Innovative Crane Systems for Assembling Trailer Axles
BPW in Wiehl uses the most extensive modular crane system on the market
The company BPW in Wiehl reduces the processing times of its products with eepos crane systems and lifting axles, thereby optimizing manufacturing and assembly processes. eepos interviewed the company about their experiences with the systems.
The fame of a truck usually goes to the brand whose logo flashes on the front of the cab. But the success story is also closely linked to the quality of the trailer axles. If you look closely at the center of the wheel hubs, you will find three letters on these highly successful and reliable trailers: BPW. When it was founded in 1898, who would have imagined that almost 120 years later, BPW would be producing over 450.000 axles per year? Today, the BPW Group employs over 2.700 people in Germany and more than 6.400 worldwide. In addition to chassis, the product portfolio includes lighting systems, plastic technologies, locking and body technology, as well as telematics solutions for trucks and trailers. Headquartered in Wiehl near Cologne, the BPW Group generates annual sales of around €1,25 billion.
Why did BPW choose eepos?
Eyer: The quality and technical features of the eepos aluminum crane systems convinced us. For this reason, we decided to use the eepos crane systems not only for axle assembly at our Wiehl factory, but also at our Hunsheim location, where we manufacture the braking systems for truck trailers and semi-trailers. To ensure that quality reaches the road, our manufacturing standards must be exceptionally high.
So were the technical features the primary focus?
Eyer: The technology has to be right, but of course we are also interested in other aspects. We enjoy working with companies from the region. In the end, the very competitive prices from eepos also played a role. All of this reinforced our decision in favor of the eepos systems.
And how did the eepos systems perform in practice?
Eyer: What makes us happy is that the feedback from employees about the new crane systems has been consistently positive. We can therefore easily imagine involving eepos in future projects, and we are already planning another system together. The collaboration has worked well so far, from planning to all the preparatory work and support.
Was there anything you liked right away?
Schneider: As a planner, I was convinced by the jam-free, smooth running, as it enables Ergonomics and efficient handling, and all necessary data is made available via the online platform eeworld. This gives me access to additional components from the kit at any time, allowing me to easily develop a wide variety of solutions myself.
What special features should the new crane systems include for assembly?
Schneider: For example, we have high requirements for process reliability. In addition, we set high standards for ergonomics, assembly conditions, as well as maintenance and testing work. Among other things, the five-year guarantee on components favored eepos. Due to our complex assembly processes, system compatibility with our product range is particularly important. Finally, process reliability also means that the procurement of spare parts and additional service support must function smoothly. Regional proximity is another advantage.
Ralf Schneider
Technical Service, BPW Bergische Achsen KG
“The eepos systems can be perfectly integrated into BPW’s highly automated assembly processes”
Was there anything particularly important to you?
Schneider: Yes, two requirements were our focus. It is fundamental for us that the systems in our assembly are compatible with one another. As part of process optimization in assembly, we don't want to constantly deal with the interfaces between different systems. That's why we particularly appreciate the eepos one service stations. Another goal was to be able to implement conversions quickly and flexibly, and eepos was able to support us very well in this.
What did that actually look like?
Schneider: With such extensive projects, good planning in advance is of course necessary. This enables us to respond flexibly and quickly to the needs of our departments. eepos really supported us well. Due to the friendly and helpful manner, the collaboration was very satisfactory. When the technical planning was completed, we set up the systems independently. This is how we get to know our systems best and can add to, expand and optimize them at any time.
Have you achieved your goals?
Schneider: Yes, all set goals were achieved within the deadlines. And one more thing: in addition to the advantages already mentioned, the eepos systems are extremely modern and up to date. This allows for perfect integration into BPW's highly automated assembly processes and makes daily work easier. Our employees can confirm this: moving weights of up to 80 kg with ease.
Süleyman Hür works on the assembly line. A seasoned fitter, he has spent many years moving through various workstations and knows the assembly lines inside and out.
What do you need the systems for?
Hur: With the eepos systems, we primarily lift components such as hub assemblies to install them on the axle. These sometimes weigh around 80 kg. With the crane, we can always position the parts at the correct height, allowing us to install them easily and in a way that is gentle on the back.
And what do you think of the new aluminum cranes?
Hur: The systems are very easy to use. We can move them back and forth as needed without much effort. The smooth running of the system is excellent, sometimes almost too good. If the rails are not perfectly aligned, the components can move on their own. We then inform the service team, and they take care of it.
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