Effective collaboration and successful roll forming machine implementation
Aulis Lundell Oy operates in the field of profile roll forming and is the largest in its field in Finland. Production Manager Leo Saarni discusses in an interview the company’s successful collaboration with SS-Työstö and the acquisition of a new roll forming machine.
Background and identifying needs
The Aulis Lundell Oy facility in Saukkola operates in four production halls, totaling 3500 square meters of space. The company manufactures profiles by roll forming steel thicknesses of 0.45 – 2 millimeters, using galvanized steel. The production volume is about 5000 tons per year. The company faced a challenge when an old machine reached the end of its useful life, necessitating consideration of its repair or replacement.
Innovation and Collaboration
The decision to acquire a new machine was driven by a desire to modernize production and improve the ergonomics of the machine. Saarni mentions that they wanted a machine that would be easier to adjust and would allow faster setting changes. Improving the cutter and dimensional accuracy were also important goals.
Aulis Lundell Oy first used SS-Työstö’s decoilers, and when they recognized their quality, discussions moved to roll forming machines. The first purchase was a ceiling grid line, which proved to be a success, leading to the decision to acquire a third machine.
– We first bought decoilers from SS-Työstö. We currently have four SS-Työstö decoilers in use. When we noticed that the decoilers were good, we started talking about roll forming machines, says Leo Saarni.
The Emergence and Success of Collaboration
When asked how they found out about SS-Työstö, Saarni says he discovered the company through Google. He notes that in the initial stages, they discussed with several experts in their company, including a mechanical engineer, facility managers, and machine operators. Kari Pylkkönen and Seppo from SS-Työstö were involved, and the collaboration started strongly.
The project was also influenced by external factors, such as the coronavirus pandemic, which complicated the availability of certain components and caused delays. However, Saarni thanks SS-Työstö for keeping them well informed about the situation.
Successful Implementation of the Machine
When the new machine arrived at Aulis Lundell Oy, it was thoroughly reviewed and inspected. Facility managers and machine operators spent time at the SS-Työstö factory for trial runs. All settings and other aspects went according to plan. The implementation of the machine was a success, and Saarni emphasizes that it perfectly met their expectations.
– And when the machine came to us, all the settings and other things went exactly according to schedule. We are satisfied with that, clarifies Saarni.
Improvement in quality and competitive advantage
The new machine brought a competitive advantage to Aulis Lundell Oy, as the quality of the products improved. The machine’s ease of adjusting settings and its ergonomic design allow for more precise positioning of the rolls. The operation of the machine is efficient, and the dimensional accuracy of the profiles is excellent.
– The machine met our expectations, as I said at the beginning, the setting process became easier, ergonomics were improved, and also work safety was enhanced with the construction of these new safety features.
– With this new machine, we were able to improve the quality of the products because the machine is easier to adjust, and so on, so we have been satisfied with that too, summarizes Saarni.
Summary and keys to success
The implementation of the machine went as planned, and the machine operators are satisfied with the benefits brought by the new machine.
– The machine had been in production for a couple of days, and I asked the machine operator if he wanted the old machine back, and he immediately said no. He is satisfied with the machine, concludes Leo Saarni.
