Challenges
Knoll Maschinenbau has been growing year by year since it was founded 45 years ago. One facility followed the next. From 2007, the team faced the challenge of setting up an entirely new factory layout for sheet metal processing. The goal was to shorten pathways and speed up processes. Storage capacity was a key challenge. For its systems, Knoll manufactures components and assemblies consisting of up to seven different materials and in quantities of 1 to 20. Consequently, it was crucial that materials could be delivered to the right machine at the right time.
Solutions
Knoll opted for a fully automated STOPA warehouse, measuring 70 meters in length and with 1,200 storage locations and 13 loading and unloading stations. A pallet lift system is the heart of the warehouse. TRUMPF's TruTops Fab Storage production control system regulates and monitors material flows, triggers material replenishments based on incoming orders, and provides continuous, accurate information on stock levels and machine utilization.
