To improve its local manufacturing processes, WEG has taken delivery of two laser cutting machines and three bending machines. Deployed at the sheet metal cutting operation at the company’s manufacturing facility in Robertsham, Johannesburg, the state-of-the-art machines have significantly increased productivity and efficiency, reducing internal delivery times and ultimately customer lead times.
In recent years, WEG has continuously bolstered its capacity across its various manufacturing facilities in South Africa. The Robertsham factory – a facility that largely specialises in the production of medium voltage switchgear, Motor Control Centres (MCCs), medium voltage softstarters, low voltage Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) and softstarter enclosures – is the latest to benefit from a significant capital investment in new manufacturing technology.
Previously, explains Anderson Kohler, General Manager at WEG Africa, the facility operated two conventional punching machines, which have been replaced by two fibre laser cutting machines – 3kW and 4 kW units. “The decision was made to replace the old punching machines, addressing previous challenges such as breakdowns and quality issues. Previously, we experienced less than 50% availability, leading to production downtime,” says Kohler.
Revolutionized industry
With their unmatched precision accuracy, the new fibre laser cutting machines have revolutionized manufacturing processes. The speed at which these machines cut metal is about 50% faster than punching, while the precise slitting ensures that cut surfaces have no rough edges, increasing product quality and reducing waste based on the best use of raw materials.
