"Consistent acquisition of new target groups"

The new main plant of LK Mechanik in Hüttendorf-Rechtenbach: To implement groundbreaking process optimizations, unlock additional efficiency potentials, and improve the CO2 balance, the company has launched an extensive digitization project. (Image: Trumpf Group)

A central point in LK Mechanik's digitization program is the standardization of the ERP system. It forms the basis for accurate decisions in the context of further efficiency optimization and for fine-tuning the continuous improvement processes. (Image: Trumpf Group)

Geometrically complex stainless steel assembly from LK Mechanik, manufactured in small series for a packaging technology machine builder. (Image: LK Mechanik/ Aaron Kiefer)

Filigree frame-spring system from LK Mechanik, tailored to the high cleaning technical quality requirements in the manufacturing of optical lenses. (Image: LK Mechanik/ Aaron Kiefer)

Selection of washing chambers from LK Mechanik, manufactured for a flexible cleaning system for use in highly automated component cleaning systems with aqueous media and solvents. (Image: LK Mechanik/ Aaron Kiefer)

In their new headquarters in Hüttendorf-Rechtenbach, LK Mechanik + Sheet Metal Processing GmbH produces high-quality components and assemblies made of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. To implement further process optimizations, unlock additional efficiency potentials, and improve the CO2 footprint, the company has now launched an extensive digitalization project. Read here which measures are currently underway and why especially the new Sales Director Norman Gaster is looking forward to it. 

Many companies in German Mittelstand are currently undergoing a comprehensive transformation process, centered around the practical implementation of numerous digitalization measures. The sheet metal processor LK Mechanik – known as a supplier of high-quality components and assemblies made of stainless steel, steel, and aluminum – is also taking this path. With the commissioning of its new headquarters in March this year, it has rolled out a far-reaching digitalization program whose positive effects will not only strengthen the company's long-term competitiveness but also reflect numerous customer wishes. “Many of the targeted digitalization measures serve our goals to significantly improve cost transparency and technological flexibility of our manufacturing as well as to elevate communication with our customers to a new level of reliability and commitment,” says Norman Gaster, who has been serving as LK Mechanik’s new Sales Director since February 1st of this year.

Digitalization creates added value

To quickly realize the ambitious goals of the digitalization project as tangible added value, LK Mechanik’s management has defined several projects. The focus is on optimizing and modernizing the existing ERP system, seamless digitalization of all machine data, introducing a new energy management system, and establishing a strategic innovation management. “From all these projects, we will gain insights that improve the efficiency of our processes, stabilize delivery reliability, and professionalize communication with our customers,” says Norman Gaster.

A central point in the company's digitalization program is currently the unification of the ERP system. Since LK Mechanik + Sheet Metal Processing GmbH was formed at the turn of the year as a new company with a new plant in Hüttendorf-Rechtenbach, resulting from the merger of the former LOKA GmbH and the previously based LK Mechanik GmbH in Heuchelheim, integrating the ERP systems of both companies is of central importance for almost all other aspects of digital transformation. It also forms the basis for the ongoing digitalization of all machine data and their visualization on a dashboard. The transparency achieved through this over all figures, data, and facts from manufacturing and assembly provides LK Mechanik with the foundation for accurate decision-making in further efficiency optimization and detailed fine-tuning of continuous improvement processes. Norman Gaster is also pleased about this. “In my role as Sales Director, I have direct access to all information from the ERP system. From this, I can derive crucial insights for customer communication, expanding existing customer business, and consistently acquiring new target groups,” he says.

Motivational basis for innovations

LK Mechanik also sees the digitalization of all production data and the development of a robust ERP system as an important prerequisite for modern innovation management. It should not only reveal previously unused free spaces that can be utilized to expand the range of services but primarily promote the creativity of employees across all areas of the company. “A high-performance innovation management motivates people, breaks down rigid structures, and serves as a motivation for new ideas in process optimization, product development, customer engagement, and much more. In this way, it makes a fundamental contribution to securing the company,” emphasizes Norman Gaster.

Climate neutrality as a defined goal

Ultimately, LK Mechanik’s digitalization projects also bring the company closer to its goal of becoming a climate-neutral enterprise. For example, the production data enables the development of a modern energy management system that records and analyzes all operational energy flows. This allows for the identification of energy-saving potentials, whose realization ultimately not only improves the economic efficiency of many processes but also reduces the CO2 emissions of the new factory in Hüttendorf-Rechtenbach. This is of great importance to LK Mechanik, as climate neutrality is one of the declared corporate goals.

The objectives of the digitalization program are highly ambitious both in content and timing – most of them are to be completed by mid-2024. However, the team around CEO Tomas Loh has already managed the merger of the two predecessor companies and the commissioning of the new factory in Hüttendorf-Rechtenbach in recent months. Anyone who has observed how professionally all this has been handled can expect LK Mechanik to continue the ongoing transformation process systematically and goal-oriented.