Plant modernization and space expansion for Rowa Masterbatch
The production equipment is being modernized with the addition of a Coperion ZSK 32 extruder, which will be put into operation this autumn. The new plant replaces an extruder of older construction and guarantees increased long-term energy efficiency and productivity for ROWA Masterbatch.
Technically, this machine is ideally suited to existing plants and enables an easy scale-up from small to large batches.
In selecting the new ZSK 32 extruder, ROWA Masterbatch has chosen a universal plant solution that can be used for all product groups of the company.
A further positive and future-oriented step is the takeover of the production and mixing area from the affiliated partner TRAMACO, which moved its location a few kilometers further north to Tornesch in 2018/19. This increases the ROWA Masterbatch footprint by 500 m². The area has already been stripped out and cleaned and is currently being renovated. On completion it will be divided up as follows: The first phase of the project will increase the mixing area. Special focus will be given to ensuring the best possible material flow from the incoming raw material through weighing, mixing and preparation for production. In addition, ROWA Masterbatch will expand mixing capacity with the planned purchase of a further Mixaco mixer.
The company is also taking the opportunity to revise and adapt the dust exhaust concept to the mixing processes in the best possible way. The modernization of the mixing area will also be accompanied by the introduction of MES (Manufacturing Execution System).
The next phase of the project is planned for 2021 and will create the environement for installing additional extruders. The production hall offers space for three more extruders. A new steel platform will be built, which will later be used to feed the extruders with raw materials. The hall will be directly connected to the extended mixing area, keeping the feed distance for raw material mixtures as short as possible. At the other end of the hall is the staging area for finished goods, from where the logistics department can transport the goods to the wharehouse.
The completely revised factory layout paired with a new generation of extruders will increase both the efficiency of work processes as well as energy efficiency significantly.
