"It finds each other, what complements each other perfectly"

Fine cutting with laser and water jet is one of LK Mechanik's core competencies in metal and sheet processing.

One of LK Mechanik's strengths is the development and production of process-oriented washing basket systems and component carriers for use in automated parts cleaning and assembly technology.

A look into the new facility of LK Mechanik: Plenty of open space for flexible organization of the production lines. The photo was taken before commissioning.

Company CEO Tomas Loh: "We have created an environment in our new plant that meets the latest insights from factory organization, process optimization, digitalization, and ergonomics."

Just a few days ago, LK Mechanik + Sheet Metal Processing GmbH commissioned its newly built factory at the Hüttendorf-Rechtenbach site. Here, the company founded by Tomas Loh now develops and manufactures innovative components and assemblies made of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum on over 4,100 square meters. A modern machinery park, flexible process layouts, and a qualified workforce ensure the implementation of high standards regarding product quality, delivery reliability, and availability.

The facility that LK Mechanik has established at its new headquarters in Hüttendorf-Rechtenbach, Hesse, is likely among the most modern sheet metal processing plants currently found in the German Mittelstand. It offers much open space for flexible organization of production lines, a machine park rich in high-tech systems, a functional yet elegant interior design, and energy and building technology that is consistently oriented toward sustainability: "This is how a factory looks today," says company CEO Tomas Loh, for whom the recent commissioning of the new site marks the provisional highlight of a development initiated in 2017. It has been nearly five years since he took over LK Mechanik GmbH, located in neighboring Heuchelheim, with his then-company LOKA. Shortly thereafter, in early 2019, the decision was made to merge both companies legally and in terms of production technology — into a new plant in Hüttendorf-Rechtenbach. With the realization of this project, the innovative forces of two highly successful players in German sheet metal and metal processing have been united in a company with 50 employees. "Our customers benefit in many ways from the resulting synergies," emphasizes Tomas Loh, and explains: "Not only do development and manufacturing competencies, technological equipment, and employee qualifications align perfectly. We have also created an environment for all of this that meets the latest insights in factory organization, process optimization, digitization, and ergonomics. It already shows that we can meet high standards for product quality and availability based on this foundation."

Development and Series Production

In its new plant, LK Mechanik + Sheet Metal Processing produces ready-to-install components and assemblies made of stainless steel, steel, and aluminum for demanding customers across numerous key industries. Currently, these are primarily plant and machine builders in packaging technology, the optical industry, assembly automation, as well as industrial parts cleaning, electronics, and medical technology. The company's range of services extends from consulting to design to individual and series production. "Other specialties include the development and manufacturing of process-oriented washing basket systems and workpiece carriers for use in automated parts cleaning and assembly technology, as well as hygiene-relevant cleaning and sterilization trays for medical technology," reports Tomas Loh.

Partner for High Demands

While LK Mechanik utilizes modern 3D CAD and prototyping systems in development, the focus of manufacturing is on CNC metal and sheet processing, fine-cutting with laser and water jet, stamping and laser processing, as well as automated laser and robotic welding and various surface technology procedures. Quality assurance is carried out using 3D coordinate measuring systems. The result is always ready-to-assemble components, assemblies, and products that meet high quality standards — such as those of technical cleanliness, cleanroom technology, the semiconductor industry, or sterilization technology. "Our quality management system is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015, our process and procedure steps are documented and reproducible in our ERP system, and we are familiar with the requirements of numerous high-tech industries," says Tomas Loh.

Sustainability is a Priority

Alongside the commissioning of its new plant in Hüttendorf-Rechtenbach, LK Mechanik has defined CO2 neutrality as a company goal. The foundations for this are already in place: a 350 kWp photovoltaic system operates on the roof of the new factory, process heat generated during production is recirculated, and the manufacturing lines operate under the strict goal of CO2 reduction. "We place great importance on resource conservation and environmental awareness, as reflected in our orchard, plans for employee gardens, a mobile chicken coop, and tree projects for our customers. Furthermore — and this will become increasingly important in the future — we actively support our customers in plant engineering and their users through the realization of material-reduced, process-optimized, and lighter designs in their efforts toward resource conservation and climate protection," emphasizes Tomas Loh.