Bachmann GmbH & Co. KG has stringent requirements for its work bench systems – they must be ergonomic and protected against electrostatic discharge. The company specialises in the development, production and distribution of premium electrical engineering solutions. Its portfolio includes energy management solutions for data centres, work surface connection panels, installation products and socket systems. In the past, the company manufactured its electrical engineering components on static work benches made from welded steel tubes. Having switched to the Work Bench System from item Industrietechnik GmbH, working conditions have improved significantly. The work benches are based on the item building kit system, feature a modular design, can be adjusted as required and exhibit optimum ergonomics.
Bachmann GmbH & Co. KG is a medium-sized German company that develops, manufactures and distributes electrical engineering components and systems. It offers customers a wide range of multifunctional work surface connection panels, including cable management, for use in modern home and work environments. Bachmann’s energy management solutions safeguard and optimise the power supply to data centres. Its portfolio is rounded off by special solutions such as power strips for tradesmen and domestic use. Established in Stuttgart in 1947, Bachmann has become a global player in the electrical engineering sector, with production plants, development offices and quality management centres in Germany, Romania and China and numerous international distribution and partner companies.
Changing requirements for production conditions
Bachmann manufactures its electrical engineering components using high-quality materials such as aluminium and robust plastics, including with a stainless steel look. Work bench design requirements vary a great deal depending on the component and material in question. Previously, products were manufactured at workstations designed as island solutions. They consisted of static, welded steel tube systems that were not compatible with other systems. “These outmoded workstations were no longer able to meet our rising requirements,” explains Thomas Konietzko, who is in charge of lean production at Bachmann. Flexibility is a critical requirement in ensuring manufacturing operations are highly productive. That includes short setup times and rapid adaptation to changing production conditions. For example, to ensure electrical engineering components work perfectly, it is essential they are protected from electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Perfect conditions in the workplace
Bachmann GmbH & Co. KG opted to redesign its work benches and now uses the building kit system from item. “We initially tried out various suppliers but were quickly won over by the high degree of flexibility offered by the Work Bench System from item,” says Konietzko, adding: “We’re also ideally placed for any adjustments we may need to make in the future.” Another key factor in the company’s decision, besides the quality of the individual work benches, was their compatibility with the entire product range from item. “We opted for the Work Bench System because we were already familiar with the MB Building Kit System from item and had already used the profiles to build a lot of fixtures with great success,” explains Konietzko. The new working environments create ergonomically optimised conditions for the workforce. For example, the work benches are height adjustable and can be adapted individually to various production processes or changing materials. Each work bench has a modular design and boasts comprehensive ESD protection. This starts with a largely electrostatically dissipative basic design that is perfectly complemented by a comprehensive range of accessories – from work mats and the right chair right through to ESD wristbands for staff.
Numerous variants and improved ergonomics
Even the basic configuration of the item Work Bench System is available in 80 variants. What’s more, it can be adapted specifically to all kinds of tasks and requirements. Staff at Bachmann were directly involved in the entire planning and design process for the work benches. The aim was to prevent arduous and uncomfortable movements so as to boost efficiency and motivation and safeguard health and wellbeing. Based on this close cooperation, item developed a special assembly aid that makes working processes much easier and more straightforward for staff. Thanks to the special focus on ergonomic work bench design, Bachmann is effectively eliminating excessive physical strain for its workforce. This leads to safer processes, a lower error rate, reduced setup times and a significant improvement in productivity. As a result, Bachmann is ideally placed for a successful future. “We’ve now equipped the entire production hall with item work benches, and have already ordered more,” says Konietzko.
