“The circle is complete” – Successful collaboration between Unisign and Jungheinrich

Collaboration is the key to success. That certainly holds true for Unisign and Jungheinrich. The two companies have found each other in a partnership that optimizes processes for both sides. While Jungheinrich machines masts profiles for various trucks using Unisign CNC machines, the machine builder in turn relies on Jungheinrich’s quality. It’s a win-win situation.

Over the last 50 years, Unisign Machine Tools, based in Panningen, has evolved from a regional technical consultancy and engineering firm into a globally operating machine manufacturer for the logistics, energy, and general industry sectors. As a family-owned business, Unisign focuses on the design and production of innovative CNC machines. “Everything we do is driven by customer focus and a solution-oriented mindset,” says Operations Manager Paul Lennaerts.

Complex challenges

Unisign’s clients often face complex challenges—typically large projects in niche markets. “By working together with the customer to develop the best solution, we provide added value for clients around the world,” Lennaerts explains. Unisign has all disciplines under one roof: from R&D and engineering to production and assembly. The company also offers global service support.

This philosophy has paid off. Last year, Unisign delivered its 1,000th machine, and in various sectors, the company is now a market leader. For instance, 60% of all truck front axles worldwide are machined using Unisign’s Unitwin CNC machine.

Tailor-made for mast profile processing

Unisign is also a well-known name in the intralogistics sector. Forklift manufacturers across the globe use the Unimast CNC machine to produce mast profiles. Back in 2007, Jungheinrich’s production facility in Norderstedt commissioned two Univers 6 Specials—the predecessor of the Unimast.

“We were looking for a tailor-made solution for machining mast profiles,” says Sebastian Woitke, Head of Mast Production at Jungheinrich. “The mast components are large, and that makes processing them particularly complex. A custom solution is simply essential. Unisign best met our requirements; their machines are innovative, extremely precise, and offer maximum process stability, including fully automated loading and unloading.”

‘Maximum availability’

Since delivery, the CNC machines have been running almost continuously to process masts for both Jungheinrich stackers and all Jungheinrich reach trucks. “They’re extremely robust and therefore highly reliable. The enclosed machine concept ensures safety and cleanliness on the shop floor, which is also important to us,” Woitke continues.

He also praises the machines’ user-friendliness and easy component access for preventive maintenance: “We can easily reach all parts ourselves, which minimizes downtime. Process changes due to product modifications or series expansions are implemented quickly. With Unisign’s support, we’ve expanded our systems, for example, to accommodate current mast lengths with lifting heights up to 14 meters.”

Employees’ first choice

Not long after delivering CNC machines to Norderstedt, Unisign itself began using its first Jungheinrich truck. For Lennaerts, this makes perfect sense: “When a truck needs replacement, we always request quotes from multiple suppliers. Suppliers who are also customers have a head start. The sale of our machines to Norderstedt prompted us to include Jungheinrich in the tender. Ultimately, though, it’s all about the quality of the trucks and the supplier relationship.”

That relationship is solid, says Lennaerts. He describes the contact as professional and pleasant: “They think along with us and are helpful. Moreover, the trucks are reliable and comfortable. It’s no surprise they’re our employees’ first choice too.”

Back to where it all began

Recently, Unisign reviewed its internal transport fleet to explore modernization options. Once again, Jungheinrich was included in the tender. “That was also at the request of our shop floor team. They’re very positive about the comfort, operation, and reliability. Breakdowns are rare,” says Lennaerts.

Among the latest deliveries, Unisign chose a used electric 5-ton forklift, which has significantly more capacity than its predecessor. Lennaerts calls it one of the best decisions made: “Previously, heavy components had to be placed on a cart before internal transport. With this new truck, we can handle those loads more easily, quickly, and efficiently.”

The fact that the masts on some of the trucks are machined with a machine developed in Panningen makes it even more meaningful for the Operations Manager: “I believe we should keep work within Europe, and preferably within our customer base. It’s especially rewarding to see those masts return to where they were born. That’s when the circle truly is complete.”

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