VHV Anlagenbau - Doubling output with one smart investment

THE CHALLENGE

Until recently, VHV relied on conventional steel fabrication methods. While this had worked for many years, it became increasingly difficult to maintain competitiveness. Rising labor costs, the complexity of custom orders, and tight project timelines placed more pressure on VHV’s internal processes. “We were no longer competitive using manual methods,” explains Thomas Krasenbrink, Technical Director and CEO. “Especially in Germany, with our labor costs, we needed to make a change.” Customers, too, were asking for more. “They wanted full service, everything from a single source. Fewer interfaces, fewer problems.” he adds.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Based in Hörstel, Germany, VHV Anlagenbau designs and builds conveyor systems for the bulk material industry. With a workforce of around 150 people, they serve clients across a wide range of industries. From concrete plants to foundries and beyond. As demand increased for integrated, tailor-made solutions, VHV saw the need to modernize one of their core capabilities: steel fabrication.

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THE SOLUTION

VHV began researching ways to automate their steel production. They were already committed to modular design and standardized manufacturing, so automation was the logical next step. After visiting a neighboring company using a Voortman V808 and seeing it in action, the team was intrigued. “We did some test runs to see how Voortman’s system would handle our modular components,” says Krasenbrink. “It performed very well, so we moved forward.”.
Ultimately, VHV opted for the Voortman V807. With Voortman’s flexibility, they were able to start with a streamlined setup and integrate their own conveyor extensions. This reduced the upfront investment and allowed them to scale progressively.

I NEED A SOLUTION

Implementation was smoother than expected. Voortman provided on-site training, and within three days, multiple employees were able to operate the machine independently. “We had one main operator, but even when he was out sick, a colleague who hadn’t used the machine for six months stepped in and handled it,” says Krasenbrink. “It’s really that intuitive.” Even minor issues were handled efficiently. Most service needs were resolved remotely with help from Voortman’s German-speaking support staff. On the rare occasion on-site help was needed, a technician arrived the next day.

The V807 didn’t just enhance machining, it also improved VHV’s entire workflow. Using LogicSteel MRP, a system integrated with their ERP, they can now plan and track production digitally. “This allows us to nest jobs more efficiently and optimize material use,” says Krasenbrink. “It connects everything from CAD to shop floor to project planning.”
LogicSteel MRP plays a crucial role in ensuring VHV gets the most from their automated setup. It handles the complex task of merging production data across departments, including inventory, scheduling, and part nesting. LogicSteel MRP also makes use of leftover materials from previous jobs, improving efficiency and reducing waste. By feeding real-time updates back into the ERP system, it gives VHV accurate visibility into what’s been produced, what’s pending, and how materials are being utilized. Without interrupting workflow on the shop floor.

NEW POSSIBILITIES

Since adopting the V807, VHV has nearly doubled its output in steel fabrication. Equally important, the quality of the work improved. Parts now arrive on-site fitting exactly as designed, cutting down on rework, saving time, and reducing stress during assembly. “Our own assembly teams noticed it first,” says Krasenbrink. “They were amazed at how well everything fit together. That was new.”.
The precision of the V807 has also changed how VHV designs components. The company now incorporates features such as rectangular holes and modular cuts that were previously too complex or costly to produce manually. “With the V807, we can design smarter. We reduce welding, avoid alignment issues, and make the final installation much faster.” he explains. Another advantage: VHV was able to reduce the number of employees required in prep work from several to just one and a half, freeing up skilled labor for higher-value tasks.

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