High-speed turbo roller doors support state-of-the-art production processes

Two medium-sized partners have come together: GROB-WERKE in Mindelheim, producer of highly complex automated manufacturing systems and machine tools, and EFAFLEX, the specialist for high-speed door systems. Both family-owned companies operate worldwide, and both are industry leaders in innovation.

"It is incredibly important for us that a service provider is very flexible," explains Peter Nägele, construction technician in the construction department at the Mindelheim plant. "We have many construction projects here that are not always easy to oversee. Therefore, we involve service providers already during the planning phase of the work. Of course, we appreciate it when a partner responds straightforwardly to our wishes and is capable of implementing customized solution concepts even for the most difficult installation situations."

Logistics is gaining speed and efficiency.

More than 25 EFAFLEX high-speed doors reliably serve in the GROB plants. "Our requirements for the doors are very high," emphasizes Peter Nägele. "Even the high-speed doors with flexible curtains must remain tight and stable even when there are strong air pressure differences, as otherwise drafts could occur. We produce as a reliable partner for the automotive industry, its suppliers, general machinery manufacturing, and other sectors such as aerospace, innovative machines, and systems of the highest quality, and require constant temperatures to precisely calibrate the machines for manufacturing conditions at the future site." That is why the planning department chose EFA-STR® high-speed rolling doors. EFAFLEX also naturally uses the proven original spiral technology for this series, where the door leaf is contactless and wear-free wound into a spiral. Compared to "rollo"-like constructions, where layers are wound on top of each other, the materials look like new even after years.

Granite blocks must be precisely tempered

Special requirements for planning and execution are the measuring rooms. Triple-glazed exterior windows and double-glazed interior windows, as well as special wall and ceiling insulation, are one side. Peter Nägele explains the economic importance of EFAFLEX high-speed doors here: "When we have built a machine, the parts that it will later produce are already manufactured in our plant. The workpieces are measured in these highly insulated rooms. The measuring instruments are placed on large, precisely tempered granite blocks. If these were to cool down even slightly, we would need days for recalibration. This would incur high costs for us and our customers."

In every respect, high-end

With proven door leaf speeds of over 4 m/s, the EFA-STR® is unmatched among vertical high-speed doors worldwide. The same applies to enormous durability, especially quiet door operation, and minimal maintenance. A flexible yet absolutely tight curtain ensures nearly constant temperatures even with frequent use in the immediate door area. The door leaf consists of four-field segment modules and is precisely guided laterally in hinge chains. Horizontal cross-reinforcements made of aluminum, mounted in a grid pattern of 225 mm, provide stability. The infill can be made either of permanently clear PVC or coated polyester fabric, available in many colors. In case of repair, individual modules can be quickly and easily replaced at any time.

Versatile application possibilities

At the GROB plants in Mindelheim, for example, doors with oversized widths are required in the shipping area: "The finished machines often extend beyond the low-loader on the sides. This means we need very wide driveways to avoid unnecessary maneuvering. Additionally, our halls have many crane rails that must not be restricted by bulky door frames during operation. Uniform EFAFLEX controls make operation easier for employees."

Exemplary development history

The cooperation between GROB-WERKE and EFAFLEX is excellent, "although we often have to pass on the time pressure from our production to our partners," emphasizes Peter Nägele. Both family-owned companies have committed themselves to serving their customers from the very beginning. From founding through the first serial product to their current industry-leading position as "Global Player," it has been a long journey for both. Innovation and top technological expertise have accompanied their exemplary development stories. These have been significantly shaped by owners and leadership figures with entrepreneurial intuition and a strong social commitment.