Bigger, brighter, faster
Implenia’s new production facility in Rümlang fully showcases the advantages of modern timber construction: planning, material delivery, fabrication, and shipment of the finished elements are optimally coordinated in terms of space. State-of-the-art technologies are used in production, and the entire process chain is digitally networked.
Three projects in parallel
The tall, light-filled building is divided into two logistics halls and three production halls. This allows work to proceed on three projects simultaneously or to tackle a complex project with many different elements in parallel.
No Torsion Thanks to Rotating Tables
Seven overhead cranes, capable of handling loads up to 5,000 kilograms, and six jib cranes, capable of handling loads up to 1,600 kilograms, ensure rapid transport between the individual work steps. The elements are produced on a total of eight large assembly tables. Two of these are so-called turning tables, which can rotate wooden components up to 14 meters long on their own. This prevents any torsion from occurring within the element. This infrastructure reduces the physical strain on employees to a minimum.
3D Visualization During Assembly
Productivity is further enhanced by the seamless digitization of processes from planning all the way to the construction site. Each assembly workstation is now equipped with a computer. This computer displays work plans and 3D visualizations that show every detail. “This allows many production-related questions to be answered right at the workstation,” explains Production Manager Silvio Neumann. Furthermore, digital connectivity supports quality management: one always knows who produced what, when, and how.
Short distances, quick solutions
But it’s not just the manufacturing processes that are efficient in the new facility. The distances between production and planning have also become significantly shorter, as Neumann emphasizes: “Because the offices are located right above the production halls, we can now discuss changes with the planners in ad hoc meetings and quickly find the best possible solution.”
The pipeline is full
The new infrastructure is proving its capabilities right from the start. Projects in the pipeline include school pavilions in Dietlikon and the major “Werk 1” project in Winterthur. Interest in wood as a building material continues to grow unabated. Implenia is exceptionally well-equipped to meet the rising demand.
Interview with Silvio Neumann, Timber Construction Site Manager / Production Manager for Prefabricated Components
Mr. Neumann, how do customers benefit from the new production facility?
Above all, from significantly higher efficiency. The facility is optimally designed for our processes, and the transportation links are excellent. This makes everything much faster and saves costs accordingly.
Are projects now possible that weren’t feasible before?
Yes. In our larger facilities, we work with a larger staff, modern infrastructure, and faster workflows. This increases our capacity by about a third and enables us to complete even more complex projects on time and to the highest quality standards.
In what ways are they more complex?
In terms of size, weight, and logistics. We have more space and a high-performance crane system. This allows us to increase the degree of prefabrication and, for example, produce complete modules with floors, walls, and ceilings.
What do the employees think of the new facility?
They’re absolutely thrilled. For example, they really appreciate the many cranes, which make the work easier. We used to have three; now we have thirteen available.
And what do you particularly like?
For me, the most important thing is that I now work together with the entire team under one roof. That makes coordination easier and fosters team spirit.
