EuroWire January 2025

Corporate News

Modernisation and expansion at Kurre completed Over the past year, the Kurre Group has implemented a series of strategic optimisations. The German company, which encompasses Kurre Systems (special machinery for the cable and wire industry), Kutec (metal construction) and the extrusion expert Siebe Engineering, has made advances in a number of areas, resulting in an increase in efficiency. Managing director Stefan Plaggenborg provides insight into these developments. What were the most significant achievements for the Kurre Group in 2024? Mr Plaggenborg: 2024 has been a pivotal year, bringing us forward in numerous ways. As our employees often say, “It never gets boring.” The key milestones included our successful participation at wire in Düsseldorf, as well as major modernisation and expansion projects at our two primary locations. What was the driving force behind the optimisation initiatives? In today’s dynamic market environment, staying successful requires continuous monitoring and adaptation, and this is what has always defined Kurre. Since our founding in 1979, we have experienced steady growth. It was time to take the next significant step to ensure we are fully prepared for the future, benefiting our employees, suppliers and, most importantly, our customers. What specifically does this next step involve? Our order intake and the growing focus on research and development necessitated additional space. RichardsApex has introduced its latest wholly owned subsidiary – RichardsApex International – located in Singapore, with an operations team managed by Vishal Handa. As worldwide metalworking demands continue to expand and intensify, RichardsApex says it is extending its commitment to providing knowledgeable, experienced and professional personnel to manufacture, distribute and service all metalworking markets. This strategically located subsidiary joins a growing global network, including distributors and agents, ready to serve the needs of customers around the world. Customers can access RichardsApex products through the subsidiary while receiving the same support, expertise and attention to detail they have experienced through the network. RichardsApex, Inc www.richardsapex.com New subsidiary announced

Kurre managing director Stefan Plaggenborg in the new section of the assembly hall

We were able to expand our headquarters in Ramsloh [Germany] to accommodate this growth. This summer [2024], we increased our production area by 2,000m 2 and our office space by approximately 1,000m 2 . For the first time, this allowed us to consolidate the assembly of extruders and control systems for extrusion lines under one roof. Previously, this part of the process had been carried out at our site in Neustadt/Wied [the location of Siebe Engineering in Germany]. Thanks to this expansion, we can now combine mechanical and electrical assembly in Ramsloh. As a result, we were able to establish a new, more modern facility for Siebe Engineering. Since October, engineering, process technology, programming, commissioning and portions of sales and project management have been relocated to a nearby site in Bad Honnef. How do these improvements benefit your customers? Our customers are always our top priority. The more efficient and flexible production processes now allow us to better meet their specific needs. The integration of mechanical and electrical assembly enables us to deliver optimised solutions and respond more quickly to changing demands. This not only benefits our customers but also enhances our internal capabilities. Additionally, through investments in modern machinery for our Kutec division, we have increased our production capacity. The expanded assembly space now allows us to commission multiple extrusion systems in full length – an important step forward. What advancements have been made in the area of research and development? Several years ago, we developed the laboratory extruder – an innovative machine with adjustable parameters, ideal for testing new polymers. We have since expanded our research and development efforts significantly, allowing us to collaborate with our customers to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our in-house laboratory extrusion system is now fully operational, offering the capability to conduct a wide range of tests. While the past months have presented their challenges, we are now in an excellent position to move forward. Both we and our customers are well equipped to face the future with confidence. Kurre Group www.kurre-systems.de

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January 2025