Pöttinger, a leader in agricultural and manufacturing solutions, recently faced the challenge of replacing an outdated flexible manufacturing system that had served the company for nearly two decades. The old system struggled to keep up with increasing variant diversity, rising component complexity, and space constraints. To address these issues, Pöttinger undertook a comprehensive upgrade of their facilities, completing a full transformation in just twelve weeks.
The overhauled system now features four advanced Heckert H75 machining centres, a pallet racking system from PROMOT Automation, 134 pallet slots, and a total of 1,040 available tools. This new setup operates as a highly flexible manufacturing system, streamlined to function like a single, large machine with four machining points, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
A critical component of this upgrade was the digital preparation, simulation, and trial operation of a machine at the Starrag facility in Chemnitz. These steps ensured a robust commissioning process and minimised disruptions during the transition.
This project highlights how modernisation, automation, and collaborative project efforts can come together effectively when time constraints leave no room for experimentation in manufacturing.
Pöttinger’s approach provides valuable insights into managing large-scale manufacturing changes successfully while maintaining production momentum.
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