Customer magazine UP+

UP+ IS OUR NEW CUSTOMER RELATIONS MAGAZINE BRINGING VALUE AND NEWS TO CUSTOMERS AND INTERESTED READERS

How EVs are solving the last-mile problem

Distribution center:

SAVE TIME AND MONEY

Groundbreaking AGV Solution from CPM

May | 2022

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May / 2022

Contents Learn how to save time, reduce costs and keep your employees healthy and productive. There are many stories to tell, and I want to share some of them with you.

This new magazine is my latest contribution: 24 pages packed with case studies and cost saving tips. If there is a topic you would like us to cover in a future issue, feel free to contact me. Enjoy!

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Spotting opportunities for improved safety at Lindab Steel

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Cost-saving storage spaces – may be hiding in your building.

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Helping retail leader Biltema increase safety and optimize logistics

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How EVs are solving the last-mile problem

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Vertical Distribution Center

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Custom work stations increase efficiency at Large Distribution Center

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Groundbreaking AGV solution from CPM

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Top Tips to increase the lifetime of your scissor lift

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Lean improves efficiency by 44%

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Thank you Milling Machine – welcome new lean factory

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How to design a working platform that saves time and money

Henrik Ewetz, Market Communications Manager

ABOUT VPG VGP has been developing, producing and supplying lift tables for more than 60 years. VPG is a part of VPG (Vertical Positioning Group), a global supplier of products and solutions for lifting and vertical positioning. Our long experience and farreaching specialist expertise make a major contribution to product development and precise customization, which are priorities for us. Our products meet customers’ needs in production, warehousing and distribution, particularly in logistics and robotic solutions. To assure safety, reliability and performance, we test all our lift tables before delivery.

Furthermore, customized products are also tested in the customer’s work environment.

MARKETS

Our products are used successfully across a huge range of markets in virtually any environment where materials and people need to be lifted.

Our priorities are safety, reliability, and cost-effective performance whatever the market. From the highest tech to the most basic industrial processes. From streamlining ultra-modern logistics systems, to lifting and moving bulk commodities. From pharmacies and food to forestry.

Having such a broad overview enables us to take solutions for one application and apply them imaginatively in others. We hope that this magazine will introduce you to some of those solutions and inspire your own developments. We will always be here to help.

Info about the markets served

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Our whole range is designed to keep your operations running smoothly and your people active and safe.

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04 23 WELCOME TO OUR MAGAZINE

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Our new magazine gives you the chance to see how other businesses improve safety and performance with our products.

We wish you an enjoyable read – and a safe and efficient 2022.

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In the modern distribution center the need for safe and efficient lifting solutions is immense.

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Factories and production lines have always faced challenges when it comes to protecting workers and maintaining operations. Accidents, however rare, must always be prevented as far as humanly and logistically possible.

The margin for error is often little to none. In work environments with heavy machinery and in Lindab Steel’s case, foil rolls sometimes weighing several hundred kilos, accident prevention is of the utmost importance. With help from VPG, Lindab Steel’s cutting machine has been equipped with a platform that safely lifts the operator to the appropriate working height instead of the operator using ladders and stairs.

SPOTTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR

IMPROVED SAFE AT LINDAB STEEL Erik Dahllöf, Sales Mgr at VPG, was visiting Lindab’s factory on another matter and during his visit an additional opportunity to improve safety, ergonomics and operations presented itself. In cooperation with Lindab’s staff, including Production Engineer Patrik Hayes, a risk assessment of the cutting machine was conducted.

Together they investigated ways to reduce the risk of accidents and improve ergonomics for operators.

The cutting machine is an important part of the production line. It straightens the

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sheet metal before it’s cut to the appropriate length, anywhere from 300 mm to 4000 mm long pieces. The machine is elevated and therefore can be cumbersome for operators to work with, increasing the risk of accidents. Before the new platform was installed operators had to use stairs, ladders and even stand on their toes on top of the machine to properly adjust and set up for production, “Ergonomically the pros are substantial.

Previously operators had to work with their hands above shoulder height. Now

we can lift the operator to the correct working height no matter how tall or short they are.” says Patrik Hayes.

Work related accidents are not only catastrophic for the person or people involved, whenever accidents happen it’s extremely costly for a company, on average 100.000 Euro.

“The cutting machine runs 24×7 and it’s incredibly costly if operations come to a halt. Our first priority is always the health and safety of our workers but maintain-

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Safe lifting of the operator to appropriate working height at the cutting machine

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FETY EEL

Production Engineer Patrik Hayes, Lindab Steel

After such a long time with the company I know exactly what it takes to deliver great results and top-quality. I am positive that it all stems from great team work and team spirit. It is very clear that we like each other here, work well together, and our common goal is to help each other deliver the best possible products for our customers. / Peter

ing production is of course key as well.”

Patrik adds.

always give you returns on your investment, many times over.” says Erik.

Operators are very happy with the new platform, not only sparing their physical well-being but also helping them work more efficiently at the correct working height.

The end result of the project can only be said to be a huge success, appreciated by all involved parties,

“No matter how much an operator values quality, if you spend too much time in an uncomfortable position quality will be affected over time. Investing in safer and more ergonomic solutions for workers will

“Right now it’s full steam ahead and everyone is very happy with the lifting platform solution.” Patrik concludes.

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COST-SAVING STORAGE SPAC – MAY BE HIDING IN YOUR BUILDING.

Space above an industrial structure suitable for storage

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MDL-I enables full use of overlooked space

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CES

ING.

Andreas Höglund, Project Manager

An overlooked resource hiding in plain sight Businesses often turn to costly third-party storage facilities, which make their logistics more complicated.

Or they consider time-consuming and expensive projects to construct new warehousing. They overlook a resource that they often have in plentiful supply: empty space in mezzanine and under-roof areas.

“These businesses have probably concluded that while they could exploit these areas with goods lifts, equipment like that is expensive and troublesome to install and run,” says Andreas Höglund, Project Manager. “There is another way, however – the mast-driven lift, or MDL.”

Open up new opportunities with MDL-I Mast-driven lifts are now available for industrial applications, which opens up new opportunities for exploiting storage space that would otherwise be out of reach. “Our own MDL-I is geared specifically to industrial use,” says Andreas. “The focus is on moving goods, not people, so getting the necessary approvals is quick and easy. And the slimline space-saving design keeps as much space as possible available for storage.”

Safety is important, of course. “The MDL-I has a comprehensive suite of racking and protective rails to keep people as well as goods safe during operations,” Andreas points out.

Stock management always comes under pressure with the arrival of fall.

Manufacturers are boosting production after the summer, while buyers are expecting rapid delivery and turn­ over. Flexible stor­ age space is at a premium.

Fortunately, an efficient and eco­ nomical solution is available.

Rapid, low-cost installation “At this time of year, there’s a particular need for solutions that you can bring into operation quickly. That clearly excludes traditional goods lifts. In contrast, you can install our cleverly designed MDL-I models in just two days on site,” says Andreas. “There is no need for ground works or other costly and time-consuming preparation. All you need is a small area of clear floor.”

MDL-I in action Auto tire shops and service centers offer a good example of MDL-I in practice. According to Andreas, it is already becoming a standard solution across these types of outlets. “As drivers prepare for winter, space for storing tires with quick and easy access is a must.

Winter and summer tires are swapped and stored, with customers demanding both speed and low costs. It’s one of the perfect applications for our MDL-I.” The MDL-I range currently offers two models for loads up to 1500 kg: the MDL-I 350 and MDL-I 550, with maximum lifting heights of 3.5 and 5.5 meters respectively.

Patrik Brandt and Marcus Andersson at Toveks with their safe and time-saving MDL-I Contact us

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HELPING RETAIL LEAD BILTEMA INCREASE SA AND OPTIMIZE LOGIST Biltema’s inventory has impressed Nordic shoppers for many years now.

No matter if you are shopping for your home, garden, car, motorcycle, camping trip, office or caravan, chances are you will find what you are looking for at Biltema. Having several hundred thousand items in stock at any given time it is natural that some need to be treated with care. Items like paints, solvents, pressure vessels, flammable liquids or explosive products. Biltema wanted to create a safe solution for handling such products while also making the handling of other goods faster and more efficient.

A conversation was initiated and a fully automated pallet handling system spanning two floors seemed to address Biltema’s concerns and provide the desired outcomes.

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To achieve an optimal flow the system handles the pallets from start to finish.

After being unloaded from the truck onto a conveyor belt the pallets are automatically transported from the loading docks on the ground floor to the second floor for unpacking. The flow is designed to be one-way in the morning and then reversed in the afternoon. By reversing the flow in the afternoon the goods can be safely and efficiently transported back to the loading docks where new trucks are waiting to transport the products to Biltema stores and into customers´ hands.

In the past in-house staff had to handle incoming pallets which often led to bottlenecks. By building a fully automated solution the drivers can unload directly onto the conveyor belt without delay, five pallets at a time.

DER AFETY TICS Flow and Automation Each morning long rows of trucks arrive at Biltema’s storage facilities ready to unload their cargo. The pallets need to be unloaded efficiently, safely and swiftly.

Easier said than done, with hundreds of trucks waiting for their turn and with limited space to maneuver. Issues and bottlenecks can arise in many different ways. In addition, most facilities span at least two floors so unloading can be quite time consuming.

“The logistical concerns are of course important but our focus was always increasing safety. One of the questions we had to answer was how to safely and efficiently unload vast quantities in the morning and then potentially have to ship out the same goods that same afternoon,” Erik Dahllöf explains.

Up Top and Preventive Measures One of the desired outcomes was to move all hazardous goods such as spray cans, flammables, solvents and paints to the second floor. However unlikely, in the event of a fire or an explosion the force would be directed upwards. If needed, it is much easier to evacuate from the ground floor. With the new automated solution the hazardous goods till always be where it is supposed to be.

Biltema In addition, at one of Biltema’s many facilities, we have helped introduce yet another safety feature. There is a water-filled pond next to the building and the water can now be used in the event of a fire. To facilitate the feature, we installed a 70 cm high protective wall around the lift. Due to this the entire floor can be flooded without damaging the equipment and water

What do I love about my job? Everything actually. I work as a painter and I simply love to see the products shine and know I played a part of it.

Doing the best you can is what quality means to me. / Niklas

Responsible for the project, sales manager Erik Dahllöf, VPG

entering the bottom floor. A great example of a preventive measure to protect both people and assets.

Results and Looking Ahead It has never been easier for drivers to unload at the conveyor belt. With the help of an infeeder (UXB), the pallets are automatically lifted and sent further into the system. The pallets are scanned and sent to an MDL – Our self-developed freight elevator – Which then sends the pallet to the second floor for intermediate storage.

This is the point at which Biltema’s staff can assume their responsibilities and perform whichever action makes sense for the pallets. Everything else happens completely automatically and even if several trucks arrive simultaneously it is possible to unload rather immediately.

The fully automated solution saves time, money and further increases safety across the board. Biltema’s staff can attend to other matters as the drivers load and unload the pallets. The system itself handles the entire flow.

“This is a great example of investing in safer and logistically smart solutions that serve multiple purposes all at once.

I hope this experience will lead to many more opportunities for streamlining and optimizing inventory management in the future,” Erik concludes.

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How EVs ear solving

THE LAST-MILE PROBLEM Moving large loads from regional warehouses to cities is a familiar process. The last-mile problem arises when the orders are then delivered to individual customers. The distances may be short, but the streets are narrow and congested. And pressure in cities is growing, not only to reduce vehicle emissions by electrification but also to reduce the visual and acoustic impact of delivery vehicles.

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Cost pressures are important, too. Space in cities is in short supply and therefore expensive to rent or buy. Warehouses take time to build, and may go on to become less useful as demand patterns change. Finally, there are the customers.

Once, they might have been willing to pay a premium for 48-hour delivery. Now they expect next- or even same-day delivery at little or no extra cost.

Introducing last-mile distribution centers The last mile demands low costs and emissions plus high flexibility and efficiency, all at the same time. It really is a challenge. EVs have already been identified as one part of the solution. The other is last-mile distribution centers.

These accept a truck-load of individual orders for rapid transshipment onto EVs for delivery to the customer.

Andrej is an experienced electrician and has worked with assembly for three years. He loves schedules, circuits and making sure that everything is perfectly assembled and connected.

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Centers like this need not be large or permanent. Neither do they need a lot of equipment. They can be like small pop-up depots, rented for perhaps a few days or even hours with little capital outlay.

How the model works “The model works like this,” says Niklas Persson, Business Engineer Manager at VPG. “Customer orders are picked and packed in a traditional logistics center. They are grouped first for delivery to individual last-mile centers

in tightly defined city zones, and then for delivery in the most efficient order to the customers.”

“At the last-mile center, the grouped deliveries are rolled off the truck and directly onto the EV for transportation within the tightly defined zone. The center does not need much space for storage, because consignments enter and leave in one movement. In fact, all the center needs is a flat floor and a power supply for recharging the EVs. That is what makes the solution so agile – and economical.”

Increasing profitability in real life This approach originated in the Netherlands, where roads are very narrow and the green movement is very influential.

“Dutch grocery company Picnic is already profiting from the system,” Niklas points out. “They make up customer orders in a central warehouse, segregating ambient and cold products, and ship them to the appropriate last-mile center for delivery to individual homes.”

The last-mile center enables Picnic to offer the rapid service that is so important for fresh food. Picnic’s service is now expanding rapidly across Europe, and their appealing little EVs are becoming a familiar and welcome sight among customers.

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Unobtrusive little electric delivery vehicles (EVs) are disrupting the logistics business, as part of an exciting new solution to the last-mile problem. They are the final link between customers and the mega-warehouses and heavy trucks that are the backbone of modern logistics.

Last-mile distribution centers are simple and economical where real estate is costly

Last-mile distribution centers are simple and economical where real estate is costly

Orders are transferred from truck to EV

The lift table positions the goods precisely for safe and ergonomic transfer to the EV in the correct delivery order

Orders are made up individually in logistics centers and transferred in bulk

Never forget safety “It would be easy to overlook one final challenge,” observes Niklas. “Speed and efficiency are what drive the model. But what about safety? Maintaining safety while accelerating a process has always been a problem.”

Niklas points out that the critical moment is the transfer from the big truck to the smaller EV. “The truck will have an offloader, but the EV is too small to have a loader

of its own. The key is to use an intermediate lift table. The operative rolls the load from the truck onto the lift table. Then the lift table positions the load at the right height for it to be rolled onto the EV. This enables operatives to work safely and ergonomically, because they never have to lift or bend.”

The lift table is an excellent match for the last-mile center. It requires no pit or other works, simply a suitable floor. Delivered and installed in just hours, the lift table

EVs are ideal for deliveries in crowded cities

can be moved just as quickly to another center if its current location goes out of use.

Word is spreading…

“At present, the last-mile center is a mainly European phenomenon. But there are densely populated conurbations across Asia and the USA, too, all facing the same pressures – consumer, cost, and environmental – as their European counterparts. I think the last-mile center is such a good solution that it will soon be found worldwide,” concludes Niklas.

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VERTICAL DISTRI

In the modern distribution center the need for safe and efficient lifting fectively store products and manage other value-added services like docking and packaging, every part of the facility needs to be carefully solutions drive efficiency, save time and money.

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IBUTION CENTER

solutions is immense. In order to ef­ e product mixing, order fulfillment, cross y designed. Learn how innovative lifting

Interactive Distribution Centre

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Few industries are busier than the daily wares and food industry. What happens in this industry affects the whole planet on a daily basis.

Dematic contacted us when they needed lift tables for a massive distribution center project in eastern Europe. They wanted to build one of the safest and most efficient distribution centers ever built. Easier said than done, especially when the center in question handles food items. Food items often equates to large quantities, specific temperatures, hygiene requirements, strict laws and various cumbersome precautions.

CUSTOM WORK STATIONS INCREASE EFFICIENCY AT LARGE DISTRIBUTION CENTER “The food industry is changing at its core,” says Detlev Doernbrack, Sales Manager at VPG. “Previously focus was on the processes but it’s evident that speed and logistics are more important today. It’s about avoiding bottlenecks and guaranteeing swift deliveries even when demand fluctuates,” Detlev explains.

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Few industries are busier than the daily wares and food industry. What happens in this industry affects the whole planet on a daily basis. Dematic contacted us when they needed lift tables for a massive distribution center project in eastern Europe. They wanted to build one of the safest and most efficient distribution centers ever built. Easier said than done, especially when the center in question handles food items. Food items often equates to large quantities, specific temperatures, hygiene requirements, strict laws and various cumbersome precautions.

With help from VPG a project plan began to take shape. It needed to address the concerns mentioned above and Dematic also wanted to increase lifting productivity, profitability, safety, ergonomics and prevent work related injuries.

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Kryhl is a welder and has been for 25 years.

Occasionally he drives the forklift too, he admits.

He has a clear idea what it takes to deliver world-class quality and drive customer satisfaction. All while having fun at work.

Ambient or Chilled One of the challenges was to meet the strict hygiene and temperature requirements. Meaning that the equipment, working platforms and food items all needed to stay within the different temperature tolerances at all times. Two such are Ambient, 5-35 °C and Chilled, 0-4 °C. The working platforms and lift tables therefore had to operate well in cold temperatures, be easy to clean and withstand extensive wear and tear.

The solution was to equip the work stations differently depending on their placement and their function since the cold temperatures affect the platforms in multiple ways. The oil reacts differently when chilled and even the steel is affected. For example, when under stress in cold temperatures, steel can become more porous and weakened. Therefore the platforms and lifts were reinforced with stronger and corrosion resistant steel to ensure safe operations in the cold.

When storing and working with food items hygiene is of the utmost importance. As a result, stations and shelves often needed to be cleaned and disinfected.

The working platform solution for Dematic

Ergonomics and Safety The main purpose of the platform was to enable workers to safely and ergonomically work standing upright. To avoid unnecessary stress on the shoulders, neck or back. The finalized platform and lift therefore allows the worker to easily set the correct working height. The platform is also spacious, robust and is designed to reduce shaking, for safe and precise working conditions. Additionally, each type of platform is equipped with custom gates, safety equipment, adjustable buttons and kickplates. All custom built for the specific task of that working platform.

When storing and working with food items hygiene is of the utmost importance.

As a result, stations and shelves often needed to be cleaned and disinfected. To minimize the risk of slipping, floors and steps were designed with a wet climate in mind and were covered with a non-slip covering.

Minimal Space Solution Another challenge was to build wellequipped and flexible working platforms yet using the space efficiently. Even more so in a chilled environment where every square meter is especially costly. One such detail was the step or ladder required to reach the platform. To solve this issue we devised a telescope ladder that retracts automatically. A safe yet space saving solution.

An Ever Growing Need I think it is safe to say that the food industry is one of the most important industries in the world. The better we become at efficiently producing, storing and delivering food, the more resources we will have to solve other important matters. A smartly built and efficient distribution center is at the heart of that development.

“To be able to quickly adapt storage needs, and be able to deliver faster, are some of the most important capabilities today for any logistics company. And to do it safely. I am stoked to have been part of this project and even though it has been hard at times the end result is always worth it,” Detlev concludes.

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One such innovation project was when one of the most famous car manufacturers recently set out to further improve ergonomics for their workers and increase the flexibility of one of their production lines.

The project culminated in a forward-thinking custom AGV lifting solution that includes lift tables from VPG.

Joakim Paulsson (R) and Rasmus Lundin (L) at VPG site

GROUNDBREAK AGV SOLUTION In their new site, they will soon have a ProFleet 4200, an AGV lifting solution by CPM Dürr Group that matches the impressive engineering of their latest luxury car brand. The project is a joint effort between CPM, VPG and the car manufacturer.

CPM, part of global giant Dürr, specializes in final assembly and has an impressive list of clients such as Tesla and Ford. The group is a global market leader in the automotive sector with an annual sale of approximately 4€Bn/year.

Additionally, the new AGV solution at the factory may very well offer a peak into the future. We have spoken to project leader Enrico Maccarini at CPM to learn more.

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“We had to consider a multitude of factors and make sure the equipment could deliver the desired outcomes,” Enrico begins.

“We decided to integrate ProFleet and lift table so we could easily adjust position and height for a specific action. We also wanted a flexible solution in order to create more manufacturing opportunities and possible applications,” Enrico continues.

The way it works is quite clever. The body of the car is hoisted from the ceiling and the AGV is positioned underneath it. Then, the part is carefully lifted into position by the lift table while the body is lowered. When the parts meet in the correct position the worker can easily inspect, assemble and secure the part where it belongs.

And then, on to the next station for the next part or action.

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The car manufacturing industry has gone through many paradigm shifts over the years. Globalization, new technologies, trends and diversification has led to many challenges, but also opportunities. It should come as no surprise that car manufacturers take these challenges very seriously and are always looking for ways to innovate their business.

Enrico Maccarini (CPM – Dürr Group) with the new AGV ProFleet 4200 by Dürr

KING N FROM CPM “The final AGV solution will use a mechanical spiral lift rather than a hydraulic one in order to achieve an extra level of precision and reduce oil usage,” says Joakim Paulsson from VPG.

surface of what is possible. The idea of a “liquid factory” where multiple AGVs have full mobility and can be used for a large variety of tasks is most definitely intriguing.

“Our goal is always to meet the needs of the customer and if that means we must think outside of the box in order to achieve the desired outcomes then that is what we will do. Using a spiral lift is a good complement for certain operations and production lines,” Joakim adds.

“There have been a lot of challenges along the way, but we did it.

VPG has been a fantastic support through this. The final result is great and we cannot wait to deliver everything to the site,” Enrico concludes.

We suspect that this type of AGV lifting solution will become more and more commonplace in the future. With recent advances in technology and AI we have only begun to scratch the

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TOP TIPS

TO INCREASE THE LIFETIME OF YOUR SCISSOR LIFT

Tobias Karlsson, Global Technical Support

Taking good care of equipment and performing regular maintenance is crucial for any company or production line – Then why do we sometimes keep working even when equipment has not been serviced or checked for a while?

Or is faulty even? Tobias Karlsson from Global Technical Support has compiled a few best practices on how to significantly improve the longevity of your scissor lift.

With only a few minor actions you can achieve smooth operations and greatly decrease the risk of damages to goods and workers.

Examine well and on schedule It is important to not rush the examination or service, things can easily be missed.

Also make sure to perform the regular service on time, there are suggested intervals in the scissor lift installation manual.

While examining the scissor lift you should use your senses and examine the table carefully. Does something look worn out?

If so, replace it. Feeling and listening is important too. Is everything tightened and appears to be working as intended?

Be especially wary if you see small pools or specks of oil which could mean that there is a leak somewhere.

Also watch out for jerky movement while operating the table. A scissor lift should always move smoothly without any irregular movements or stops.

If the table moves unevenly, first check the floor beneath the table to make sure the surface is flat.

Jerky movement could also mean that there is a problem with the cylinder. We recommend getting close and listening carefully while moving the table up and down.

You will be able to hear if there are any issues with the cylinder even in a noisy environment. For example, if you hear a scratching sound it could mean that a bearing is becoming worn and needs your attention.

“After examining the table replace all the ‘wear and tear’ parts. Do not wait until the next service if you suspect that a part is worn.

The cost of replacing a gasket or bearing is so small compared to replacing the entire part if something crucial breaks.

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No one here watches over my shoulder. I’m trusted to take ownership over quality and it’s my responsibility to solve the many challenges that customized lift tables can pose. I want the weld to be perfect and because I’m trusted to work freely, I thrive and find the best solutions. Quality starts and ends with you. / Henrik

So, if a gasket looks worn or a cable is scratched, simply replace it.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry,” Tobias pleads.

Replacing entire parts is not only more time consuming you also risk that something breaks during peak season. That could leave you without a functioning scissor lift and production might come to a halt.

That is something you really want to avoid as it can be extremely costly, or worse, cause injury to workers.

Plan your service and come prepared Service of equipment can feel like extra work and hard to make time for. Especially if you attempt to perform the service during regular operations.

However, most industries and companies have periods with little, less or even no activity – This is the perfect time to perform the service.

With a little bit of planning and foresight you should be able to perform the service on time without impacting operations. Depending on the industry you are in it might be more or less difficult to plan ahead but the main idea is to make the most of natural down times like holiday seasons or low-demand periods.

To make sure the service goes even more smoothly and does not require more time than necessary make sure that you have spare parts ordered and ready. It might be tempting to examine first and then order spare parts based on the findings.

However, that just means that you have to halt operations at least once more to replace any potentially worn-out parts. Not only that, if you find any issues it would

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mean that you will have to operate the table with potentially problematic parts until the shipment arrives.

Even if replacement parts should arrive swiftly, it will of course require some time for them to arrive. To make things easier for you we provide ready-made kits with all the spare parts you might need to replace any worn parts as you find them.

By making sure that you have and use the correct and original spare parts you can put your mind at ease and know that you have done everything you can in terms of precautions and accident prevention.

Additionally, you will be keeping warranties intact. Win-win.

“I have heard a few tragic stories about using the wrong spare parts. Like using cylinders without the pipe rupture valve that stops the table if a hose should burst and cause an oil leak.

The pipe rapture valve prevents the lift table from coming down in the case of a big sudden oil leak from the hydraulics. It’s no fun to have a fully loaded table come crashing down,” Tobias warns.

Get expert help if needed If you lack experience and are unsure how to examine the scissor lift and perform the service, always reach out to an expert.

Scissor lift are often a crucial part of operations, and it is important to not cut any corners when it comes to service and maintenance.

If you want a completely bother free experience, we have service agreements which mean that we take care of everything for you.

That said, even without a service agreement, we have experienced almost every kind of issue and know how to prevent them. We are always just a call or email away! If you are even a tiny bit unsure, contact us and we will do our best to help.

Not only to help carry out the service in the best possible way but also how to create a production flow that is efficient and safe.

Known signs of wear and how to prevent them • Scissor lift will not come down Usually something to do with the clamp protection. Most often the cable is damaged and needs to be replaced or a switch that needs to be replaced.

• Oil is found close to or below the cylinder A gasket or gaskets are leaking in the cylinder. Replace and see if the leakage stops.

• Uneven drift or irregular sounds Most likely bearings that need to be greased or replaced.

• Scissor lift descends slowly by itself Many times, an issue with the sinkvalve. Replacing the valve usually solves the problem. Also keep an eye on the condition of the oil and change it if necessary.

If you notice any of these issues, act immediately. They are all easy and cheap fixes. Waiting could mean that something costly breaks, like the entire cylinder, forcing operations to come a halt.

Or worse, that an accident occurs and causes bodily harm to workers.

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LEAN IMPROVES EFFICIENCY BY 4

Lean works. The bare figures are enough to excite anyone interested in profitability. In just one manu­ facturing cell, our Lean program has increased efficiency (+44%).

Reduced short-term sick leave (-27%). And reduced workers’ movements by more than 95%.

Flemming Pedersen, Production Supervisor at our Ängelholm factory, has been looking back at how our Lean program has been introduced across the company. “Right from the start, we recognized that our Lean program wasn’t going to be just about numbers. We identified three overarching strands that were important to our customers.”

These were quality, price, and availability.

Get the processes right, and you get quality that consistently exceeds customers’ expectations. At the same time, improved efficiency ensures competitive pricing and reliable deliveries with short lead times.

“In other words, the total value package that our customers expect,” Flemming observes.

“We had big ambitions, quite rightly. But we also had the sense to start small,” he says. “Transforming a factory could have been overwhelming, so we started with a 20

pilot focusing on a single production cell, for our MX lift tables.”

One of the first activities was to record and analyze the workers’ movements.

“What our spaghetti diagrams revealed was astonishing. Making a lift table was taking movements totaling 1200 meters. So we got together with the people involved and thought a lot about the cell layout. Things like the provision and positioning of tools, and the placement of component storage.”

“Quality for me is to do a great job and have happy customers. I feel that I make a difference, every step is crucial, everything I do matters.

That is why I want to do my part and meet or exceed our highly set expectations,” says Labinot.

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Once the improvements were implemented, movement was reduced to just 50 meters. “What a difference!” says Flemming.

“That was a great result. Quite apart from anything else, we want our people to go home satisfied with their work, not worn out by having to walk all day.”

Spaghetti diagrams were just one tool.

Others included Kanban and iterative PDCA (plan, do, check, act). “But whatever the tool, we kept our people constantly involved. We make them the drivers, because they are the experts in what they do. They are in the best position to find and implement improvements.”

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The way things have turned out has exceeded expectations. “I think it is fair to say that our people were once a little suspicious of change. Now, they are enthusiastic about it, and constantly coming up with fresh ideas for how they can do their job better. This is continuous improvement as it should be,” says Flemming.

From 1200m – 50m walking to build a lift table

“Our task was to encourage a positive mindset, one that was ready to help create and then implement a whole range of new SOPs for the cell. We wanted improvements to emerge from the cell, rather than changes be imposed on it.

Industrial history is littered with examples of change that has not been supported among workers, and that has only made things worse.”

There are other benefits behind the headline numbers, both within the cell and, more widely, for customers. “HR are delighted, because better ergonomics improves health and safety. Staff absence and turnover are reduced, which all helps to reduce costs,” Flemming points out.

“And quality has improved by all kinds of measures – less waste, fewer faults, and reduced claims, for example.”

It will take time for the widest gains to become noticeable. “But we are confident they are there,” says Flemming. “Our lift tables will work more efficiently, smoothly, and reliably, year after year, which cuts costs for customers and reduces demands on natural resources.”

With lessons learnt, the program is already being extended to the production cell for the ultra-compact M0 lift table.

“And then on across the whole factory, where we expect similar improvements to efficiency, quality, and our people’s wellbeing. I love Lean!” concludes Flemming.

Flemming (L) and Alexander discuss improved cable routing

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It can be a challenge to retire and sell equipment that has been a part of your facility for a long time. There are practical and financial hurdles to overcome, sometimes sentimental ones too, but in order to update your operations you sometimes need to get rid of the old.

We humbly thank our milling machine for its faithful service and instead welcome a new, updated and lean flow machine hall including new welding stations.

The old milling machine leaving the company

Thank You Milling Machine

WELCOME NEW LEAN FACTORY

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“We have needed to expand our welding capabilities for a while and this project will solve that and more,” says welding manager Jimmy Sjöstrand. “The main issue is that we have not been able to keep up with incoming orders. Updating our facilities will allow us to not only increase our capacity significantly but also create new, modern and efficient work spaces,” Jimmy continues.

What does this mean? Initially, four new welding stations will be built and the whole work space will be repainted and new lighting will be installed. There are multiple tenders in circulation for a new a welding extractor, cranes and more. The goal is to create a modern, lean manufacturing flow to maximize productivity and improve working conditions.

More details on the project, such as the layout and design of the hall, will be shared shortly.

“This year will bring a lot of new and exciting developments and updates. We know that it will raise the bar for quality internally — Which in time will lead to, among other things, more and happier customers,” Jimmy concludes.

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Read more about working platforms

How to design a working platform

THAT SAVES TIME AND MONEY

An aging and increasingly overweight work force is challenging many manufacturing and logistics companies. The need for innovation in well designed and ergonomic working platforms is more pressing than ever.

Various studies show clearly how a well-designed working platform significantly boosts productivity and increases the quality of the job performed.

Designers must put themselves in the operator’s shoes, and recognize too that different companies may do the same job in different ways.”

Operators benefit too, with less risk of injuries, particularly to the back, neck, and wrists. A more productive, more ergonomic, and safer workplace has obvious appeal, but the design of the working platforms is crucial.

Erik believes that a well-designed working platform creates a sense of freedom for the operator. Being able to work in a helpful environment enables operators to perform their tasks without being slowed by inconvenient tools or equipment. This creates a feel-good feeling for the operator and helps them get in the zone.

What the ideal working platform looks like “There are two main things to think about when designing working platforms,” says Erik Dahllöf, design engineer at Marco.

“The working platform is there specifically to create the ideal position for the operator. In other words, a work stance that supports all the various job movements involved, with everything at the right height at the right time.

“Studies have shown that operators do a better job in that situation, with higher quality and less waste,” says Erik. “And with everything positioned at the optimal height whatever the operator’s size or physical limitations, this ergonomic solution avoids twisting and turning and reduces physical strain on the body.”

Operators can work longer with a sustained focus over a longer period without

pain or sick leave, which not only reduces costs to the company but also improves operators’ quality of life.

Creating a stable and quick solution Clearly, a well-designed working platform is a real win-win for everyone. But what lies behind good platform design?

“You need a versatile hydraulic product line to position operators and their equipment quickly and accurately,” says Erik.

“Just a few seconds saved, multiple times per hour, quickly add up to big savings over a year.”

“You may also need sheer strength,” says Erik. “A scissor platform that can lift heavy loads enables multiple operators and their equipment to be positioned quickly and accurately.” This is a major consideration when deciding on the type of technology.

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HEAD OFFICE Ängelholm, Sweden www.vpgab.com sales@vpgab.com SALES OFFICES Ängelholm, Sweden Northampton, UK Metz, France Taunusstein, Germany PRODUCTION Sweden US China

VPG is one of Europe´s leading suppliers of lift tables. Our extensive range of scissor lifts provides reliable, accurate positioning every day on assembly lines and in automated production processes.