Simmern, Germany. The $11.3 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
Currently, the Simmern plant is used for production of its CompAir and Gardner Denver compressors.
Gardner Denver is a manufacturer of industrial compressors, blowers, pumps, loading arms and fuel systems. It consists of an Industrials Group in Milwaukee, an Energy Group in Houston and a Medical Group in Munich, Germany.
Intended to meet growing demand and to increase plant productivity, the center of excellence will cover the development of oil-lubricated, oil-free portable screw compressors, as well as their manufacture and assembly. Approximately $11.3 million, or 10 million euros, are being invested to install new machines, optimize processes and implement modern assembly and logistic concepts.
In addition, the oil-lubricated screw compressor series with drive powers of 7.5 and 11 kW that was previously manufactured at the company’s Italian plant will now be produced in Simmern.
“We want to focus on our customers and their needs and requirements. Therefore we see a huge amount of potential in creating a centre of excellence in Simmern,” said Henrik Akerson, a vice president of operations. “The majority of the investment has gone towards new machinery for compressor production, which allows us to increase our precision, capacity and flexibility. In addition, the existing assembly concepts of stationary systems will be converted into a continuous flow production system, which will increase productivity and reduce time and costs.”
“The growing convergence of design and construction skills is a key factor when it comes to the future provision of innovative and highly efficient screw compressor systems,” added Andreas Goerges, head of development.
A Gardner Denver spokesperson was unavailable for further comment.
Gardner Denver is a Fortune 1000 company with annual revenue of $2.5 billion and approximately 7,000 employees in 35 countries.
