Unitechnik modernizes production warehouse at BOLL & KIRCH

Filter manufacturer BOLL & KIRCH is working with Unitechnik to modernize its central production supply warehouse in Kerpen. The aim is to increase system availability and process quality and to bring safety technology up to date. Unitechnik is renewing the entire control technology, replacing two storage and retrieval machines, and introducing a new warehouse management system (WMS). The implementation is being carried out as a so-called big bang, in which all systems are converted within a narrow time frame.

BOLL & KIRCH Filterbau GmbH is an ISO-certified industrial filter manufacturer that offers customized and sustainable filters for various industries worldwide. The company was founded in 1950 and has since specialized in the filtration of liquids and gases. The central production supply warehouse at the Kerpen site comprises a 3-aisle high-bay pallet warehouse, a 2-aisle small parts warehouse (AKL), and complex conveyor technology on two levels. The company decided to carry out a comprehensive retrofit of the automated logistics system. Unitechnik was chosen because the general contractor impressed with its high level of technical expertise, outstanding flexibility, and clear willingness to support the project beyond commissioning as part of a long-term partnership.

The collaboration initially focused on a planning and specification phase, during which the requirements were recorded in detail and jointly developed. The decisive factor for BOLL & KIRCH was not only Unitechnik’s structured approach, but above all the overall package of technical expertise, high flexibility, and cooperative communication. “Unitechnik has treated us as an equal partner from the very first contact, contributing its own ideas and thinking outside the box,” explains Dominik Wierscheim, master electrician and project manager for retrofitting high-bay warehouses at BOLL & KIRCH. “The collaboration is characterized by mutual trust and a clear focus on finding the best solution for our company.”

Big bang for RBGs, control systems, and warehouse management

The retrofit includes replacing the existing control technology and drive controllers, as well as converting the communication infrastructure from Profibus to Profinet, a modern communication protocol for industrial automation. As part of the project, Unitechnik is replacing 11 control cabinets and 14 control panels, among other things. Safety fences and nets as well as safety sensors will be retrofitted or replaced. In addition, two old storage and retrieval machines in the small parts warehouse will be replaced with new ones, which will ensure reliable storage and retrieval in the future. The existing warehouse management system will be replaced by Unitechnik’s UniWare WMS, which will integrate seamlessly into the existing IT landscape. The implementation will take place as part of a big bang, in which all systems will be modernized in one step. To make commissioning as smooth as possible, the system will be comprehensively tested in advance using a digital twin.

With the retrofit, BOLL & KIRCH is laying the foundation for stable and future-proof operation of its central production logistics. In addition to high plant availability, there is a particular focus on improved process quality and transparency in material flow. For Unitechnik, the project also marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration. “We see ourselves not only as a retrofit service provider, but also as a long-term partner who reliably supports the system during operation,” explains Andreas Klee, Key Account Manager at Unitechnik. “Because only satisfied customers become long-term partners.

For more information visit: unitechnik.com

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