New platform strategy for single metering machines
Efficiency and flexibility through standardization
Henneke GmbH is consistently advancing the modernization of its portfolio of high-pressure metering machines. By introducing a new platform strategy based on the standardization of components, the company is pursuing the goal of both increasing flexibility for customers and reducing production costs. This strategic orientation, which is being implemented gradually, affects all high-pressure metering machines and marks a significant step towards more efficient and customer-oriented production.
Objectives and background
The development of Hennecke‘s platform strategy is a direct response to customers‘ increasing demands for flexibility, productivity and cost efficiency. By switching to Next-Generation technology in its machines, Hennecke ensures that customers benefit from the latest technological advances without having to forego individual solutions. The strategy aims to standardize production while also serving specific customer needs through standardized modules.
One example of the implementation of this strategy is the gradual conversion of the high-pressure metering machines to Next-Generation technology. Based on extensive investments in metering machine assembly and the accompanying introduction of the Hennecke Production System (HPS) at the Sankt Augustin site, the first decisive steps were taken in 2022. The high-pressure metering machines of the new MK2 series were equipped with a wide variety of intelligent features. These include, for example, the FOAMATIC machine control system, remote access options, IoT preparation and the Blue Intelligence energy-saving technology, which are now integrated into the machines as standard.
Standardization as a central element
An essential part of the platform strategy is the standardization of components and the introduction of the common parts principle. Hennecke has managed to drastically reduce the number of different components in its machines and to use more common parts across platforms. In the Next-Generation series, the number of parts used was reduced by 38 percent, and in the case of the key components, by as much as 45 percent. This leads to significant cost savings, as fewer different parts have to be produced and stored. At the same time, inhouse production of key core components, such as the HX pump series, was expanded. This means a high degree of independence from suppliers, further cost savings and fast production and delivery times. And all this with increased quality and performance!
This reduction in parts also has other positive effects: Contrary to the market trend and the high inflation rate in many countries, Hennecke can also clearly reflect these cost savings in its extremely competitive sales prices. This makes it possible to keep the starting price for an ECOPLUS MK2 high-pressure metering machine permanently low. In addition, customers benefit from higher availability and noticeably shorter delivery times. Standard models such as the ECOPLUS MK2 and the HIGHLINE MK2 can be delivered from the factory within just eight weeks and even complex machines such as the TOPLINE MK2 have a delivery time of just twelve weeks.
Flexibility through platforms and models
The platform strategy is based on the three basic platforms: TOPLINE, HIGHLINE and ECOPLUS. Each of these platforms has specific properties that are tailored to different application areas and customer requirements. The TOPLINE MK2 platform offers the greatest flexibility as it enables the integration of multi-component systems and multiple mixheads, among other things. This modular expandability makes the TOPLINE MK2 the preferred solution for complex production processes with a high level of automation that require flexible adaptability.
The HIGHLINE MK2 platform allows a maximum of two mixheads, which is optimally designed for numerous cycle time-optimized applications. The ECOPLUS MK2 offers a high degree of standardization, but does not have an automation interface, so that the focus here is on manual foaming processes in particular. This makes the ECOPLUS MK2 a good choice for customers who are looking for a reliable but easy-to-use machine. The ECOPLUS MK2 is a perfect entry-level machine into the high-pressure world, with all its strengths, especially for users who have reached their limits with low-pressure technology.
All machines were launched in their basic configuration in 2022 and 2023 and are already successfully being used by numerous Hennecke customers around the world. Based on the platform strategy, Hennecke is now taking the next step and gradually integrating its metering machine portfolio for more specific applications into the three existing, state-of-the-art MK2 platforms.
First model: the HIGHLINE MK2 TI SERIES
The first step is the planned conversion of the previous TOPLINE HK TI, whose Next-Generation successor will soon be introduced as the HIGHLINE MK2 TI SERIES. “TI” stands for “Technical Insulation”, an application area that focuses on automated production scenarios for cooling devices and a wide range of technical insulation applications. The conversion shows how Hennecke is integrating existing models into the new platform strategy in order to offer customers a more flexible and at the same time more cost-efficient product portfolio. “The platform strategy enables us not only to optimize existing machines, but also to develop new models that meet specific market requirements,” explains Jens Winiarz, Senior Director Sales Metering & Composites at Hennecke. “The machines of the old design are systematically discontinued and transferred to structured service support,” Winiarz continues.
Additional machine variants possible
The platform strategy will enable the development of new platform variants in Hennecke‘s extensive metering machine portfolio in the future. For example, the new variants of the proven MICROLINE micro-quantity metering machine can be implemented as MICRO SERIES based on the TOPLINE and HIGHLINE platforms. This flexibility gives Hennecke the option of manufacturing machines that are exactly right for specific customer requirements without compromising on quality. This is because the platform, together with various core components, forms the basis for every machine derivative, but is absolutely flexible with regard to many other key components. An ECOPLUS MK2 platform can also be equipped with premium components for the most complex applications without exception.
High cost efficiency
Through standardization and the associated cost reduction, Hennecke offers its customers machines that counteract the general trend towards rising prices despite noticeably better equipment. “We have succeeded in reducing production costs to such an extent that, adjusted for inflation, some of our machines have even become cheaper,” emphasizes Jens Winiarz.
Another advantage of the new platform strategy is the increased ease of maintenance of the machines. By standardizing the components and reducing complexity, servicing work can be carried out more quickly and easily. This leads to less downtime and thus to greater availability of the machines in the production process.
Introduction of a new nomenclature
In order to communicate the platform strategy clearly and simply, Hennecke is introducing a new nomenclature for its high-pressure metering machines. Future models will initially bear the platform name, followed by the defined area of application (for example, as previously mentioned, “TI” for Technical Insulation) and the addition “SERIES”.
In addition to the new trade names, a new eight-digit type designation, called the model code, is also being introduced, which provides all relevant information about the machine at a glance. This structure makes it possible to immediately recognize the essential technical features of the machine and makes it clearly identifiable. This facilitates communication between customers and service employees, and allows them to know immediately exactly which machine is involved. Misunderstandings are avoided and coordination processes are accelerated.
Continuous development
With the introduction of the new platform strategy, Hennecke is taking a further step towards efficient and customer-oriented production. Through consistent standardization and the introduction of a clear nomenclature, Hennecke not only offers its customers competitive prices, but also greater flexibility and ease of maintenance. “We are convinced that this strategy forms the basis for our future success and offers our customers real added value,” says Jens Winiarz.
In the coming years, Hennecke will continue to expand its platform strategy and continuously modify and expand its portfolio of high-pressure metering machines. “Our customers can look forward to innovative product extensions to the NEXT-GEN series, which are both technically and economically impressive,” says Winiarz, referring to Hennecke‘s website and global social media channels. Here, Hennecke always keeps its customers up to date on all developments and new solutions.
